Fiery Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Prepare to be amazed by these truly incredible Instant Pot Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Thighs! This recipe delivers succulent, moist chicken thighs drenched in a rich, sweet, and perfectly spicy homemade teriyaki sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. It’s a healthy, flavor-packed dinner solution that comes together in your pressure cooker in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for even the busiest evenings. Forget bland weeknight meals; this dish brings a vibrant kick to your table with minimal effort.

Unlock Flavor: Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Every once in a while, a recipe comes along that makes you truly proud, and for me, these Instant Pot chicken thighs are one such creation. While I’ve previously made Instant Pot teriyaki chicken using store-bought sauces, I was determined to craft my own homemade version with an added spicy kick. The results were nothing short of amazing! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility; whether you own an Instant Pot, a Ninja Foodi, or any other brand of electric pressure cooker, you can achieve the same fantastic outcome.

Pressure cooking is a game-changer for busy home cooks, allowing you to create complex flavors in a fraction of the traditional time. If you’re new to the world of pressure cooking, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with plenty of easy, one-pot meal recipes. To help you get started on your culinary journey, here are a few essential tips for navigating your pressure cooker:

• Make sure to Bookmark our dedicated InstaPot recipes page. We consistently add new and exciting recipes each week to keep your meal rotation fresh and inspiring!
• For mastering cooking times, PRINT this handy guide: Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet. It’s an invaluable tool for understanding precisely how long different ingredients like meat, vegetables, and beans need to cook in your pressure cooker.
• I cannot emphasize enough how much I HIGHLY recommend you invest in a non-stick inner pot for your pressure cooker. This upgrade significantly enhances the cooking experience.
  • While it’s always good to know how to deglaze a pressure cooker after sautéing to prevent the dreaded “burn” notice, a non-stick liner dramatically reduces issues with food sticking, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring smoother cooking.

For all my recipe creations, I personally use a 6-quart Instant Pot, a versatile model that handles a wide array of dishes with ease.

Chicken is a beloved staple in our household, appearing on the dinner menu 3-4 times a week in various delicious forms. To keep things exciting and avoid culinary redundancy, I always aim to have a diverse collection of chicken recipes at my fingertips. You might wonder, “Why choose chicken thighs over other cuts?” Here’s why I’m such a big proponent:

• Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are typically much more economical than chicken breasts, allowing you to feed your family delicious meals without breaking the bank.
• Superior Flavor: When it comes to taste, chicken thighs are inherently richer and more flavorful than leaner chicken breasts. Their slightly higher fat content contributes to a more satisfying and robust culinary experience.
• Unmatched Tenderness: Thighs remain incredibly moist and tender during cooking, even under high pressure. They are far less prone to drying out compared to chicken breasts, ensuring a juicy result every time.

While personal preference always plays a role, I often opt for chicken thighs, even if a recipe traditionally calls for breasts. Their consistent tenderness and deep flavor profile make them my go-to choice for experimenting with new pressure cooker creations.

Versatility: Ninja Foodi & Pressure Cooker Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

This recipe’s success with chicken thighs mirrors my experiences with other popular dishes, like our Instant Pot crack chicken casserole and Instant Pot Korean chicken. Many recipes may suggest chicken breasts, but I consistently find that using thighs elevates the dish, not only in taste and texture but also in cost-effectiveness. Trust me, it’s worth making the switch!

For an ultimate one-pot meal, consider serving these flavorful chicken thighs alongside Instant Pot teriyaki chicken and rice. The combined flavors create an explosion of taste that’s simply irresistible.

The adaptability of this recipe is one of its greatest strengths. You can tailor it precisely to your family’s preferences. The image below showcases our second time making this dish, this time utilizing a non-stick inner pot. I wholeheartedly recommend this upgrade; not only does it simplify cleanup immensely, but it also virtually eliminates the dreaded “burn” notice that pressure cookers sometimes display (which is often a false alarm but quite irritating!).

Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

To begin this culinary adventure, ensuring you have the right equipment is key. While any 6-quart electric pressure cooker or Instant Pot will work, I cannot stress enough the benefits of using a non-stick inner pot for this and many other recipes. It truly makes a difference in both cooking and cleanup.

For the star of our dish, we prefer bone-in, skinless chicken thighs. However, if you have skin-on thighs on hand, they work perfectly fine; simply adjust to your preference. Both options will yield delicious results.

1. Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken thighs, helping to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and adding another layer of flavor before pressure cooking. A touch of sesame oil can also be used for an added nutty aroma.
2. Ingredients for our Homemade Spicy Teriyaki Sauce: Crafting your own sauce allows for unparalleled flavor and customization.
   1. Hoisin Sauce: This thick, fragrant sauce provides a wonderful sweet and savory base, along with a beautiful dark color.
   2. Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramelized sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements of the sauce.
   3. Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of teriyaki, providing essential umami and saltiness. Opt for low-sodium if you’re mindful of salt intake.
   4. Cornstarch: Our secret weapon for thickening the sauce to that perfect glossy, clingy consistency.
   5. Garlic (Minced): Adds aromatic depth and a pungent kick that elevates the entire dish. Freshly minced is always best!
   6. Sriracha: The key to our “spicy” teriyaki. Adjust the amount to your desired heat level – it can be entirely omitted if you prefer a mild sauce.
   7. Chicken Broth: Provides the necessary liquid for pressure cooking and contributes to the overall flavor of the sauce.
   8. Onion (Small): Adds a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth as it cooks down with the chicken.
3. Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken before and after cooking.

We typically serve these delectable chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy Ninja Foodi rice or simply alongside a warm dinner roll to soak up all that incredible sauce. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making these irresistible Instant Pot spicy teriyaki chicken thighs.

Whether you choose skin-on or skinless chicken thighs is a matter of personal preference and what you happen to have on hand. Both options work wonderfully in this recipe, delivering tender and flavorful results. I often use whichever is available, knowing the sauce will make it shine!

Mastering the Art: How to Cook Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Thighs in Your Instant Pot

The journey to perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken thighs begins with a crucial step: searing. This technique builds a rich base of flavor and helps create a beautiful exterior on your chicken.

1. First, set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on low heat and add a few tablespoons of olive oil or a touch of sesame oil to the inner pot. Allow it to heat up until shimmering.
2. Carefully place your chicken thighs into the hot pot. Brown the outsides for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken through at this stage; we’re just aiming for that flavorful sear.
3. Once browned, turn off the Instant Pot and carefully remove the chicken thighs, setting them aside. This is a critical moment for deglazing the pot. Pour in a small amount of chicken broth (about 1/4 cup) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pot. This not only adds flavor to your sauce but also prevents the dreaded “burn” message during pressure cooking. Using a non-stick inner pot is exceptionally helpful for this step, as it significantly minimizes sticking.
4. Return the seared chicken thighs to the Instant Pot. Add your diced or roughly chopped onions around and on top of the chicken.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for your homemade teriyaki sauce, including the chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha (adjusting to your desired spice level). Crucially, at this stage, only add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce mixture. The remaining cornstarch will be used later to thicken the sauce to perfection. Taste the sauce as you mix it and add more Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
6. Pour the entire whisked sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the Instant Pot.
7. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position, and select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on high pressure for 12 minutes. This duration ensures the chicken thighs are cooked through and tender while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
8. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully move the steam release valve to the “Venting” position for a quick release. Allow the steam to fully escape before carefully lifting the lid away from your face.
9. Gently remove the cooked chicken thighs from the pot and set them aside to keep warm.
10. To thicken the exquisite sauce, set your Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function. In a small separate bowl, whisk the remaining 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot liquid from the pot until completely smooth. Once the liquid in the pot begins to bubble, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, whisking constantly.
11. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to a beautiful, glossy glaze. Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
12. Turn off the Instant Pot. Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pot, tossing them gently to coat them thoroughly in the rich, thick teriyaki glaze.
13. Serve your magnificent Instant Pot Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Thighs immediately over fluffy rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables. Garnish with a drizzle of extra sauce and some fresh chopped chives or sesame seeds for an added flourish.

The result will be a luxurious, thick glaze that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Of course, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can easily make these pressure cooker teriyaki chicken thighs without any heat by simply omitting the Sriracha.

Perfect Pairings: Delicious Side Dishes

No delicious meal is complete without the perfect accompaniment! These spicy teriyaki chicken thighs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a comforting and incredibly easy option, consider whipping up some Instant Pot mashed potatoes – they are simple to make and very inexpensive. Alternatively, if you’re craving something with a bit of crunch and freshness, our lightly breaded and crispy air fryer green beans are a fantastic choice. A simple steamed white or brown rice is also a classic and satisfying complement, soaking up all that incredible sauce.

More Serving Ideas:

• Noodle Bowls: Serve over ramen noodles or udon for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quickly sauté some broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for a vibrant and healthy addition.
• Pineapple Salsa: A fresh pineapple salsa adds a sweet and tangy contrast that beautifully cuts through the richness of the teriyaki.
• Sesame Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad dressed with sesame oil and rice vinegar offers a cool counterpoint to the spicy chicken.

Explore More Easy Chicken Recipes for Your Pressure Cooker

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and flavor of pressure-cooked chicken, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of Instant Pot chicken recipes perfect for any dinner occasion. Don’t miss our Instant Pot Asian chicken, also featuring a delectable homemade sauce.

• For a similar flavor profile using chicken breasts, try our delightful Instant Pot sesame chicken.
• If you’re looking for a healthy and vibrant option, our Instant Pot orange chicken recipe is a must-try.
• And for a classic comforting meal, our pressure cooker chicken and rice is always a family favorite.

For those who appreciate the robust flavor and tenderness of chicken thighs, these Instant Pot bone-in chicken thighs are another fantastic choice that cooks up beautifully.

If you’re a true enthusiast of chicken thighs and enjoy cooking them regularly, expand your repertoire beyond the pressure cooker. Give baked teriyaki chicken thighs a try for an oven-roasted delight, or savor the simplicity of teriyaki chicken legs. Both are incredibly satisfying and simple to prepare.

The Instant Pot offers a distinct advantage with its incredibly quick cooking time compared to a slow cooker, making it my preferred method for these speedy and flavorful meals. However, if you don’t own a pressure cooker but are on the hunt for amazing chicken thigh recipes, consider this highly-rated honey BBQ baked chicken thighs recipe or try the crispy perfection of air fryer chicken thighs.

Don’t forget to explore other spicy and flavorful chicken creations like our spicy honey Instant Pot chicken, or the wonderfully tender air fryer teriyaki chicken, which is particularly great for little ones as it’s typically cut into bite-sized pieces before cooking.