Imagine a restaurant-quality meal that's ready in just 25 minutes and bursting with tangy, sweet flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Chinese cuisine. This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is not just a recipe; it's a culinary shortcut that combines convenience with incredible taste. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick dinner solution, or someone who craves authentic Chinese flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your ultimate game-changer!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, chopping bell peppers, and mincing garlic.
- Turn Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add cubed chicken to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown slightly.
- Pour in sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, and stir to coat chicken evenly.
- Add chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks on top of the chicken mixture.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, do a quick release of pressure to prevent overcooking chicken.
- Open lid and stir contents to ensure even sauce distribution.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnishing with optional chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't skip the sautéing step - it helps develop deeper flavor and gives the chicken a slight golden color.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; 30 seconds is the perfect time to release its aroma without turning bitter.
- Use a high-quality sweet and sour sauce for the best flavor profile.
- Do a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking the chicken, which can make it tough and dry.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a garnish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use the "Sauté" function after cooking to reduce and thicken the sauce.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice to enjoy the dish at its peak temperature and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg