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Easy Sticky Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

instant pot teriyaki chicken bowls - featured image

A quick and easy Instant Pot recipe for tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet-savory teriyaki glaze, perfect for busy weeknights and homemade dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Sliced green onions for garnish
  • Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
  • Optional veggies: steamed broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until combined to make the teriyaki sauce base.
  2. Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Add chicken broth.
  3. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (add 2-3 minutes if using larger or bone-in pieces).
  4. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
  5. Remove the chicken and set aside. Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
  6. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency, about 3-5 minutes. Add water or broth if too thick.
  7. Return the chicken to the pot and toss gently to coat with the thickened teriyaki glaze.
  8. Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and drizzle with sesame oil if desired. Add steamed veggies on the side.

Notes

Do not skip the natural pressure release to keep chicken tender. Stir cornstarch slurry continuously while thickening to avoid lumps. For extra texture, sear cooked chicken in a hot pan after pressure cooking. Sauce thickens as it cools; add water or broth when reheating leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, teriyaki chicken, easy dinner, sticky chicken, quick recipe, homemade teriyaki, chicken thighs