Instant Pot AIP Teriyaki Chicken

If you’re following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet or just want a healthy, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, and Paleo-friendly meal, this Instant Pot AIP Teriyaki Chicken is a game-changer. As a busy mom of three boys, I know how tricky weeknight dinners can be, especially when you’re trying to cook meals that are both healing and kid-approved. That’s why I love this recipe: it’s fast, flavorful, and satisfies the whole family.

This quick AIP dinner recipe swaps out traditional soy sauce for coconut aminos, keeping it gluten-free and AIP-compliant while still giving that classic teriyaki flavor. It's like eating a healthy version of Chinese take-out. I use honey as a natural sweetener, arrowroot starch to thicken the sauce, and simple seasonings like garlic and ginger. It’s all nut-free, dairy-free, and Paleo-friendly, so it fits perfectly into an elimination-style or clean-eating plan.

The Instant Pot or pressure cooker makes this dish a breeze. Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy, cooking quickly under pressure while soaking up the sweet-savory sauce. Even chicken breasts work, though I prefer thighs for that extra flavor and moisture. In about 30 minutes, you have a comforting, family-friendly dinner ready to serve over cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, or zucchini noodles.

One thing I love about sharing AIP recipes is that they’re not just for people with autoimmune conditions. These are meals anyone can enjoy! My boys love this chicken with their favorite sides, and I love knowing it’s nourishing my body while still tasting indulgent.

📖 Recipe

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Instant Pot AIP Teriyaki Chicken

Tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory AIP-friendly teriyaki-style sauce, made in the Instant Pot for a quick, hands-off dinner. Naturally thickened with arrowroot and flavored with ginger, garlic, and coconut aminos, this dish is perfect over cauliflower rice or roasted veggies.

Course Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine Asian

Keyword Chicken

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• ¼ cup coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• ½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch mixed with 2 tablespoon water

Instructions

• Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add oil. Season chicken lightly with salt and add to the pot. Brown for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You are not fully cooking it, just building flavor. Cancel Sauté.
• In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, honey, apple cider vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken. Lock the lid and set to Pressure Cook (High) for 6 minutes.
• When finished, allow a 5-minute natural release, then carefully quick release the remaining pressure.
• Remove the lid and set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Stir in the arrowroot slurry and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Turn off heat as soon as it thickens.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

• Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy in the Instant Pot.
• If using chicken breasts, cut them slightly larger and keep the cook time the same.
• Arrowroot thickens fast and can get gummy if overcooked, so stop heating as soon as it thickens.

Cooking Tips

• Browning the chicken first builds flavor.
• Mix arrowroot with water to prevent lumps when thickening.
• Adjust sweetness to taste. Kids usually love a little extra honey!
• The sauce thickens quickly, so stir constantly over the Instant Pot Sauté mode.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken is amazing over:

• Cauliflower rice (AIP-friendly)
• Roasted or steamed veggies
• Zucchini noodles or spiralized sweet potatoes

It also makes a great meal prep option. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze the sauce separately.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Chicken thighs (or breasts)
• Coconut aminos (AIP & gluten-free)
• Honey (can use maple syrup for Paleo, not strict AIP)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Arrowroot starch (can substitute tapioca starch)
• Garlic, ginger, avocado or olive oil
• Salt

Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes! They may need a little extra sauce to stay moist.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure not to overfill your Instant Pot.

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

Whether you’re on the Autoimmune Protocol diet or just looking for a healing, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner, this Instant Pot AIP Teriyaki Chicken hits the mark. It’s flavorful, simple, and satisfies cravings for something sweet and savory without any gluten, nuts, or dairy.

Give it a try, and let me know if your family loves it as much as mine does!

Other AIP & Paleo Recipes You'll Love

• Pumpkin Muffins (AIP, Paleo, Gluten-Free)
• AIP Smoothie with Strawberries & Bananas
• Molasses Milk (Dairy-Free, Paleo, AIP Drink)