Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Rice Easy Family Meal

Looking for a quick and tasty family dinner? My Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Rice is the answer! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken thighs, fluffy jasmine rice, and bold teriyaki sauce for a meal everyone will love. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious dish in no time. Let’s dive in and make dinner a breeze tonight!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

- 1 cup jasmine rice, thoroughly rinsed

- ½ cup teriyaki sauce

Aromatics and Seasonings

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Garnishes

- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots are ideal)

- 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)

- Sesame seeds (for garnish)

In this recipe, you will find key ingredients that bring flavor and warmth. The chicken thighs create a tender base, while jasmine rice provides a soft touch. Teriyaki sauce adds sweetness and depth.

Aromatics like garlic and ginger enhance the taste. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Salt and pepper are simple but important for seasoning.

For vegetables, frozen mixed veggies add color and nutrients. Green onions and sesame seeds finish the dish with a fresh look and taste. Each ingredient plays a role in making this meal a family favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Start by setting your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Pour in the sesame oil and let it heat for a moment. While it warms, season 1 pound of chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken thighs. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, turning them with tongs until they turn golden brown. This step is key for flavor. When done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Cooking the Aromatics

In the same pot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger. Stir them into the leftover oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until they smell great. Be careful not to burn them. Burning will ruin your dish.

Cooking the Rice and Chicken

Now, add 1 cup of rinsed jasmine rice to the pot. Stir gently to coat the rice with oil and aromatics. Next, pour in 1 ½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth and ½ cup of teriyaki sauce. Use a spatula to mix everything together well. Now, place the browned chicken thighs back in the pot, resting them on top of the rice.

Final Cooking Steps

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Set it to 'Manual' mode and cook for 10 minutes at high pressure. When the timer goes off, let the pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After that, do a quick release to let out any remaining steam.

Shredding Chicken and Serving

Once you open the lid, stir in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. The heat from the rice will warm them quickly. Next, transfer the chicken thighs to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix it with the rice and vegetables.

For serving, scoop the teriyaki chicken rice into bowls. Garnish each bowl with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds a nice touch and color!

Tips & Tricks

Choosing the Right Rice

When making teriyaki chicken rice, I prefer jasmine rice. It has a nice aroma and a fluffy texture. Other types of rice can work, but they may not give the same taste. Rinsing the rice is key. This step removes extra starch. It helps the rice cook evenly and stay fluffy.

Achieving Perfect Chicken Texture

To avoid dry chicken, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and flavorful. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes to get a nice sear. This locks in moisture. When cooking in the Instant Pot, set the timer for 10 minutes. This timing ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out.

Enhancing Flavor

You can customize your teriyaki sauce to fit your taste. Try adding honey for sweetness or red pepper flakes for heat. You can also use garlic and ginger to boost the flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can add a fresh touch. Mix and match to create your perfect teriyaki chicken rice!

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken breast cooks faster and has less fat. If you want a plant-based meal, try using tofu. Firm tofu works best, as it holds its shape when cooked. Make sure to press out excess moisture before adding it to the pot. This way, it absorbs the teriyaki flavor better.

Rice Substitutions

If you want to switch it up, consider quinoa or brown rice. Quinoa is a great source of protein and cooks quickly. Brown rice has more fiber but takes longer to cook. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time to about 22 minutes. Remember to adjust the liquid too. You will need 1¾ cups of broth for brown rice.

Additional Vegetable Choices

Feel free to add more vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas are great options. You can mix in your favorites based on what you have at home or what's in season. For a pop of color and taste, add some sliced mushrooms or zucchini. These variations keep your meal fresh and exciting!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To keep your Instant Pot teriyaki chicken rice fresh, use proper storage containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly to keep air out. The cooked teriyaki chicken rice lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Reheating Tips

When you want to enjoy leftovers, the best methods to reheat are the microwave or stove. If you use the microwave, place the rice in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. On the stove, use a skillet on low heat. Stir often to maintain texture and flavor.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze your teriyaki chicken rice, let it cool completely first. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. This will help prevent freezer burn. Thaw the rice overnight in the fridge before reheating. For meal prep, you can make a larger batch and freeze portions for quick meals.

FAQs

Can I make Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Rice in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are the best practices for prepping:

- Cook and Store: Make the teriyaki chicken rice as usual. Let it cool to room temperature.

- Use Airtight Containers: Store it in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh for up to four days in the fridge.

- Reheat Safely: When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist.

What can I serve with teriyaki chicken rice?

You can serve teriyaki chicken rice with various sides. Here are some great options:

- Steamed Broccoli: The crunch pairs well with the chicken.

- Cucumber Salad: A fresh, crisp side that adds a nice contrast.

- Edamame: These are a fun, healthy snack to munch on.

- Miso Soup: A warm, comforting soup that complements Asian flavors.

How do I adjust the recipe for more servings?

Scaling up the recipe is easy. Here’s how to do it effectively:

- Double the Ingredients: For eight servings, just double all the components. Use 2 lbs of chicken, 2 cups of rice, and so on.

- Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time remains the same. The Instant Pot cooks based on pressure, not quantity.

- Check Capacity: Make sure your pot can hold the larger amount. If not, consider making two batches.

With these tips, you can whip up a delicious meal for your family or friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

This blog post covered making Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Rice, from ingredients to tips. We discussed the key components—chicken thighs, jasmine rice, and teriyaki sauce. I shared steps to cook the dish, tips for chicken texture, and ways to customize flavors.

In summary, making this meal is quick and easy. With these tools, you can impress anyone with your cooking. Enjoy your own teriyaki chicken rice creation!