If you’re a fan of delicious and wholesome meals but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, then this article is for you. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering Teriyaki Chicken recipe that can be easily prepared in a pressure cooker. With the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Say goodbye to long cooking times and hello to a flavorful and satisfying meal in no time. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this quick and easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe.
Ingredients
To make delicious teriyaki chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Boneless chicken thighs
Boneless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe as they have a tender and juicy texture that works well with the teriyaki sauce.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce is a crucial ingredient in teriyaki chicken as it adds the characteristic salty and savory flavor to the dish.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar not only adds sweetness to the teriyaki sauce but also helps to caramelize the chicken and create a sticky glaze.
Garlic cloves
Garlic cloves provide a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the dish. Make sure to mince them finely to release their full potential.
Ground ginger
Ground ginger brings a slightly spicy and warm flavor to the teriyaki sauce, balancing out the sweetness and adding complexity.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce, giving it a glossy and velvety consistency.
Water
Water is needed to create the sauce and dilute the soy sauce and brown sugar, ensuring the flavors are balanced.
Sesame seeds
Adding toasted sesame seeds as a garnish not only adds a nutty flavor but also offers a delightful crunch to each bite.
Green onions
Chopped green onions make a fresh and vibrant garnish for the teriyaki chicken, providing a mild onion flavor.
Instructions
Now that we have all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering teriyaki chicken in a pressure cooker.
Prepare the chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from the boneless chicken thighs. This will help prevent the chicken from becoming too greasy. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier eating.
Make the teriyaki sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic cloves, and ground ginger. Stir well until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. This will create a rich and flavorful teriyaki sauce.
Cook the chicken in the pressure cooker
Place the prepared chicken pieces into the pressure cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook for about 10 minutes to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Thicken the sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, open the lid of the pressure cooker and transfer the chicken pieces to a separate plate. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until it forms a smooth slurry. Add the slurry to the remaining sauce in the pressure cooker. Stir well to combine and cook the sauce on sauté mode until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve the teriyaki chicken
Now that your teriyaki chicken is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Place the cooked chicken back into the pressure cooker and toss it in the thickened teriyaki sauce. Garnish your dish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that extra burst of flavor and freshness. Serve the teriyaki chicken over cooked rice or noodles for a satisfying and complete meal.
Tips for Success
To make your teriyaki chicken turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
Use boneless chicken thighs
Boneless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe as they remain tender and juicy even after cooking in the pressure cooker. Their higher fat content also adds extra flavor to the dish.
Marinate the chicken for extra flavor
For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes or longer before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent dish.
Cook on high pressure for shorter time
To ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly without turning dry, it is recommended to cook it on high pressure for a shorter time. This prevents overcooking and retains the moisture and tenderness of the chicken.
Naturally release pressure for tender chicken
After the cooking time is up, it is best to let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This gentle release helps to keep the chicken tender and avoids any potential dryness.
Double the sauce recipe for extra sauciness
If you prefer your teriyaki chicken to be extra saucy, feel free to double the sauce recipe. This will give you more sauce to coat the chicken and will make every bite even more flavorful.
Variations and Additions
There are several ways to customize and enhance your teriyaki chicken recipe. Here are some ideas to try out:
Add vegetables to the pressure cooker
For a complete meal in one pot, toss in some chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These will cook alongside the chicken, soaking up all the delicious teriyaki flavors.
Make it spicy with chili flakes or Sriracha
If you enjoy a little kick of heat, consider adding chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce to the teriyaki sauce. This will give your dish a spicy twist and add depth to the overall flavor profile.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions
To add visual appeal and extra taste, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over your teriyaki chicken. These garnishes elevate the dish and provide a delightful crunch and freshness.
Serve over cooked rice or noodles
While teriyaki chicken is delicious on its own, serving it over cooked rice or noodles creates a more substantial and satisfying meal. The sauce will soak into the grains or noodles, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Healthier Options
If you are looking to make this teriyaki chicken a bit healthier, here are some modifications you can make:
Use low-sodium soy sauce
Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content in your dish. This way, you can still enjoy the umami flavors without compromising your health goals.
Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup
To cut down on refined sugar, you can substitute brown sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. This adds a touch of sweetness to the teriyaki sauce while providing a more wholesome alternative.
Use skinless chicken thighs
For those watching their calorie intake, using skinless chicken thighs can help reduce the overall fat content of the dish. Despite the absence of the skin, boneless chicken thighs still retain their juiciness and flavor.
Serve with steamed vegetables or salad
To make your meal more balanced and nutritious, pair your teriyaki chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. This adds fiber and vitamins to your plate, making for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftovers, here’s how you can store and reheat your teriyaki chicken:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container
Transfer any remaining teriyaki chicken into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of this dish again later.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop
To reheat your teriyaki chicken, you can either use the microwave or reheat it on the stovetop. If microwaving, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short increments, stirring occasionally until heated through. On the stovetop, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated to your desired temperature.
Freeze for future meals
If you have more teriyaki chicken than you can consume within a few days, consider freezing it for future meals. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Properly stored, teriyaki chicken can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using your preferred method.
Enjoy your homemade teriyaki chicken, cooked in a pressure cooker, for a quick and flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends. Get creative with the variations and healthier options, and don’t forget to store any leftovers for a delicious meal later on. Happy cooking!