Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

There’s something truly comforting about a plate of Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken. I remember the first time I made it; the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of sweet and savory mingling together, instantly taking me back to those family dinners where the laughter was loud and the food was plentiful. It was a Sunday evening, and after a long day of errands, I craved something easy yet fulfilling. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—it transforms basic ingredients into an extraordinary meal that brings joy to the table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe never fails to impress.

The recipe is a perfect blend of flavors; the sweetness of pineapple juice and honey paired with the savory notes of soy sauce creates a well-rounded dish that everyone can enjoy. It’s not just the delicious flavor that makes it special; it’s also the memories I create while cooking it. From chopping the vibrant green bell pepper to the anticipation of the pressure cooker working its magic, every step is filled with warmth and excitement. This Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience!

What You Need for Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Gathering fresh ingredients is a vital step in creating this delectable dish. The harmony of flavors comes together beautifully through the combination of sweet and savory components. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving that iconic taste of the Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken.

• 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein source that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• ½ cup of chicken stock: Adds depth and moisture to the dish.
• 6 ounces of pineapple juice: Provides that unmistakable sweetness and tropical flair.
• 2 tablespoons of ketchup: Enhances the sauce with a touch of tanginess.
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce: Infuses a savory umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar: Brings a nice acidity to balance the sweetness.
• ¼ cup of honey: Sweetens the dish and adds a luscious texture.
• ¼ teaspoon of pepper: Just a pinch for seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons of cold water: Helps in creating the cornstarch slurry.
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into squares: Adds color and crunch.
• ½ small yellow onion, cut into wedges: Offers a savory bite and aroma.

Instructions for Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Making the Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. Let’s dive into the steps to create this amazing dish:

1. Begin by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your pressure cooker insert. This will be the base of your dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and pepper. Make sure to mix it thoroughly until everything is well combined.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated in the luscious sauce.
4. Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and slide it into the lock position. Set the pressure to high and cook time to 10 minutes. You’ll hear the cooker start to work its magic!
5. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural release for 10 minutes. Carefully use a kitchen utensil to open the valve and release any remaining steam. Be cautious, as the steam will be hot!
6. After safely removing the lid, take out the chicken and let it rest on a plate.
7. Set the pressure cooker to the sauté function and add the chopped green bell pepper and yellow onion. Bring it to a boil. Keep an eye on the vegetables as they begin to soften and become fragrant.
8. While the vegetables are cooking, shred or chop the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces.
9. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Add this to the bubbling sauce in the pressure cooker. Stir consistently until the sauce starts to thicken.
10. Finally, add the shredded chicken back into the thickened sauce. Cook for a few seconds just to marry the flavors together before turning off the pressure cooker.
11. Serve the Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken over a bed of rice. Enjoy it hot, and remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of the Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken lies in its flexibility. Here are some ways you can customize it to fit your taste:

• Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 2 days for the best quality.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this dish! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months.
• Variations: Consider adding different vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, for additional texture and flavor.
• Serving Style: This dish pairs wonderfully with fried rice or noodles if you want to switch things up from plain rice.
• Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a bit of heat if you enjoy spicy food.

Great Combinations for Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Serving the Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken can be as creative as you want! Here are some ideas:

• Rice: A bed of fluffy white rice is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas for a colorful and nutritious plate.
• Wraps: For a light option, use the chicken as a filling in lettuce wraps.
• Dinner Parties: This dish is great for gatherings; you can prepare it in advance and serve it family-style.
• Casual Lunches: Leftovers make a quick and satisfying lunch; simply reheat and enjoy!
• Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, serve it with a light salad. In colder months, pair it with roasted vegetables.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory in a fulfilling way. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this recipe promises to deliver comfort and satisfaction with minimal hassle. I encourage you to try this recipe tonight and enjoy the delightful flavors and aromas that will fill your kitchen!

Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken brings together sweet and savory flavors in a delightful dish that's easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone at the table smiling.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup chicken stock
• 6 ounces pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 green bell pepper green bell pepper cut in squares
• ½ small yellow onion yellow onion cut into wedges

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Instant Pot

Method

 

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the pressure cooker insert.
2. Whisk together chicken stock, pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey and pepper. Pour over the chicken.
3. Place the lid on the pressure and slide it into the lock position. Set the pressure to high and cook time to 10 minutes.
4. Once the time has elapsed and the machine beeps to signal the end of cooking time, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then use a kitchen utensil to open the valve to release any remaining steam. Careful, steam will be hot. Remove the chicken to rest.
5. Meanwhile, turn the pressure to Saute and add the chopped pepper and onion. Bring to a boil. Meanwhile, shred or chop the chicken.
6. Stir together the cornstarch and cold water, then add to the sauce. Stir and cook until it thickens. Add the chicken back into the sauce and cook for a few seconds to combine the flavors. Turn off the pressure cooker.
7. Serve the shredded sweet & sour chicken over rice. Serve hot and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Notes

• Tip 1: To make crockpot sweet and sour chicken, place chicken stock, pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, honey and pepper in your crock pot. Whisk to combine. Add chicken breasts and cook on high power for 3-4 hours.
• Tip 2: Check the internal temperature of the chicken after 2 hours (done is 165°F).
• Tip 3: Make a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the liquid in the crock pot.
• Tip 4: Let it cook on high for 15 minutes or so, until the mixture thickens.
• Tip 5: Add the chicken back to the crockpot and stir to coat. Serve hot with rice.

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Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.