Looking for a quick and tasty meal? You’re in the right spot! This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Rice is the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight. With tender chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, and vibrant veggies, you'll have a flavorful dinner ready in no time. Plus, it’s super easy to customize! Join me as we dive into making this simple dish that your family will love. Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger infuses the chicken and rice with a delicious taste.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up the protein for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
When making Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Rice, these ingredients make the dish shine. The boneless skinless chicken thighs give you tender meat that cooks quickly. Jasmine rice adds a nutty flavor and fluffy texture. Chicken broth makes the rice rich and savory.
The teriyaki sauce brings sweetness and depth. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own at home. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, while garlic and ginger pack in bold flavors.
Mixing in vegetables like bell peppers and carrots not only adds color but also nutrition. Fresh green onions and sesame seeds on top give a nice crunch and a pop of flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. This simple combination makes your meal delicious and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Seasoning the Chicken Thighs: Start by seasoning 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor. You want to coat every piece well for the best taste.
- Cutting into Bite-Sized Pieces: Next, cut the seasoned chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes it easy to eat. Aim for pieces about 1 inch large.
Cooking Process
- Sautéing Aromatics: Turn on your Instant Pot and use the sauté function. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the pot. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. You want the kitchen to smell great.
- Browning the Chicken: Now, add the chicken pieces to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to brown all sides. This step adds depth to the flavor.
- Adding Rice and Broth: Pour in 1 cup of jasmine rice, 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, and 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce. Stir gently to mix. Make sure the rice is evenly spread across the pot.
Pressure Cooking and Vegetable Finalization
- Setting Up the Instant Pot: Close the lid securely on the Instant Pot. Set the valve to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes. This will help the rice cook well with the chicken.
- Quick Release and Adding Vegetables: When the cooking time is done, carefully use the quick-release method. Open the lid and stir in 1 cup of mixed vegetables. Close the lid again and let the steam cook the veggies for about 5 minutes. This keeps them bright and crisp.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Teriyaki Chicken
Selecting the Right Chicken I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this dish. They stay moist and tender. Chicken breasts can work, but they may dry out. Always pick fresh chicken with a nice pink color. Check the sell-by date to ensure quality.
Tips for Sautéing Start with a hot Instant Pot. Add sesame oil first, then garlic and ginger. This creates a great aroma. Sauté for just 1 to 2 minutes. Next, add the chicken pieces. Stir often to brown them evenly. Browning adds flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Cooking Rice to Perfection
Ensuring Even Cooking Use jasmine rice for a fragrant touch. Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch. This helps it cook evenly. When you add the rice, mix it gently with the chicken and broth. This way, it absorbs all the flavors.
Avoiding Mushy Rice To keep your rice fluffy, avoid overcooking. Stick to the 10-minute pressure cook time. Also, let the pressure release naturally for a bit before opening the lid. This helps the rice set nicely.
Enhancing Flavor
Customizing the Sauce You can make your teriyaki sauce at home. Mix soy sauce, honey, and a bit of vinegar. This gives you control over the sweetness. You can also add a dash of chili sauce for heat if you like.
Garnishing Ideas Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a nice crunch. You can also add sliced cucumbers or pickled ginger. These additions make your dish pop visually and taste-wise!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your teriyaki chicken rice. Try to use seasonal produce for the best taste.
- Customize Your Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier dish, feel free to adjust the amount of teriyaki sauce or add a splash of chili sauce to suit your taste.
- Allow for Natural Release: For an even more tender chicken, you can let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before quick releasing the rest.
- Make it a Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Consider making a larger batch for easy meal prep throughout the week!
Variations
Different Protein Options
You can change the protein in this recipe to suit your taste.
- Using Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts work well. They are leaner and cook fast. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, just like the thighs. Season them with salt and pepper. Follow the same steps in the recipe.
- Beef or Tofu Alternatives: For a beef option, use flank steak or sirloin. Cut it into thin strips. Sauté until it browns before adding rice. If you prefer tofu, choose firm or extra-firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden.
Rice Substitutes
Rice is great, but you can swap it for other grains.
- Brown Rice Usage: Brown rice gives a nutty flavor. It takes longer to cook. Add 1.5 cups of broth and set the cooking time to 22 minutes.
- Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: Quinoa is packed with protein. Use 1 cup of quinoa and keep the broth the same. For cauliflower rice, use 1 cup and cook for only 5 minutes.
Vegetable Variations
Mix up the veggies to add color and flavor.
- Seasonal Vegetable Choices: Use what’s fresh in season. Try asparagus in spring or squash in fall.
- Adding Broccoli or Zucchini: Broccoli adds crunch and nutrients. Cut it into small florets. Zucchini is mild and cooks fast. Slice it and stir in with the other veggies.
Feel free to explore these variations to make your meal unique!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
- Use airtight containers for storage. Glass or plastic containers work well.
- Let the dish cool down before sealing. This keeps moisture out.
Reheating Instructions
- You can use the microwave or stovetop to reheat.
- For the microwave, heat on medium for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through.
- On the stovetop, add a splash of broth and heat over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking.
Freezing Options
- To freeze, place cooled teriyaki chicken rice in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn.
- For thawing, place in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Avoid refreezing after thawing.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Cook Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Rice?
It takes about 30 minutes to cook Instant Pot teriyaki chicken rice. This includes prep time and cooking time. You will need around 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. The pressure cooking time is just 10 minutes. After cooking, you let the pot release pressure quickly. The whole process is fast and easy.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. When using frozen chicken thighs, it’s best to increase the cook time to about 12-15 minutes. This way, the chicken will cook all the way through. Ensure to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safety.
What Can I Serve with Teriyaki Chicken Rice?
You can serve teriyaki chicken rice with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed broccoli
- Edamame
- Cucumber salad
- Asian slaw
These sides add crunch and freshness to your meal. They also balance the flavors of the dish well. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings!
This blog post covered how to make teriyaki chicken rice. We discussed key ingredients, like chicken, rice, and tasty sauces. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking, along with tips to make it perfect. We also explored variations with different proteins and vegetables. Lastly, I shared storage tips to keep leftovers fresh.
Cooking can be fun and easy. Enjoy your meal, and don't hesitate to customize it!
