The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, and for good reason. Its speed, convenience, and ability to create delicious, restaurant-quality meals are undeniable. This recipe for Teriyaki Chicken and Rice in the Instant Pot takes all the best elements of this classic dish and simplifies the process, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Forget takeout—this recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked rice in a fraction of the time.
What Makes This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Recipe Special?
This recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients into a pressure cooker; it's about achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. We'll focus on creating a rich teriyaki sauce that coats the chicken beautifully, ensuring every bite is bursting with savory-sweet goodness. The rice will be fluffy and perfectly cooked, not mushy or dry. And the best part? Minimal cleanup!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In your Instant Pot, combine the rice, chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This step is crucial for a smooth, flavorful sauce.
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Add Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the Instant Pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add a little more chicken broth to ensure proper submersion.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
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Fluff and Serve: Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they will cook faster. Reduce the pressure cooking time to 6 minutes to prevent them from becoming dry. Chicken thighs are generally more forgiving and less prone to drying out.
What if I don't have cornstarch?
While cornstarch helps thicken the sauce beautifully, you can omit it if necessary. The sauce will still be flavorful, but it might be slightly thinner. You could try using a tablespoon of arrowroot powder as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe with brown rice?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice requires longer cooking time than white rice. Refer to your Instant Pot's instruction manual for recommended cooking times for brown rice and adjust accordingly. You might need to add an additional 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the Instant Pot along with the other ingredients. You can also add a finely chopped chili pepper for extra heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Be mindful that the sauce might thicken slightly upon reheating.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Following the recommended cooking time is crucial for achieving tender, juicy chicken.
- Use quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your dish. Use fresh, high-quality teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and ginger for the best results.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger to your liking.
This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, speed, and deliciousness make it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy!
