Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

2 servings
Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is a healthy twist on P.F. Chang's Sweet and Sour Chicken. This recipe involves no deep frying, get's ready in 15 mins and the Sweet and Sour Sauce tastes just like your favorite Asian Take-out.

Ingredients

  • boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into 1" chunks

    453 g

    1 lb
  • green bell pepper made into 1/2 inch squares
    ½ c
  • red bell pepper made into 1/2 inch squares
    ½ c
  • yellow bell pepper made into 1/2 inch squares
    ½ c
  • fresh pineapple diced into 1/2 inch chunks

    or canned pineapple drained

    1 c
  • onion diced into 1/2 inch squares and petals separated

    use yellow or white onion

    ½ c
  • cornstarch

    diluted with 4 tbsp water

    2 tbsp
  • avocado oil

    or use any neutral oil

    3 tbsp
  • water

    read notes below

    ¼ c
  • light soy sauce
    ½ tbsp
  • paprika
    ¼ tsp
  • ground black pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • salt
    to taste
  • brown sugar

    you can add more sugar if you prefer very sweet sauce

    ½ c
  • tomato ketchup
    ½ c
  • cider vinegar or rice vinegar
    ⅓ c
  • light soy sauce
    1 tbsp

Directions

Quick marination, saute chicken

  1. 1

    Flash marinate the chicken with the ingredients listed above in the "For Flash Marinating" chicken section. **Read NOTES BELOW.

  2. 2

    Set the Instant Pot on SAUTE and set it on NORMAL. Add oil and when the oil becomes moderately hot add the marinated chicken and saute until they are nicely golden around the edges.

Deglaze pot

  1. 1

    Add water & also diced fresh pineapple chunks and de-glaze the pot very well so that there are absolutely no bits and crumbs stuck at the bottom of the pot. This will prevent the BURN error.

Pressure cook

  1. 1

    CANCEL the SAUTE function. PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 1 min if using farm fresh ORGANIC CHICKEN and in case of normal chicken set the time for 3 mins.

  2. 2

    Once the pressure cooking cycle is over the Instant Pot will begin to beep. Immediately do a quick pressure release by moving the valve manually from the SEALING to the VENTING position. Open the lid carefully and add all the sauce ingredients like the brown sugar, ketchup & vinegar. Give everything a good mix.

Thicken sauce

  1. 1

    Press the SAUTE function and keep it on LOW.Add the corn starch slurry and mix well. Simmer the sauce until it thickens. It takes roughly 2-3 mins for the sauce to thicken beautifully. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce according to your preference. Simmer less for a slightly thin sauce.

Add veggies, serve

  1. 1

    Add the soy sauce, the bell peppers and the onion (read notes below for tender onions) and mix everything very well. Turn off the Instant Pot and cover the pot with a lid. Rest for 4-5 mins. The residual heat will help cook the bell peppers and the onion and you'll have them crisp tender at the end. If you prefer softer well cooked veggies read notes below. Serve hot with rice or noodles. Enjoy!

Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

5.0(10)15 min2 servings856 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 10 ratings

foodiesterminal.com
5.0(10 reviews)
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Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving restaurant-quality sweet and sour chicken without the deep-fried guilt or the takeout wait? This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken delivers authentic, vibrant flavors in just 15 minutes, making weeknight meals a breeze.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines by transforming the classic into a healthier, faster version without sacrificing taste. By utilizing the Instant Pot, you achieve perfectly tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables without any deep frying, cutting down on both fat and cooking time. The homemade sweet and sour sauce, a delightful blend of brown sugar, ketchup, and vinegar, captures that familiar, beloved Asian takeout flavor, reminiscent of your favorite P.F. Chang's dish.

What truly sets this dish apart is its incredible speed and ease. With only 5 minutes of prep, you can have a flavorful, balanced meal on the table in a fraction of the time it takes for delivery, proving that healthy and delicious can go hand in hand.

What to Expect

Prepare for a burst of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that dance on your palate. You'll find succulent chunks of chicken breast, tender yet still slightly crisp bell peppers, and juicy pineapple pieces, all coated in a glossy, irresistible sweet and sour sauce. The sauce strikes a perfect balance—not overly sweet, but wonderfully bright and rich, making each bite incredibly satisfying. This dish offers a delightful interplay of textures and a vibrant visual appeal, thanks to the colorful bell peppers and pineapple.

This is a surprisingly light yet filling main course that feels indulgent, despite its healthier preparation. It's an excellent way to enjoy a favorite comfort food with less fuss and more nutrition.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to play with the bell peppers—any combination of red, yellow, and green will add both color and flavor. If fresh pineapple isn't available, canned pineapple (drained well) works perfectly. For the oil, avocado oil is recommended for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but any other neutral oil will do. You can also adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking by adding a little more brown sugar if you prefer a very sweet profile.

Serving & Context

This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is an ideal main course for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. Serve it alongside steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions