Instant Pot Honey Teriyaki Chicken
A quick and easy Instant Pot recipe for honey teriyaki chicken, delivering a flavorful, saucy dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs are more forgiving; breasts are leaner.
- 1/2 cup honey Can substitute with maple syrup or brown sugar.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free.
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Alternatively, use 1/2 tsp of garlic powder.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced Or use 1/2 tsp of ground ginger.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Can substitute with arrowroot for a grain-free option.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil Adds nutty depth; replace with neutral oil if needed.
- Salt and pepper to taste Soy sauce is salty, so season lightly.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish Optional
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with pepper, skipping extra salt until you taste the sauce.
- Add the chicken to the Instant Pot in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Close and seal the Instant Pot. Set to High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- When the cook time finishes, perform a manual release carefully.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons cold water to make a smooth slurry.
- Switch the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Stir the slurry into the liquid in the pot and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—about 1-2 minutes.
- Shred or dice the chicken with two forks and return it to the pot. Stir to coat every piece with the thickened sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
If your honey is very thick, warm it slightly to mix easily. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to 3 months.