# Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken: A Quick and Simple Recipe for When You’re Hangry
When hunger strikes and you’re in need of a swiftly prepared, fulfilling meal, this Instant Pot teriyaki chicken recipe is the answer. With only five minutes of prep and a few ingredients, you can create a tasty dish that will curb your cravings and send you back to your cozy home attire in no time.
## What is Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki chicken is a well-loved dish that hails from Japan, where the cooking method involves applying a glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar onto foods, followed by grilling or broiling. While traditional teriyaki chicken is not as saucy as the versions typically found in North America, it remains a favored meal known for its sweet and savory flavor profile. The dish is usually served alongside fluffy rice, making it a comforting choice that appeals to many.
## How to Make Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Making teriyaki chicken in an Instant Pot is not only straightforward but also time-saving. Here’s a simple guide on how to prepare it:
1. **Marinate (optional) and simmer** your chicken thighs in the Instant Pot for 7 minutes.
2. **Take out the chicken** and thicken the sauce in the same pot.
3. **Pour the sauce** over the chicken and enjoy it with rice or noodles, depending on your choice.
This approach allows you to whip up a tasty meal with minimal fuss, making it ideal for hectic weeknights.
## Ingredients for Teriyaki Sauce
To create the teriyaki sauce, you will require the following ingredients:
– **Soy Sauce**: This brings umami and a deep brown hue to the dish. For optimal flavor, choose Japanese soy sauce, like Kikkoman.
– **Sake**: A Japanese rice wine that adds depth and sweetness. If you lack sake, you can use Chinese rice wine as a substitute, though the taste will vary slightly.
– **Mirin**: A sweet rice wine vital in Japanese cuisine. It has lower alcohol and higher sugar levels compared to sake, making it ideal for glazing.
### Additional Ingredients
– **Garlic**: 2 cloves, minced
– **Sugar**: 2 tablespoons
– **Chicken Thighs**: 6 pieces, bone-in and skin-on
– **Cornstarch**: 1.5 tablespoons (to thicken the sauce)
– **Optional Toppings**: Chopped green onions and sesame seeds
## Nutritional Information
This Instant Pot teriyaki chicken recipe serves four, offering a generous meal with the following nutritional information per serving:
– **Calories**: 435
– **Fat**: 20.1g (31% of daily value)
– **Saturated Fat**: 5.6g (35% of daily value)
– **Cholesterol**: 114mg (38% of daily value)
– **Sodium**: 1469mg (64% of daily value)
– **Potassium**: 291mg (8% of daily value)
– **Carbohydrates**: 24.3g (8% of daily value)
– **Protein**: 33.4g (67% of daily value)
*Percent daily values are calculated based on a 2000 calorie diet.*
## Alternative Cooking Methods
If you lack an Instant Pot, you can also make teriyaki chicken using an air fryer. Simply cook your chicken thighs or drumsticks at 350ºF for about 22-25 minutes. While the chicken is cooking, make the teriyaki sauce on the stove, then coat the cooked chicken in the sauce for a swift and simple meal.
## Conclusion
This Instant Pot teriyaki chicken recipe is ideal for those times when you’re hangry and require a satisfying meal quickly. With few ingredients and an easy cooking process, you can relish a scrumptious dish that brings the flavors of Japan directly to your kitchen. So the next time you’re yearning for something sweet and savory, give this recipe a go and savor a comforting meal in no time!