Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with Charred Zucchini (Better Than Takeout)

This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with Charred Zucchini (Better Than Takeout) is a complete, satisfying meal that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken coated in a glossy teriyaki glaze pairs perfectly with smoky, slightly spicy charred zucchini for a balanced dish that feels both fresh and indulgent.

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This recipe also works beautifully as a companion to Ultimate Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken & Charred Brussels Sprouts, giving you multiple ways to enjoy teriyaki flavors depending on your cooking style.

What Is Teriyaki? Understanding the Flavor and Technique

Teriyaki is a widely popular cooking style that has evolved from a traditional Japanese fish preparation into a versatile, globally recognized flavor used for a variety of meats and vegetables.

At its core, teriyaki refers to both a cooking method and a flavor profile, built around a balance of savory soy sauce, sweetness, and aromatic ingredients like garlic and ginger.

The result is a glossy, caramelized coating that enhances everything from chicken and beef to vegetables like zucchini.

Key Differences: Japanese vs. Western Teriyaki

Understanding the distinction between traditional and modern versions helps you appreciate how the flavor has evolved.

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You can also explore how to build your own version in Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, where the balance of sweet, savory, and umami is fully customizable.

In Japan

• Teriyaki is traditionally a cooking technique, not just a sauce
• Most commonly used with fish such as eel or tuna
• The flavor is lighter, less sweet, and more balanced
• Made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and sake
• Focus is on natural caramelization during cooking

In Western Cuisine

• Teriyaki often refers to a pre-made or bottled sauce
• Typically thicker, sweeter, and more syrupy
• Commonly used for chicken, beef, and stir-fries
• Functions as a marinade, glaze, or finishing sauce
• Designed for bold, crowd-pleasing flavor

Modern Versatility of Teriyaki

Today, teriyaki sauce is used far beyond its traditional roots. It works as:

• A marinade for proteins
• A glaze for roasted or grilled dishes
• A stir-fry sauce
• A finishing drizzle for rice bowls and vegetables

This adaptability is what makes teriyaki such a perfect match for dishes like Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with Charred Zucchini, where bold flavor meets quick, modern cooking techniques.

Before Getting to Know the Instant Pot

Before we dive into pressure cooking, let’s talk about what makes the charred zucchini such a standout addition to this dish.

Why Charred Zucchini Works Here

The smoky, slightly crisp edges of zucchini balance the rich sweetness of teriyaki chicken.

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Adding Korean sweet chili sauce gives it:

• A milder heat
• A subtle sweetness
• A glossy, flavorful coating

Using the Broiler for Perfect Charring

The best way to achieve that charred finish is by using your oven’s broiler. It creates high, direct heat that caramelizes the surface quickly—just like grilling.

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For a full guide, see How To Use The Broiler To Cook Food.

Key Tips

• Spread zucchini in a single layer
• Don’t overcrowd the pan
• Watch closely—broiling is fast

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Getting to Know the Instant Pot

If you’re new to pressure cooking, understanding how your appliance works can make recipes like this even easier and more reliable.

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For a complete beginner-friendly walkthrough, explore Instant Pot Basics: Everything You Need to Know Before You Start Cooking.

The Instant Pot is a multi-functional electric pressure cooker designed to simplify cooking while enhancing flavor and texture.

Key Features

• Pressure cooking for faster meals
• Sauté mode for building flavor
• Consistent, hands-off cooking
• Easy cleanup with one-pot convenience

Whether you’re making soups, rice dishes, or recipes like this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with Charred Zucchini, the Instant Pot helps deliver dependable results with less effort.

Why We Use the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating deeper flavor with less effort.

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For a more detailed breakdown of its benefits and everyday uses, check out Why We Use the Instant Pot Guide.

1. Faster Cooking

The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

2. Better Flavor Infusion

Pressure cooking helps the teriyaki sauce fully penetrate the chicken, creating rich, savory flavor in every bite.

3. Reliable Texture

Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender without drying out, giving you reliable results every time.

4. Less Cleanup

Because everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is quick and simple—perfect for easy meal preparation.

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken With Charred Zucchini

For the Teriyaki Chicken

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

⅔ cup soy sauce

⅓ cup water

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced

For Thickening

3 tablespoons cornstarch

¼ cup water

For the Charred Zucchini

3 medium zucchini (about 1½ pounds), sliced into ¼–½ inch rounds

1 tablespoon neutral oil

Salt and black pepper

2–3 tablespoons Korean sweet chili sauce

3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger

1 garlic clove, finely grated

4 scallions, sliced

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Need a substitution? View our kitchen swaps reference guide for smart, flavor-forward ingredient swaps — covering aromatics, pantry staples, dairy, proteins, and more.

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How To Make Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken With Charred Zucchini

Toss zucchini with oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Broil on high for 5–8 minutes until charred and tender.

In a small bowl, mix together the Korean sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic and ginger.

Toss the hot zucchini with the sauce and finish with scallions.

In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.

Add chicken to Instant Pot. Pour sauce over chicken assuring chicken is submerged. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.

Remove chicken to a plate and let cool. When chicken is cool to the touch shred chicken thighs. Set aside.

Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode. Bring sauce to a boil, add cornstarch slurry and stir in until thickened.

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Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and toss until thoroughly coated. Serve with charred zucchini and steamed rice.

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If desired, garnish the teriyaki chicken with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my chicken rubbery?

It’s likely overcooked. Reduce the pressure cooking time slightly and allow for a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release (NPR) to help keep the chicken tender and moist.

How do I fix the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, turn on Sauté mode and let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce. You can also add a bit more cornstarch slurry to thicken it to your desired consistency.

How do I make it less salty?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and balance the flavor by adding a bit more honey or brown sugar to taste.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but making your own sauce using soy sauce, mirin, and sugar gives you better control over sweetness, saltiness, and overall flavor.

Is the black, charred zucchini bitter?

No—when properly charred, the dark edges add a smoky, slightly crisp flavor, not bitterness. The key is to avoid burning and instead aim for controlled charring.

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This same technique is used in dishes like Roasted Charred Sweet Potatoes, where caramelization enhances flavor without creating bitterness.

How do I reheat zucchini without turning it mushy?

Reheat on a baking sheet at 400°F just until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or grain bowls.

Can I freeze charred zucchini?

Freezing is not recommended. Zucchini has a high water content, and freezing will cause it to become very soft and mushy when thawed.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with Charred Zucchini brings together bold flavors, contrasting textures, and modern cooking techniques into one easy, satisfying meal.

Whether you’re using your Instant Pot or broiler, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.

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