Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the essence of takeout right to your kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of tender chicken and a tangy sweet-and-sour sauce made with pineapple juice creates a mouthwatering experience. Enjoy this meal with family or friends, and watch it disappear in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Dish: The blend of ginger, garlic, and pineapple offers a balanced taste that satisfies cravings.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe serves four, making it ideal for dinner with loved ones.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Healthy Option: Lean chicken offers protein while the sauce provides sweetness without excess calories.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken successfully, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multifunctional appliance allows for quick cooking under pressure, ensuring your chicken stays tender and juicy.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface makes chopping ingredients easy and safe.
• Chef’s Knife: A good quality knife ensures clean cuts for both chicken and vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are vital for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

For this Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless/skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1” chunks)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 4 teaspoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
• 1 10 ounces can pineapple chunks (reserve juice)
• 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1.5” chunks)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons pineapple juice
• Red pepper flakes
• Sesame Seeds
• Green onions chopped

How to Make Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into 2–3 inch chunks. Leaving them larger helps maintain moisture during cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat up your pressure cooker by pressing Sauté. Select More to activate medium-high heat. Wait until the Instant Pot indicator shows HOT.
* Add the oil to the pot and let it heat for one minute.
* Add the chicken pieces and sauté for about 2–3 minutes until they start to turn golden.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients to the pot:
* Minced ginger
* Minced garlic
* Red chili flakes
* Ketchup
* Apple cider vinegar
* Soy sauce
* Sugar
* Pineapple juice

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Include the pineapple chunks and chopped red bell pepper into the mixture. Stir gently to distribute evenly.

Step 5: Cook Under Pressure

Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Select the Poultry function or set it manually to High Pressure for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Release Pressure

After cooking, allow for a 10-minute Natural Release before carefully releasing any remaining pressure. Open the lid cautiously and stir gently without crushing the chicken pieces.

How to Serve Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Serving Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken can elevate your meal experience. The vibrant flavors and colorful presentation make it a delightful dish for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice pairs perfectly with the sweet-and-sour sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

With Fried Rice

• Serve alongside fried rice for a complete meal that combines the contrasting textures and tastes of both dishes.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the sweet and sour chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, healthy twist. Add some chopped veggies for extra crunch.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds an appealing crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing both the look and taste of your dish.

With Chopped Green Onions

• Freshly chopped green onions not only add color but also bring a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Use the chicken as a filling in sandwich rolls or hoagies for a different take. Add some crunchy vegetables for added texture.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

To ensure your Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken turns out just right every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and bell peppers will enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried or pre-packaged options.
• Cut chicken evenly: Ensure that all chicken pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly and retain moisture.
• Don’t skip the sauté step: Sautéing the chicken before pressure cooking adds depth to the flavor. It’s worth taking those few extra minutes.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Everyone has different preferences; feel free to tweak the sugar amount based on how sweet you want your dish.
• Natural release is key: Allowing for a natural release helps keep the chicken tender, ensuring it doesn’t dry out during cooking.
• Experiment with veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots to enhance the nutritional value and taste of your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Pairing sides with your Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken can make your meal more satisfying. Here are some excellent side dish recommendations.

1. Fried Rice: A classic side that brings together rice with veggies, soy sauce, and eggs for an umami punch.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color, crunch, and is an excellent source of vitamins.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar can balance out the richness of the main dish.
4. Quinoa Salad: Quinoa mixed with diced vegetables provides a healthy grain alternative that complements the chicken well.
5. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables offer a delightful crunch alongside your sweet-and-sour chicken.
6. Noodles: Stir-fried noodles tossed with veggies create another flavorful option that pairs beautifully with this dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Not cutting chicken evenly: Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform chunks. This helps them cook evenly and prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the chicken before pressure cooking adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step if you want a deliciously rich taste.
• Ignoring natural release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes helps keep the chicken tender. Rushing this process can make the chicken tough.
• Forgetting to reserve juice: Make sure to reserve juice from the canned pineapple. It enhances the flavor of your sauce, making it more vibrant and sweet.
• Overloading the pot: Avoid filling your Instant Pot beyond its maximum capacity. Too much food can lead to uneven cooking and mess during pressure release.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the dish to cool before sealing it to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is a quick meal made with tender chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful sweet-and-sour sauce featuring pineapple juice.

How long does it take to make Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken?

The total time is about 30 minutes, including prep time of 10 minutes and cooking time of 20 minutes.

Can I use different vegetables in my Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Yes! Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition and flavor.

Is Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken healthy?

This dish can be healthy, especially when using lean chicken thighs and controlling sugar content by adjusting ingredients according to your dietary needs.

Can I double this Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe?

Yes! Just ensure not to exceed your Instant Pot’s maximum capacity. Adjust cooking time as necessary but keep it around 5 minutes on high pressure.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is not only a delightful dish that captures takeout flavors but also offers versatility. You can customize it with various vegetables or adjust sweetness levels based on your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights!

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