Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, fuss-free weeknight dinner, this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is about to become your go-to. I absolutely love how quickly it comes together yet still packs that rich, savory-sweet flavor we crave in teriyaki dishes. Whether you’re rushed after work or need a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal hands-on time, this recipe really hits the spot.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how tender the chicken turned out without any drying out—something I used to struggle with when pan-cooking. Using the Instant Pot locks in all the juices and flavors, plus it thickens the sauce perfectly so you get that glossy, irresistible coating every time. Trust me, this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe will save your dinner game and make everyone ask for seconds!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients come together to create a simple but delicious teriyaki chicken that sticks to your ribs. Each has a purpose and when combined, they perfect the sweet and savory balance we all love about teriyaki dishes.

• Chicken Breast: I recommend skinless for even cooking, but chicken thighs are a great swap if you want extra juiciness.
• Water: This helps the Instant Pot come to pressure and gently cooks the chicken without drying it out.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade sauce – I’ve had great luck with both.
• Cornstarch: This is key for thickening the sauce once the chicken is done, ensuring a luscious texture that clings perfectly.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to switch up the protein or add a little heat, there’s room to play around and still end up with a tasty dish.

• Chicken Thighs: For a richer, juicier option, use boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts—I personally adore the extra flavor this brings.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce if you enjoy a little heat in your meals.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers during the sauté step for a balanced one-pot meal.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free teriyaki sauce to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Juicy Results

Start by placing your chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. I like to lay them flat so they cook evenly. No need to season beforehand since the teriyaki sauce does the flavor work here. This simple prep helps keep the process clean and straightforward.

Step 2: Add the Saucy Goodness

Pour the teriyaki sauce all over the chicken, letting it coat the pieces naturally. Then, add the water into the pot—this is important to create enough steam pressure. You may wonder if the sauce gets diluted; not at all! The pressure cooking concentrates flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Seal and Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to high pressure for 12 minutes. Don’t rush the natural pressure release afterward — letting it sit for about 10 minutes keeps the chicken tender and juicy. This part really changed my perspective on using the Instant Pot; the natural release is a game-changer.

Step 4: Remove Chicken and Thicken the Sauce

Carefully take out the chicken breasts and place them on a plate to cool slightly—this rests the meat for even juiciness. Switch your pot to sauté mode and whisk in the cornstarch until the liquid thickens into a glossy sauce. If it becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water; I learned this little trick after my first batch was almost like glue!

Step 5: Chop and Coat Chicken in Sauce

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the pot, stirring gently so every piece is coated in that rich teriyaki glaze. It’s the final touch that makes the dish visually appealing and super flavorful. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing right about now.

Step 6: Serve with a Smile

Plate your teriyaki chicken over steaming rice and your favorite vegetables. I always finish it with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add freshness and a little crunch. This step just elevates the dish — you’ll feel like a total pro when you serve it.

How to Serve Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of finishing this dish with a handful of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds – the fresh onion zing and nutty crunch really lift the flavors. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of sriracha if we’re feeling spicy. Garnishes might seem small but trust me, they make a big difference!

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually serve this over fluffy steamed rice—jasmine or sushi rice works beautifully. Adding simple steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots rounds out the meal perfectly. You can’t go wrong with a quick cucumber salad on the side to keep it light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this for dinner parties, I love setting it in a beautiful bowl of rice topped with a colorful sprinkle of shredded carrots, avocado slices, and cilantro. It looks vibrant and inviting, and everyone always asks for my secret—so yummy and quite the crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay great for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes I find reheated leftovers even better than freshly made. Just make sure to store the chicken with the sauce to keep everything moist.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully—portion it out into freezer-safe containers with sauce, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I learned that freezing the chicken in sauce prevents drying out, which can happen if you freeze plain chicken.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking or burning. You can add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce if it thickened up too much in the fridge. Microwave reheating is fine too—just cover and heat in short bursts.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite quick dinners—I keep coming back to it because it’s reliable and so comforting. I hope you give it a try in your kitchen and find it as rewarding as I do. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel good because it’s delicious, simple, and makes weeknight cooking a breeze. Happy cooking!

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