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Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by the entire family. It’s even healthier and more affordable than take-out!

 

Main image of Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

 

Tender pieces of chicken cooked in a savory and slightly sweet teriyaki sauce, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

With the help of an Instant Pot, this easy dinner can be ready to eat in just a few minutes with minimal effort.

The teriyaki sauce provides a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors with hints of ginger and garlic.

By using low-sodium soy sauce and minimal oil, this easy meal offers a healthier alternative to takeout.

This teriyaki chicken instant pot recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

 

soy sauce, brown sugar, water, ginger, garlic and pepper flakes added to instant pot

 

What is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken is a classic Japanese dish that features chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. 

The chicken is often grilled or pan-seared and then glazed with the teriyaki sauce, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish.

It’s great for a weeknight dinner because it’s easy to make and makes a quick meal.

 

cut up chicken pieces added to teriyaki sauce

 

What Ingredients are in Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken?

Homemade teriyaki sauce with chicken is a great recipe and healthy dinner.

For this Instant Pot version of teriyaki chicken, you’ll need:

  • Soy sauce: A key ingredient for the teriyaki sauce that adds savory flavor.
  • Brown sugar: Provides sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
  • Water: Helps to thin out the sauce and prevent it from being too thick.
  • Powdered ginger: Adds a warm and spicy flavor to the sauce.
  • Garlic, minced: Gives the sauce a pungent and slightly sweet taste.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce.
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein source for the dish.
  • Corn starch: Used as a thickening agent to give the sauce a glossy finish.
  • Sliced green onions: A garnish for the dish that adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.

Pro Tips:

  • By using low-sodium soy sauce, you can control the salt content of the dish and make it a healthier option.
  • Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures that it cooks evenly and prevents some pieces from becoming overcooked while others are undercooked.
  • Another nice looking garnish is sesame seeds! Super easy to throw on top!
  • Skinless chicken thighs will also work, though they tend to be a little fattier.

 

cooked chicken teriyaki in instant pot with thin sauce

 

How to Make Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This easy instant pot teriyaki chicken recipe is easy to whip together and only takes a few simple steps.

  1. Saute: Mix the teriyaki sauce ingredients in the Instant Pot with the saute function.
  2. Simmer: Add cubed chicken to the sauce, still using the saute setting.
  3. Cook: Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
  4. Mix: Quick release the pressure valve and add cornstarch mixture.
  5. Finish: Cook on sauté until sauce thickens, then serve with sliced green onions over rice.

Pro Tips:

  • Adding a cornstarch slurry to the sauce is an easy way to thicken it up and create a glossy finish. 
  • Make sure to whisk the cornstarch and water together before adding it to the sauce to prevent clumps.
  • Depending on the thickness and size of your chicken pieces, you may need to adjust the cooking time. 
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F.

 

cornstarch slurry being added to teriyaki chicken

 

Is Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Healthy?

Teriyaki chicken can be a healthy meal, but it depends on how it’s prepared. 

This Instant Pot version is made with low-sodium soy sauce and has less sugar than traditional teriyaki chicken recipes. 

However, it is still high in sodium and sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

 

zoomed out chicken on rice ready to serve

 

What Goes with Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken pairs well with brown rice or white rice and steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots.

You could also serve it with a side of edamame, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad.

Here are some recipe suggestions you can pull from to get a complete meal:

 

zoomed in image of chicken on bed of rice

 

Can Dogs Eat Teriyaki Chicken?

While plain cooked chicken is generally safe for dogs to eat, teriyaki chicken is not recommended for dogs. 

The sauce mixture contains ingredients that may be harmful to dogs, such as garlic and onion. 

It’s best to stick with plain, unseasoned chicken for your furry friends.

 

zoomed out image of teriyaki chicken over a bed of rice

 

What Veggies Go with Teriyaki Chicken?

Steamed or stir-fried vegetables are great options to serve alongside teriyaki chicken. 

Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas are all good choices. 

You could also add some sliced water chestnuts or baby corn for added crunch.

Can Cats Eat Teriyaki Chicken?

Cats are carnivores and should primarily eat meat-based diets. 

While cooked chicken is generally safe for cats to eat, teriyaki chicken is not recommended. 

The sauce contains a few ingredients that may be toxic to cats, such as garlic and onion. 

It’s best to stick with plain, unseasoned chicken for your cats.

 

teriyaki chicken on bed of rice with green onions. Chop sticks picking up a piece of chicken

 

How to Store Leftover Teriyaki Chicken

If you’ve got any leftovers from this instant pot chicken teriyaki recipe, they should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Stored properly, they will stay good for up to 5 days.

If you’ve stored the teriyaki chicken with any other ingredients, like rice or vegetables, some of the vegetables may wilt.

So keep that in mind and if you know you’ll have leftovers of different foods, try to keep them separate.

 

chop stick holding a piece of chicken above plate

 

The Best Chicken and Turkey Recipes…

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a quick and easy weeknight meal that your whole family will enjoy! Let me know how you enjoy it in the comments!

Yield: 8 Servings

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

chop stick holding a piece of chicken above plate

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by the entire family. It’s even healthier and more affordable than take-out!

Prep Time 23 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Instructions

  1. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, water, ginger, garlic and optional pepper flakes to your instant pot bowl.
  2. Turn the instant pot to saute and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes to dissolve sugar crystals. Turn off the saute function.
  3. Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes and add to sauce.
  4. Place lid on instant pot and turn steam valve to close
  5. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
  6. Instant pot will take 10 minutes to come to pressure and then cook for 2 minutes.
  7. After 2 minutes, quick release the pressure valve.
  8. Once pressure has been released, open instant pot and check to see if chicken is at 160*F internal temperature.  If so you’re good to go. If it’s under 160*F you’ll need to cook for an additional minute (this is only if your bites are too big)
  9. In a small bowl combine cornstarch and water, add to instant pot.
  10. Turn sauté function back on and cook until sauce has thickened.
  11. Serve over rice with sliced green onions.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 1195mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 22g

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