7 Ingredient 10 Minute Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

My Weeknight Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Hero

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep often feels like a race against the clock, juggling work deadlines, homework help, and everything else life throws my way. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and delicious recipes that don't sacrifice flavor. This 7-ingredient, 10-minute Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe has become my absolute lifesaver. Seriously, it's so simple, even on my busiest days, I can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 15 minutes!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No need for complicated marinades or hours of prep work. Just a handful of readily available ingredients, the magic of the Instant Pot, and you've got a succulent, flavorful chicken dish that everyone in my family devours. The teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile, too. I often use the leftovers to marinate other proteins, or as a quick glaze for vegetables. It's a testament to how a few pantry staples can transform a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special.

The ease of cleanup is another significant advantage. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, leaving minimal cleanup. After dinner, I can focus on spending quality time with my family instead of scrubbing pots and pans. It’s a win-win for everyone! This recipe has become a regular part of our dinner rotation. It’s flexible enough that I can easily adjust it to suit whatever vegetables we have on hand. Sometimes I add broccoli or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking for an even more complete meal. It's a perfect example of how efficient cooking doesn't have to mean compromising on taste or nutrition.

I encourage you all to try this recipe. It's a game-changer for busy weeknights. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, the tender chicken, and the effortless preparation will leave you wondering why you ever spent so much time on complicated dinner recipes. Trust me, this is one you'll want to add to your permanent recipe collection!

Ingredients I often keep on hand:

• Garlic - it's a staple in almost everything I cook.
• Soy Sauce - I always have a couple of bottles in my pantry, ready to add umami to my meals.
• Mirin - it adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to many of my dishes.
• Sake - another pantry staple that I use for cooking.
• Sugar - a must-have for balancing savory flavors.
• Chicken thighs - they’re my favorite cut of chicken for their rich flavor and juiciness.
• Cornstarch - a quick and easy way to thicken sauces.
• Green onions - for a little freshness on top
• Sesame seeds - adds a nice nutty and crunchy element.

Tips and Variations:

• For extra flavor, you could marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Add different vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Serve over rice, noodles, or quinoa for a complete meal.
• If you don't have sake, you can substitute with dry sherry or chicken broth.
• Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

This simple teriyaki chicken recipe is a true testament to how delicious and satisfying meals can be without needing hours in the kitchen. It is not only a quick solution for a busy weeknight but also a flavor-packed dish that will impress your family and friends alike. So, give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Step-by-step

• Add the garlic, soy, mirin, sake, and sugar to the Instant Pot insert.
• Nestle in the chicken thighs skin side up.
• Turn the Instant Pot on to High Pressure and cook for 7 minutes.
• When the Instant Pot is done cooking, quick release the pressure.
• Carefully open the lid and remove the chicken thighs onto a plate.
• Turn the saute function onto medium and add the cornstarch and water mix to the sauce in the insert.
• Stir and let simmer and thicken to your liking.
• Turn off the Instant Pot and spoon sauce onto the thighs.
• Top off with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if using.
• Enjoy!