This healthy teriyaki chicken recipe is a wholesome twist (like this Healthy Fried Rice recipe) on the ultra-appealing teriyaki chicken stir fry that was my earliest gateway into Asian food. I was introduced to Japanese teriyaki chicken via our hometown’s favorite (only?) Japanese takeout joint. It was in the corner of a nondescript strip mall simply decorated with photos of menu items on the wall and soy sauce bottles on the tables. However, what the restaurant lacked in atmosphere, it made up for in food. Just thinking about their classic teriyaki chicken recipe (and their Crispy Tofu) still makes my mouth water. Today’s recipe is a lightened-up variation of that classic (like this Healthy Chicken Stir Fry).
Made with natural ingredients, and easy to adapt for either teriyaki chicken breasts or teriyaki chicken thighs, it’s a quick, easy, and healthy homemade takeout recipe the whole family can enjoy.
What I love most about this healthy teriyaki chicken recipe for the Instant Pot is its simple list of ingredients and quick cooking time.
Unlike most teriyaki chicken recipes that are laden with corn syrup, sodium, and other mystery ingredients meant to be consumed in moderation, this homemade teriyaki sauce from scratch (similar to the one in this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry) requires just 7 simple ingredients.Everything is prepared right in your pressure cooker which makes this a one-pot takeout teriyaki chicken (like this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole) that’s fast to prepare and clean up.
Serve it with rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables, and you have yourself a knockout dinner that beats the pants off of takeout every single time!
How to Make Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
You won’t find any Instant Pot teriyaki chicken with bottled sauce here! The base recipe for this Instant Pot teriyaki chicken is very similar to my Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. Like the original recipe, this one is made of simple, homemade ingredients.
The Ingredients
Chicken. I went for lean, protein-rich chicken breasts for this easy Instant Pot teriyaki chicken recipe. (It’s also standard for my favorite Chicken with Thai Peanut Stir Fry Sauce recipe.)
Soy Sauce. A fundamental ingredient in countless Asian recipes, I like to use, and recommend opting for, low-sodium soy sauce for this teriyaki chicken recipe.
Honey. A natural sweetener that replaces a portion of the brown sugar (most restaurant sauces are LOADED with sugar or corn syrup).Brown Sugar. We do still need a little for the quintessential teriyaki chicken flavor, but it is FAR less than what you’d find in a bottled teriyaki sauce or at a restaurant.Rice Vinegar. A staple in any stir-fry sauce. This provides the acid that balances the teriyaki sauce’s sweetness.
Fresh Garlic. For a little zip!Fresh Ginger. Brings the teriyaki sauce to life. I personally LOVE ginger (I submit this Soy Ginger Salmon as evidence) so I was generous with it in the recipe. If you would like a more mild ginger flavor, feel free to adjust the amount to suit your tastes.
Cornstarch. To thicken the teriyaki chicken marinade into a thick, glossy sauce that coats every forkful.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days.To Reheat. Rewarm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, with a splash of water or chicken broth, if needed, to thin the sauce to the desired consistency.To Freeze. Instant Pot teriyaki chicken may be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
How to Serve Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
I love how versatile this simple recipe is. Use it as a base to pair with an array of tasty sides such as: For more takeout-style recipes, try my Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli (or Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli), General Tso’s Tofu, Crockpot Orange Chicken, or Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
For using thighs in this recipe, cook for 6 minutes, venting immediately to release any remaining pressure. (This is based on 3-ounce boneless chicken thighs. Cook time may need to be adjusted for larger or smaller thighs.)
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Frozen
My general guidelines for using frozen chicken in the Instant Pot can be found in this simple guide for cooking Instant Pot Chicken.
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with Rice. Use brown rice for a higher fiber and protein content or jasmine rice for classic taste and flavor. You can make the rice in advance in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop while the teriyaki chicken cooks.Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with Noodles. While rice is more traditional, I also love this recipe with cooked ramen-style noodles, soba noodles, or even Vegetable Lo Mein.Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli. Teriyaki and broccoli are a match made in heaven. Try this Roasted Frozen Broccoli, Air Fryer Broccoli, or Grilled Broccoli.Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables. Choose from Roasted Asparagus, steamed pea pods, sautéed peppers and onions, or any of your favorite Oven Roasted Vegetables.For a lower-carb option, you could also opt for cauliflower rice or broccoli rice.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Instant Pot. This is my favorite Instant Pot that’s been my kitchen companion for many years.Whisk. For whipping up the yummy homemade teriyaki sauce.Cutting Board. This oversized butch block is perfect for shredding the chicken.
Making this Instant Pot teriyaki chicken recipe, I can’t help but smile at the thought of high school Erin sitting down to a bowl.
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