Go Back Email Link
Best Ever Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Easy Flavorful And Weeknight Friendly. Close Up Plate Realistic Photo

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

A cozy, weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together quickly in the Instant Pot. Tender chicken drenched in a glossy, savory-teriyaki glaze, balanced with a hint of sweetness and a touch of ginger. This version is approachable for home cooks and moves smoothly from pot to plate with minimal fuss.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil for sautéing (if needed)

Instructions
 

  • Start by prepping your sauce. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, water, and sesame oil. Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside.
  • Cut the chicken into even pieces so they cook uniformly. If you’re using chicken thighs, trim excess fat. You want bite-sized chunks that cook quickly under pressure.
  • Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté function. If your pot is prone to sticking, add a splash of oil. Sauté the chicken pieces in batches until they just start to brown—about 2–3 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook them through; you’re building flavor here.
  • Pour the prepared sauce over the browned chicken in the pot. Give it a quick stir to coat everything. Lock the lid in place, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. It’s fast, and the aroma starts filling the kitchen the moment you seal the lid.
  • When the timer finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release. Open the lid carefully and give the sauce a good stir. If you’d like a thicker glaze, whisk together cornstarch and a splash of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the pot. Simmer on sauté mode for 1–2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
  • Taste and adjust. If it’s too salty, add a touch more honey or a splash of water. If you want more zing, a little rice vinegar or a pinch more grated ginger can brighten things up.
  • Serve hot over steamed rice or with vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a nice finish.