Here’s a list of all the ingredients for **Instant Pot Shoyu Chicken**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help you rank better for related searches:
- **Chicken thighs** (bone-in or boneless, skinless for a healthier option)
- **Soy sauce** (low-sodium or regular, depending on preference)
- **Brown sugar** (for a touch of sweetness and caramelization)
- **Garlic cloves** (minced or crushed, for bold flavor)
- **Fresh ginger** (grated or sliced, for a zesty kick)
- **Green onions** (for garnish and added freshness)
- **Rice vinegar** (to balance the flavors with a hint of tanginess)
- **Sesame oil** (for a nutty, aromatic finish)
- **Water or chicken broth** (to create the cooking liquid)
- **Cornstarch** (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- **Sesame seeds** (optional, for garnish and added texture)
- **Crushed red pepper flakes** (optional, for a spicy twist)
This **Instant Pot Shoyu Chicken recipe** is perfect for a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal. Pair it with steamed rice or veggies for a complete dish!
Steps
# How to Make Instant Pot Shoyu Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Shoyu chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish that combines tender chicken with a savory-sweet soy sauce-based marinade. Using an Instant Pot makes this recipe quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious Instant Pot shoyu chicken that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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## **Ingredients for Instant Pot Shoyu Chicken**
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce (shoyu)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced or grated
- 1/2 onion, sliced (optional)
- 1-2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening the sauce)
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Trim excess fat if desired, but leave some for added flavor.
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### **Step 2: Make the Shoyu Marinade**
1. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the sliced onion (if using) to the marinade for extra flavor.
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### **Step 3: Sear the Chicken (Optional)**
1. Turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and heat 1 tbsp of sesame oil.
2. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for a quicker recipe.
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### **Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken**
1. Place the seared or raw chicken thighs into the Instant Pot.
2. Pour the shoyu marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3. Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting. Cook on high pressure for **10 minutes** (for boneless thighs) or **12 minutes** (for bone-in thighs).
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### **Step 5: Natural Release and Thicken the Sauce**
1. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
2. Carefully remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry.
4. Slowly stir the slurry into the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
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### **Step 6: Serve and Garnish**
1. Return the chicken to the Instant Pot and coat it with the thickened sauce.
2. Serve the shoyu chicken over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, vibrant finish.
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## **Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Shoyu Chicken**
- **Adjust Sweetness:** Reduce the brown sugar to 1/3 cup for a less sweet version.
- **Add Veggies:** Toss in carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the cooking process for a one-pot meal.
- **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
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This Instant Pot shoyu chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of umami flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!