Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Chicken teriyaki is a Japanese favorite and a delicious way to prepare chicken. Thanks to this Instant Pot chicken teriyaki recipe, it is easier than ever and loaded with flavor! The chicken thighs will absorb a ton of flavor while they pressure cook, and then they are broiled and brushed with sauce to give the traditional glossy exterior. 

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What Is Chicken Teriyaki?

In Japanese, teri means “glossy” or “luster,” and yaki means “grilled,” referring to the method of cooking.

It is also a popular style of sauce all on its own but is frequently referred to as chicken teriyaki. 

Traditional chicken teriyaki isn’t cooked in the oven or in an Instant Pot. Still, it is typically pan-fried in homes since most Japanese homes don’t have grills. 

Why Use the Instant Pot to Cook Chicken Teriyaki?

Although cooking in an Instant Pot is far from traditional, it is a great way to make a meal packed with flavor that is able to cook quickly.

Using the Instant Pot is an easy, hands-off method for cooking chicken teriyaki. That leaves you free to prepare side dishes or have dinner ready fast after a long day. 

Can I Use Frozen Chicken?

Using an Instant Pot is a great solution when you have frozen chicken, as you do not need to thaw them before cooking. 

However, you will typically need to increase the chicken’s time in the Instant Pot if it is frozen. Make sure the frozen chicken is in individual pieces. 

Using flash-frozen or individually frozen chicken thighs is a great option. Prepare the recipe as directed, and increase the time to around 25 to 30 minutes. 

Can I Use Chicken Breasts?

Chicken breasts are a great option to replace chicken thighs, especially if you are looking for a leaner meat option. 

Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work fine to replace bone-in chicken thighs. But, first, cut each chicken breast in half to be similar in size to chicken thighs. 

You can still broil the chicken breasts after cooking in the Instant Pot, but without skin, they will get glossy on top but not as crispy. 

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?  

This recipe does not require many swaps to become completely gluten-free. While some chicken teriyaki recipes use pre-made teriyaki sauce, this recipe has a homemade version that is easily customizable. 

Since many soy sauce brands contain wheat, store-bought teriyaki sauce frequently contains gluten. 

To make sure this recipe is entirely gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos to replace the soy sauce. 

What if I Don’t Have Potato Starch?

Potato starch is an excellent way to thicken sauces that is also naturally gluten-free. 

However, sometimes this ingredient can be difficult to track down, or perhaps you would prefer to use a different method. 

In this recipe, you can substitute corn starch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot powder for the potato starch. 

Follow the same process of mixing the starch in water before adding it to the sauce so that you won’t get any clumping. 

What Type of Rice Should I Serve With This Chicken Teriyaki?

Japanese rice is typically short-grain rice sold as “sushi” rice. Other types of rice that work well are Cal-rose rice, any type of short-grain or sticky rice. 

If you prefer long-grain rice, pick one with a neutral flavor, such as basmati rice. You can also serve this with short-grain brown rice if desired. 

What is an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a programmable pressure cooker that speeds up cooking by 2 to 10 times while using up to 70% less energy.

In short, it’s a very multi-purpose cooking appliance and has been a kitchen appliance staple of mine for the last two years. As a result, it’s simply the perfect go-to appliance for busy weeknights!

If you’re unsure what size Instant Pot to get, here is my size recommendation:

• 1 to 2 people, get the Instant Pot Mini 3 Quart
• 2 to 4 people, get the Instant Pot 6 Quart
• More than 4 people, get the Instant Pot 8 Quart

I’m using the Instant Pot Mini 3 Quart for all my Instant Pot recipes.

Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Ingredients

Servings: 2 to 3

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp sake (if you don’t have sake, see sake substitutions)
• 1/2 tsp ginger (minced)
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)

To Thicken Sauce

• 1/2 cup room temperature water
• 2 tbsp potato starch

Cookware and Tools

• Instant Pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan

Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki (Step-by-Step)

Step 1. Combine the Ingredients

Combine the soy sauce, mirin, honey, sake, water, ginger, and garlic into the Instant Pot insert. Then, place the chicken thighs inside and ensure they’re all coated.

Step 2. Set the Instant Pot Setting and Cook

Place the lid and ensure the knob is set to seal. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure (or Manual) on Normal High for 10 minutes. After the Instant Pot beeps, allow 5 minutes for a natural pressure release.

Step 3. Broil the Chicken Thighs

Set aside the chicken thighs onto a baking pan. Pour a little more sauce on top of each of the chicken thighs. Then, broil for about 1 minute. Make sure to keep watch to make sure the chicken doesn’t burn!

Step 4. Thicken the Sauce

Lastly, create a slurry using room temperature water and potato starch. This will thicken the sauce when we go pour it over after the chicken thighs are done broiling. Add to your desired thickness. Garnish with green onions and serve with white rice!

An Easy Twist on a Classic Japanese Favorite

Creating this recipe in the Instant Pot saves time and helps infuse a ton of flavor into the chicken thighs. While the chicken is cooking, you’ll have time to make side dishes, and the entire meal is ready to serve in under 30 minutes. 

Related:

• Instant Pot Filipino Chicken Adobo

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below! I’d love to hear from you.