Sweet and Sour Chicken in the Instant Pot {Paleo, Whole30}
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
or breasts, cut into 2" pieces
- Sea salt and pepper
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 20 oz can pineapple chunks in 100% juice)
fruit and juice separated (see below
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks from the can
- 3/4 pineapple juice from can
divided 1/2 + 1/4 cup
- 1/3 cup raw apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup Whole30 ketchup
homemade or purchased*
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger
minced
- 1 large red bell pepper
cut into 1-2” pieces
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (or more for a spicier sauce
- 1 1/2 Tbsp arrowroot starch
or tapioca starch
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
- 1
Have your ingredients cut/chopped and ready to use. Turn your instant pot to “saute” and once it reads "HOT" add the coconut oil. Sprinkle your chicken with a bit of salt and pepper while waiting for pot to heat.
- 2
Add chicken (in 2 batches) and cook about 1-2 minutes on each side (approximate), turning with tongs. Do not cook the chicken through or wait for it to turn brown - searing it on both sides is the goal.
- 3
While chicken sautés, whisk together the 1/2 cup pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup (or tomato paste) garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes.
- 4
After chicken sautés, and add the sauce mixture, pineapple chunks and red bell pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cancel saute function. Secure the lid, place the steam release on “sealing” and set to high pressure for 5 minutes (you can also use the “poultry” button if you have it.)
- 5
After 5 minutes, quick release the pressure by turning steam release to “venting”. Once pressure is released, carefully remove the lid.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot starch with remaining 1/4 cup pineapple juice until dissolved, then add to the pot and carefully stir. Turn pot to “sauté” again and cook 3-5 minutes or until sauce thickens to preference.
- 7
Press “cancel” and allow pot to cool down a bit before serving. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, alongside cauliflower rice and/or roasted broccoli. Enjoy!
Sweet and Sour Chicken in the Instant Pot {Paleo, Whole30}
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About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, tangy, and deeply satisfying sweet and sour chicken that fits your Paleo or Whole30 lifestyle? This Instant Pot recipe delivers authentic flavors and tender chicken in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect stress-free weeknight meal for the whole family.
This recipe shines by leveraging the Instant Pot to create incredibly tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce with minimal effort. You'll love how real-food ingredients like fresh pineapple, apple cider vinegar, and Whole30 ketchup come together to form a perfectly balanced sweet and sour profile, without any added sugars or questionable additives. It’s a testament to how delicious and convenient healthy eating can be.
Prepare for a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that dance on your palate. The chicken thighs, or breasts if you prefer, emerge wonderfully tender from the Instant Pot, coated in a luscious, vibrant sauce. Juicy pineapple chunks add bursts of tropical sweetness, complemented by the crisp-tender red bell pepper. This dish is not only naturally Paleo and Whole30 compliant but also kid-approved, promising a satisfying and flavorful experience that feels both indulgent and wholesome. The optional red pepper flakes offer a gentle warmth that you can adjust to your preference.
Customization & Variations
You have great flexibility with this recipe. Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 2-inch pieces instead of thighs for a leaner option. If you don't have arrowroot starch, tapioca starch works just as well to thicken the sauce. To dial up the heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes. For an extra layer of freshness and texture, don't skip the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds as garnishes.
This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet nourishing meal. It's a family-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy, perfect for making healthy eating simple and delicious.