Easy Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with Rice

Ingredients for Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

For this delicious Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup honey or brown sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Preparation Steps

Preparing this dish is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to create a savory Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice:

Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry using paper towels. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk together until well blended.
Sauté the Chicken: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Once hot, add a little oil if desired, then add the chicken pieces. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned.
Add Sauce and Broth: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Then, add the chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine the ingredients well.
Incorporate the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed rice to the pot, spreading it evenly over the chicken and sauce mixture.
Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” option and set the cooking time for 10 minutes on high pressure.
Natural Release: After the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to release any remaining steam.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode, and add the slurry to the pot, stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the teriyaki chicken over the rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice turns out perfectly every time:

Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your teriyaki chicken will depend on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for high-quality soy sauce and fresh garlic and ginger for the best results.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preferences, you can adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar in the teriyaki sauce. For a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the Instant Pot for a complete meal. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking or sauté them separately and mix them in after cooking.
Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep. You can store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions: Serve your teriyaki chicken and rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some variations you can try with this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice recipe:

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple to the pot for a tropical twist.
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
Sesame Teriyaki Chicken: Stir in toasted sesame seeds into the sauce for added flavor and crunch.
Honey Garlic Chicken: Substitute the teriyaki sauce with a honey garlic sauce made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of vinegar.
Teriyaki Tofu: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with firm tofu, cut into cubes, and follow the same cooking instructions.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

To properly store and reheat your Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice, follow these guidelines:

Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the teriyaki chicken and rice in portion-sized containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen chicken and rice overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice:

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice? Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. You may need to adjust the cooking time to about 22-25 minutes if using brown rice.
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken? Teriyaki chicken pairs well with steamed broccoli, edamame, or a simple cucumber salad. You can also serve it with a side of egg rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but the cooking time may need to be increased. Make sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
What is the best way to reheat leftover teriyaki chicken? The best way to reheat is in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the dish moist.
Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki chicken and rice in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

To enhance your meal experience, consider these serving suggestions and pairings:

Serve the teriyaki chicken over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition and color.
Offer a side of miso soup or a light Asian salad to complement the flavors of the teriyaki chicken.
Drizzle some additional teriyaki sauce over the chicken just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Final Touches

When serving your Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice, consider these final touches for an elevated presentation:

Use a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.
Add a few slices of lime or lemon for a citrusy zing that brightens the dish.
Arrange the dish neatly on a platter, garnishing with fresh herbs or additional vegetables for color.

Variations of Teriyaki Chicken

If you want to mix things up, try these delicious variations of the classic Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice:

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple during the cooking process for a sweet and tangy twist.
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Incorporate a tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
Mango Teriyaki Chicken: Substitute mango puree for some of the soy sauce to create a fruity, tropical flavor.
Vegetable Teriyaki: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and add more vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots.

Storing Leftovers

Storing your leftover Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice properly will ensure it stays fresh and tasty:

Cool Before Storing: Always let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing it in an airtight container.
Label and Date: If freezing, label your containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
Use Within Timeframe: Aim to consume refrigerated leftovers within 4 days and frozen ones within 3 months for best quality.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice, consider these tips:

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality soy sauce and fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor profile.
Pressure Release: Allow for natural pressure release for about 10 minutes after cooking to ensure the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.

Instant Pot Accessories

To enhance your Instant Pot cooking experience, consider these useful accessories:

Steamer Basket: Great for cooking vegetables alongside your chicken.
Silicone Trivet: Useful for lifting food out of the pot without making a mess.
Glass Lid: Ideal for slow cooking or sautéing while allowing you to monitor progress.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice with these delicious sides to create a complete meal:

Steamed Broccoli: A classic pairing that adds a nutritious touch and vibrant color.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy, refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing complements the dish perfectly.
Edamame: These protein-packed young soybeans make for a healthy and delicious appetizer or side.

Meal Prep Ideas

This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Batch Cook: Prepare a double batch of the recipe and divide it into individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Mix and Match: Pair the teriyaki chicken with different sides each day, such as quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for variety.
Freezer-Friendly: Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers to enjoy this dish weeks later. Just reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

Cooking Time Breakdown

To help you plan your cooking, here’s a breakdown of the time involved:

Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes for chopping and measuring ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes on high pressure in the Instant Pot.
Natural Release: Allow 10 minutes for natural pressure release after cooking.

Health Benefits

This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice offers several health benefits:

High Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Low in Fat: By trimming excess fat from the chicken, you can enjoy a low-fat meal that fits into a balanced diet.
Nutritious Additions: Including vegetables enhances the nutritional profile, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Conclusion

This Easy Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with Rice recipe is a perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. With its flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the convenience of the Instant Pot while savoring the delightful taste of homemade teriyaki chicken.