Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with Sticky, Dreamy Flavor

 

Ever craved that sweet and savory teriyaki flavor without the takeout guilt? This Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe delivers sticky, dreamy goodness in a fraction of the time! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing unexpected guests with minimal effort. Inspired by the bustling street food scene, this dish brings authentic tastes to your table. Let’s dive into the magic of this easy and delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• The pressure cooker infuses chicken with an irresistible teriyaki flavor.
• Sticky and glossy sauce coating every bite.
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
• One-pot cooking minimizes cleanup.
• Far healthier and tastier than takeout.
• A delightful blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy.
• Simple enough for even novice cooks to master.

This recipe is the solution to quick, delicious dinners, leaving you with more time to enjoy life.

Ingredients Needed

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) black pepper.

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free). Opt for low-sodium to control salt.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water.
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar. Use coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey.
• 1 tablespoon (7.5g) cornstarch. This thickens the sauce beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground ginger.
• 1 clove garlic, minced. Freshly minced is best for aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) red pepper flakes (optional). Adjust to your spice preference.

Selection Tips: Choose chicken thighs that are plump and evenly colored. Fresh spices enhance the overall flavor. For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the ground ginger in a dry pan for a minute until fragrant.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Porcupine Meatballs: The Nostalgic Dinner Everyone Loves Again – A hearty classic for family dinners.

Essential Equipment List

• • Pressure Cooker: A 6-quart pressure cooker is ideal for this recipe.
  • Mixing Bowls: To season the chicken and whisk the sauce.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

this …

A good pressure cooker ensures even cooking and locks in flavor. Using measuring tools ensures a balanced flavor profile.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner and easily scales up or down.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated to maximize flavor infusion.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

Turn on the pressure cooker to the sauté function. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside. Searing adds a depth of flavor and color to the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, ground ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps.

Step 4: Combine

Pour the teriyaki sauce into the pressure cooker. Add the seared chicken back into the pressure cooker, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce. This will ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Natural pressure release helps the chicken retain moisture.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the chicken from the pressure cooker and set aside. Turn the pressure cooker back on to the sauté function and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Simmering reduces the sauce and intensifies the teriyaki flavor.

Step 7: Serve

Return the chicken to the pressure cooker and toss to coat in the thickened teriyaki sauce. Serve hot over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. This is where the “sticky, dreamy flavor” truly comes to life!

CHECK OUT: Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole That Fixes Busy Weeknights – Another quick and easy chicken dinner idea!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pressure cooker: Cook chicken in batches for even searing.
• Adjust sweetness and spice: Add more honey or red pepper flakes to your taste.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger: They provide a more potent flavor.
• Allow natural pressure release: Chicken remains tender and juicy.
• Thicken the sauce to your liking: Simmer longer for a thicker consistency.

Deglaze the pot after searing the chicken by adding a splash of water or broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.

Variations & Substitutions

• • Spicy Teriyaki: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Pineapple Teriyaki: Include pineapple chunks during the pressure cooking for a tropical twist.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute tofu or tempeh for chicken.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Experiment with different vinegars like rice vinegar for a unique tang.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.
• Pair with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
• Serve with a side of kimchi for a Korean-inspired meal.

A refreshing cucumber salad complements the richness of the teriyaki chicken.

Health Benefits

This Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Chicken provides essential amino acids, supporting muscle growth and repair. The ginger and garlic boast anti-inflammatory properties, promoting overall wellness. A serving offers approximately 40g of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Cool chicken completely before storing to prevent condensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I avoid the sauce from being too watery?

Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved before adding it to the pressure cooker. If the sauce is still too thin after simmering, mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce while simmering.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts tend to be drier. Reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes and ensure a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking.

Can I add vegetables to the pressure cooker?

Yes, add vegetables like broccoli florets or bell pepper strips during the last minute of pressure cooking to keep them crisp-tender.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prepping. Portion out the chicken and rice into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, sear the chicken first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 40g

These are estimates; exact nutritional values depend on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more quick and tasty meals? Try these flavorful recipes!

• Easy 30-Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry – A quicker twist on teriyaki using ground turkey.
• Irresistible Thai Peanut Chicken – A savory and nutty chicken dish.
• Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe – A sweet and spicy chicken delight.

Conclusion

This Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is a fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. Whip it up tonight and enjoy sticky, dreamy teriyaki goodness in minutes! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Print