Experience culinary perfection with these truly incredible Instant Pot spicy teriyaki chicken thighs. Crafted in your pressure cooker, this recipe delivers exceptionally moist chicken enveloped in a rich, sweet, and perfectly spiced homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a healthy, flavor-packed dinner solution that both you and your kids will adore, ready to serve in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for even the busiest weeknights. Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this sensational dish!
These Instant Pot spicy teriyaki chicken thighs are an absolute revelation! From the moment I first perfected this recipe, I haven’t stopped raving about them. As a seasoned enthusiast of my favorite 7-in-1 pressure cooker, I’ve developed countless Instant Pot recipes for The Typical Mom blog, but this one has quickly become a true standout. It exemplifies how quickly you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful Journey
Every so often, you stumble upon a recipe that makes you want to pat yourself on the back, and for me, these Instant Pot chicken thighs are precisely that kind of culinary triumph. I previously experimented with Instant Pot teriyaki chicken using store-bought sauces. While those were good, I yearned for a deeper, more personalized flavor profile, especially one with a kick of spice. This time, I was determined to create my own teriyaki sauce from scratch, infused with just the right amount of heat, and the results were simply phenomenal!
The beauty of this recipe extends beyond the Instant Pot. Whether you own a Ninja Foodi or another brand of electric pressure cooker, you can easily replicate these mouthwatering results. The versatility of pressure cooking makes it a fantastic tool for busy home cooks who crave delicious, homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Mastering Your Pressure Cooker: Essential Tips for Success
If you’re new to the wonderful world of pressure cooking, welcome! We offer a wealth of easy, one-pot meal recipes designed to simplify your cooking experience. To get started on the right foot with this teriyaki chicken and other pressure cooker adventures, here are a few fundamental tips:
- Make sure to Bookmark our comprehensive Instant Pot recipes page. We consistently update it with exciting new dishes each week, ensuring you always have fresh inspiration at your fingertips.
- Next, PRINT this invaluable resource: our detailed Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet. This guide will clarify exactly how long various meats, vegetables, and beans need to cook in your pressure cooker, eliminating guesswork and ensuring perfectly cooked results every time.
- I cannot stress enough how much I HIGHLY recommend you invest in a non-stick inner pot for your Instant Pot. This simple upgrade will revolutionize your pressure cooking experience.
- While knowing how to deglaze a pressure cooker after sautéing is crucial for preventing the “burn” notice, a non-stick liner significantly reduces instances of food sticking and burning, making deglazing much easier and less frequent. It genuinely enhances cleanup and overall cooking smoothness.
For your reference, the Instant Pot model I consistently use for all my recipe creations, including this delicious teriyaki chicken, is a 6-quart version. It’s a reliable workhorse that perfectly accommodates family-sized meals.
The Unsung Hero: Why Chicken Thighs Shine in Pressure Cooking
Chicken is an undeniable staple in our household, appearing on our dinner table at least 3-4 times a week in various delicious forms. To keep things exciting and far from redundant, I’m always on the hunt for fantastic new chicken recipes. When it comes to pressure cooking, I have a strong preference for chicken thighs over other cuts. Here’s why they are my go-to choice for maximum flavor and tenderness:
- Economical Choice: Chicken thighs are consistently more affordable than chicken breasts, making them a budget-friendly option for feeding the whole family without compromising on quality or taste.
- Superior Flavor Profile: Thanks to their slightly higher fat content, chicken thighs boast an incredibly rich and deep flavor compared to leaner chicken breasts. This inherent deliciousness is further amplified by the pressure cooking process.
- Unmatched Tenderness: One of the greatest advantages of using thighs is their ability to remain wonderfully moist and tender, even under high pressure. They are far more forgiving and less prone to drying out than chicken breasts, resulting in a succulent meal every time.
Of course, taste is subjective, and you may have your own preferred cut of chicken. However, when I embark on creating a new recipe, I almost always opt for chicken thighs. Their robust flavor and tender texture truly elevate the dish, even if the traditional recipe might call for a different cut.
Versatility with Ninja Foodi and Other Pressure Cookers
My preference for chicken thighs isn’t limited to just this teriyaki recipe. I’ve found similar success using them in other beloved dishes like our Instant Pot crack chicken casserole and Instant Pot Korean chicken. While many recipes initially suggest chicken breasts, I wholeheartedly recommend trying thighs for their superior flavor, texture, and indeed, their cost-effectiveness.
For an even more satisfying and complete meal, consider serving these flavorful thighs alongside a vibrant one-pot Instant Pot teriyaki chicken and rice dish. The harmonious blend of flavors will truly make your taste buds sing!
Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki sauce, with its rich soy and sweet base, pairs beautifully with a variety of complementary flavors. My first thought is always pineapple – a small can of tidbits or crushed pineapple can add a delightful fruity sweetness and acidity. Ginger and garlic are classic additions that enhance its aromatic depth. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, don’t forget sesame seeds, often found within the sauce or sprinkled generously on top. A touch of honey or maple syrup can also introduce a lovely, nuanced sweetness, balancing the savory notes beautifully.
Traditional teriyaki chicken is not inherently spicy; it’s generally known for its sweet and savory profile. However, the true magic of making homemade teriyaki sauce, as we do in this recipe, is the complete control you gain over the heat level! You can customize it precisely to your preference. We personally enjoy a mild to medium spice level, but feel free to amp up the heat by adding more Sriracha, a dash of chili flakes, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you desire a fiery kick. It’s entirely up to your taste!
Absolutely! These Instant Pot spicy teriyaki chicken thighs are fantastic for meal prepping. You can cook the chicken and sauce fully, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making it an even more delightful meal the next day!
The ability to customize this dish is truly one of its many remarkable qualities. Craft it exactly to your liking, from the spice level to the consistency of the sauce. The image below showcases our second time making this dish, now with the immense benefit of a non-stick inner pot – a game-changer I wholeheartedly recommend. Not only does it make cleanup a breeze, but it virtually eliminates the frustrating “burn” notice that pressure cookers can sometimes trigger, often falsely. It transforms the entire cooking experience.
Ingredient Spotlight: Crafting Your Perfect Spicy Teriyaki
To achieve the best possible results for this sensational dish, starting with the right tools and freshest ingredients is key. You’ll need your trusty 6-quart Instant Pot or another pressure cooker. As previously mentioned, I cannot overstate the benefits of using a non-stick inner pot for this and all your pressure cooking endeavors.
For the star of the show, we prefer bone-in, skinless chicken thighs. While I typically opt for skinless for a lighter finish, I’ve successfully used skin-on thighs as well, and they turn out just as delicious – it truly depends on your preference or what you have available.
- Olive oil: A small amount is essential for sautéing the chicken thighs, helping to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear and develop rich flavor before pressure cooking. A touch of sesame oil can also be used for an added layer of Asian-inspired aroma.
- Homemade Spicy Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients:
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a wonderful depth of umami, sweetness, and a touch of savory complexity.
- Brown sugar: Contributes to the signature sweetness and helps create that desirable glossy glaze.
- Soy sauce: The foundation of teriyaki, providing essential salty and savory notes.
- Cornstarch: Our secret weapon for thickening the sauce to a perfect, luscious glaze.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with an irresistible aromatic punch.
- Sriracha: This is where the “spicy” in our teriyaki comes from! Adjust the amount to your personal preference for heat; you can omit it entirely for a mild version.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
We love serving these flavorful thighs over a bed of fluffy Ninja Foodi rice, or simply as they are with a side of warm dinner rolls. The steps below will guide you through creating these mouthwatering spicy Instant Pot teriyaki chicken thighs, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
Whether you choose chicken thighs with the skin on or off is completely up to you. I personally lean towards skinless for a slightly healthier option and less fuss, but I’ve cooked with skin-on thighs many times, especially if that’s what I have readily available. Both options will yield incredibly tender and flavorful results in the Instant Pot.
How to Cook Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Thighs in Your Instant Pot
Preparing these spicy teriyaki chicken thighs in your Instant Pot is a straightforward process that yields maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious dinner:
- Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on medium heat. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil or, for an authentic touch, a bit of sesame oil to the inner pot. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place your chicken thighs inside, searing them until the outsides are beautifully browned and lightly crispy. This step is crucial for building a deep, rich flavor foundation; don’t worry about cooking the meat through at this stage.
- Once the chicken is seared, turn the pot off and gently remove the chicken thighs, setting them aside. Now, it’s time to deglaze the pot. Pour in a small amount of chicken broth and use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Thoroughly deglazing is vital to prevent the dreaded “burn” message from appearing during pressure cooking.
- Using a non-stick inner pot (as shown in the later images, an upgrade I highly recommend) makes this deglazing step significantly easier and more efficient, reducing any potential sticking issues.
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the Instant Pot. Add your diced or roughly chopped onions around the chicken.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for your homemade teriyaki sauce. Importantly, at this stage, use only 1 tablespoon of the total cornstarch. The remaining cornstarch will be used later to thicken the sauce to perfection. Taste the sauce as you mix and adjust the Sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you desire more heat.
- Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken and onions in the Instant Pot.
- Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting, set it to “High Pressure,” and cook for 14 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a slow natural release of pressure. Move the steam valve just slightly to allow the steam to escape gradually for about 5 minutes before fully opening it to release any remaining pressure. This method helps the chicken retain its juices and tenderness. Carefully lift the lid.
- Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the pot and keep them warm on a serving platter.
- To thicken the sauce: Set your Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot liquid from the pot until a smooth slurry forms.
- Once the liquid in the pot begins to bubble, pour in the cornstarch slurry, whisking constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a beautiful, glossy glaze.
- Turn off the Instant Pot. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Return the chicken to the pot, tossing to coat each thigh generously with the rich teriyaki glaze.
- Serve immediately over a bed of fluffy Instant Pot brown rice, or enjoy it on its own. Garnish with a drizzle of extra spicy teriyaki sauce and fresh diced chives or green onions for an added burst of flavor and color.
-
1 pressure cooker
- 6 medium chicken thighs, (skinless, bone-in recommended)
- 1 small onion, diced or roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp brown sugar, (heaping tbsp)
- 3 tbsp Sriracha, (adjust to desired spice level, up to 1/4 cup)
- 5 tbsp cornstarch, (1 tbsp for initial sauce, 4 tbsp for final thickening)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
-
Remove skin from chicken thighs if desired.
-
Turn your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode, setting it to low or normal heat.
-
Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or sesame oil) into the inner pot, then carefully place the chicken thighs inside.
-
Sear the chicken just until the outsides are lightly browned and caramelized. Turn the pot off and remove the chicken. Deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth, scraping the bottom to dislodge any stuck-on bits to prevent a “burn” message.
-
Return your chicken back into the pot, then add the diced or roughly chopped onion.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, Sriracha, and hoisin sauce. At this point, only add 1 tablespoon of the total cornstarch to the sauce mixture. (The remaining 4 tablespoons of cornstarch will be used at the end to thicken the sauce once the chicken is cooked.)
-
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken and onions in your Instant Pot.
-
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensure the steam release valve is closed (set to “Sealing”), and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on “High” pressure for 14 minutes.
-
Once cooking is complete, allow for a slow natural pressure release by moving the steam valve just slightly for about 5 minutes, then fully release any remaining steam. Lift the lid carefully.
-
Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and keep them warm. Set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot liquid from your pot until smooth.
-
Once the liquid in the pot is bubbling, pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot, whisking continuously. Allow it to bubble and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich glaze.
-
Turn off the Instant Pot. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Return the cooked chicken back into the sauce to coat thoroughly.
-
Serve these delicious spicy teriyaki chicken thighs over rice, drizzled with extra sauce, and garnished with diced chives or green onions if desired. Enjoy!
- Instant Pot sesame chicken offers a similar sweet and savory flavor profile, typically using chicken breasts for a different texture experience.
- For a healthy and zesty option, our Instant Pot orange chicken recipe is a vibrant and fresh choice that’s much lighter than takeout.
- A comforting and complete meal in one pot, our pressure cooker chicken and rice is a go-to for busy evenings.
The final result will be a thick, glistening glaze that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes – exactly how you want it! Remember, this recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to make your pressure cooker teriyaki chicken thighs completely mild by omitting the Sriracha and other hot elements if you prefer. Enjoy!
★★★★★
Instant Pot Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Want to save this recipe? Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
(Please note: The email sign-up feature typically relies on JavaScript for functionality. This static HTML version will not perform the email capture.)
Instructions
Video
(Video content unavailable in this static HTML version.)
Nutrition Information
(Nutrition information is an approximation and will vary based on ingredients and preparation.)
Serving Size: 8oz,
Calories: 421kcal,
Carbohydrates: 27g,
Protein: 25g,
Fat: 23g,
Saturated Fat: 6g,
Cholesterol: 133mg,
Sodium: 1919mg,
Potassium: 418mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 14g,
Vitamin A: 120IU,
Vitamin C: 9.6mg,
Calcium: 36mg,
Iron: 1.8mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Tried this recipe?
Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!
Perfect Pairings: Delicious Side Dishes
No delicious main course is complete without equally tempting side dishes. These spicy teriyaki chicken thighs pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments to create a balanced and satisfying meal. For a classic and comforting option, our Instant Pot mashed potatoes are incredibly simple to make and surprisingly inexpensive. If you’re looking for something lighter and with a delightful crunch, whip up a batch of our lightly breaded and crispy air fryer green beans – they add a fantastic pop of color and freshness!
Explore More Easy Chicken Recipes for Your Pressure Cooker
If you’re anything like us, you’re always on the lookout for more quick, flavorful, and easy Instant Pot chicken recipes to make dinner exciting. Beyond this teriyaki masterpiece, we highly recommend trying our Instant Pot Asian chicken, also featuring a delectable homemade sauce that’s sure to impress.
Here are a few more family favorites from our collection:
If you’re particularly fond of chicken thighs, our classic Instant Pot bone-in chicken thighs recipe is another fantastic and straightforward option to keep in your rotation.
While the Instant Pot is my preferred method for its speed, if you enjoy regularly using chicken thighs and are exploring other cooking techniques, you absolutely must try baked teriyaki chicken thighs or our succulent teriyaki chicken legs cooked in the oven – both deliver exceptional flavor!
Even if you don’t yet own a pressure cooker but are searching for amazing chicken thigh recipes, consider this delicious honey BBQ baked chicken thighs recipe or our incredibly crispy air fryer chicken thighs. Both offer quick and satisfying results.
Finally, broaden your spicy chicken horizons with our spicy honey Instant Pot chicken, or for a family-friendly twist, try our air fryer teriyaki chicken, which is perfect for little hands as the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces from the start. Happy cooking!
