If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful protein to meal prep or whip up on a busy weeknight, my Instant Pot Shredded Teriyaki Chicken is what you’ve been looking for!
With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you get juicy, tender chicken that’s been infused with that sweet and savory teriyaki flavor everyone loves. One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility—you can use your favorite bottled teriyaki sauce from the store, or you can go the homemade route if you want to control the sweetness, saltiness, and depth of flavor.
My homemade teriyaki sauce is made with pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey or brown sugar. It’s well-balanced and clings beautifully to the shredded chicken. But if you’re in a rush, there are plenty of great store-bought options that work just as well—just look for one with clean ingredients and a flavor profile you love.
The real magic of this shredded teriyaki chicken lies in its versatility. Once it’s done, you’ve got a protein that’s ready to be transformed into a dozen different meals throughout the week. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon into crisp lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots, scallions, and sesame seeds.
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: Serve it over steamed rice or quinoa with sautéed veggies, avocado, or cucumbers.
- Asian-Inspired Tacos: Load into small tortillas with slaw, a bit of sriracha mayo, and fresh cilantro.
- Ramen or Udon Topping: Add it to a bowl of hot noodles for a quick and cozy meal.
- Chicken Sandwiches: Pile onto toasted buns with lettuce and a tangy slaw.
- Bento Boxes: Pack it cold or warm with rice, edamame, and a soft-boiled egg for a balanced lunch.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce vs. Store-bought
Homemade teriyaki sauce brings a fresh, rich flavor that’s often unmatched by store-bought options. Making it from scratch gives you full control over ingredients for a purer, more customized taste.
My personal homemade sauce uses more common household ingredients. Making it at home lets you adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to suit your personal preferences. This flexibility is especially helpful if you’re aiming for a balanced, authentic taste without preservatives or extra sugar.
That being said, store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, providing a quick solution for busy nights or when you need a shortcut for marinades and glazes. Many are thickened with cornstarch or other stabilizers to give them a longer shelf life, and they often include more sugar and artificial flavors. However, there are also high-quality store-bought brands that offer closer-to-homemade flavors.
What Type of Rice to Use
If you plan on eating my Shredded Teriyaki Chicken with rice, might I recommend a couple different types for the most authentic Japanese meal!
Choosing the right type of rice can be confusing, especially with so many varieties available. From long-grain basmati to aromatic jasmine rice, each type has its own texture and flavor. In Japanese cooking, however, Japanese short-grain or medium-grain rice is almost always the go-to choice.
Short-grain rice, often labeled as sushi rice, is particularly prized for its soft and chewy texture, which pairs beautifully with traditional Japanese dishes.
Medium-grain rice is a great alternative if short-grain isn’t available (I actually almost always use medium-grain myself because it’s generally cheaper where I live!). Both are ideal for recipes like this one, where the rice’s stickiness helps meld the flavors into every bite.
Recommended Rice Cookers
Click on the photos of each of the respective the rice cookers to be taken to my rice cooker recommendations for a more authentic Japanese meal! I have the Tiger 5.5 cup rice cooker pictured. It can make over 10 servings of rice at a time.
While short-grain white rice is the most traditional, you can also experiment with other types of rice.
Key Features to Look For in a Rice Cooker:
Steaming Basket or Tray: Allows you to steam vegetables or cook other ingredients while the rice cooks.
Multiple Cooking Functions: Ensure it has settings for steaming, slow cooking, and possibly even baking.
Non-Stick Inner Pot: Makes cleaning easier and prevents sticking.
Timer and Keep Warm Function: Useful for planning meals ahead of time and keeping them warm until you’re ready to eat.
Instant Pot Shredded Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
This Instant Pot Shredded Teriyaki Chicken is a tender, flavorful, and incredibly versatile dish that’s perfect for quick weeknight meals or easy meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup store-bought teriyaki sauce + 1/4 cup water OR use my homemade teriyaki sauce below instead
- Optional garnish: roasted sesame seeds
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
Instructions
- If using homemade teriyaki sauce, add all the sauce ingredients directly into the Instant Pot. Whisk well to dissolve the cornstarch completely—the sauce will be thin but will thicken as it cooks. If using store-bought sauce, pour in 3/4 cup of teriyaki sauce and 1/2 cup of water, and stir to combine.
- Place the chicken breasts into the sauce in the Instant Pot.
- Seal the lid and set the pressure cooker lid valve to “sealing.” Cook on Manual mode for 10 minutes.
- Once the timer goes off, let it natural release for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure (carefully flip the valve to “venting”).
- Using two forks, shred the chicken. Stir to coat it in the sauce. Garnish with roasted sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4
Kyrié is a half-Japanese food content creator and avid home cook who specializes in Asian cuisine, with a focus on Japanese. She loves developing recipes and sharing approachable yet authentic meals. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s helping her husband Jeff tend to their garden, or on some artistic venture.
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