Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings the flavors of takeout right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking in the Instant Pot. The result? Tender chicken pieces enveloped in a delicious sweet-and-sour sauce made with pineapple juice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that promises no leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is perfect for serving a family of four, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of pineapple juice and ginger creates a delightful sweet-and-sour sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in the Instant Pot means fewer dishes to clean up afterward!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools that will simplify 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: Speeds up cooking time significantly while keeping food juicy and tender.
• Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife: Essential for safely prepping ingredients quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for perfect flavor balance every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless/skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1” chunks)

For the Sauce

• 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)

For the Vegetables

• 1 10 ounces can pineapple chunks (reserve juice)
• 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1.5” chunks)

For Thickening and Garnishing

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons pineapple juice
• Red pepper flakes for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

How to Make Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into larger chunks, about 2-3 inches. Keeping them slightly larger helps maintain their shape during cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat your Instant Pot by selecting the Sauté function. Once it indicates HOT, add canola oil. Wait one minute before adding the chicken chunks. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to turn golden brown.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Once the chicken is slightly browned, add the minced ginger, garlic, red chili flakes, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, white sugar, and pineapple juice. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables

Add the reserved pineapple chunks and chopped red bell pepper into the pot. Mix gently until everything is well distributed.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close the lid securely on your Instant Pot. Select the Poultry function or Manual mode at High Pressure for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Natural Release

After cooking, allow a natural release for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and carefully release any remaining pressure before opening the lid. Gently stir everything together, taking care not to break up the chicken pieces.

Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Serving Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken can elevate your dining experience, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion. Pair it with the right accompaniments to enhance the dish’s vibrant flavors.

With Steamed Rice

• White Rice: The classic option, white rice absorbs the sweet and sour sauce beautifully.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier twist, brown rice offers a nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements the dish.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Butter Lettuce: Crisp and tender, butter lettuce wraps hold the chicken perfectly for a fresh bite.
• Romaine Hearts: For added crunch, romaine hearts provide a sturdy wrap filled with sweet and sour goodness.

Over Noodles

• Egg Noodles: Soft and comforting, egg noodles are great for soaking up the sauce.
• Rice Noodles: Gluten-free and delicate, rice noodles add an Asian flair to your meal.

With a Side Salad

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame dressing balances the richness of the chicken.
• Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and a slight tang that pairs well with sweet flavors.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly Cut Ingredients: Ensure you cut your chicken into even chunks for uniform cooking. This prevents some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
• Boldly Sauté First: Sautéing the chicken before pressure cooking enhances its flavor by creating a delicious base.
• Boldly Adjust Sauce Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of sugar or vinegar in your sauce according to your taste preference; this allows you to control sweetness and tanginess.
• Boldly Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will provide better flavor than dried versions, making your dish more aromatic.
• Boldly Natural Release Pressure: Allowing natural release helps keep the chicken tender by letting it rest in its juices longer.
• Boldly Garnish Before Serving: Don’t forget to add fresh green onions or sesame seeds right before serving for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken enhances the meal’s overall experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A bright green vegetable that offers crunch and nutrients, steamed broccoli is simple to prepare alongside your main dish.
2. Fried Rice: Fluffy fried rice can be made quickly using leftover rice mixed with vegetables for added flavor.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quick-cooked vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots stir-fried add color and nutrition to your plate.
4. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with herbs is a wholesome option that complements the main course well.
5. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice absorbs flavors nicely while adding more veggies to your meal.
6. Chow Mein Noodles: Crispy chow mein noodles bring texture contrast that pairs excellently with saucy dishes like this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken, a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Not Cutting Chicken Properly: Ensure the chicken is cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking. Larger pieces may remain undercooked, while smaller chunks may dry out.
• Overloading the Instant Pot: Avoid adding too many ingredients at once. This can prevent proper pressure buildup and lead to uneven cooking.
• Skipping the Sauté Step: Don’t skip sautéing the chicken first. Browning adds depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Ignoring Natural Release Time: Allow a 10-minute natural release after cooking. This helps retain moisture in the chicken, ensuring it stays tender.
• Using Regular Soy Sauce: Opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce to control sodium levels and keep the dish balanced without overwhelming flavors.

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent odors from affecting other foods.

Freezing Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Duration: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is a quick and easy dish made with chicken, pineapple juice, and a tangy sauce. It offers delicious takeout flavors right at home.

How do I make Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add sliced jalapeños when cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Can I use other proteins in Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey or lamb can also work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein used.

How do I thicken the sauce in Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry before adding it back into the dish after cooking. Stir until thickened.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor that rivals your favorite takeout. Its versatility allows for customization by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sweetness level. Give it a try; I promise it will become a family favorite!