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Instant Pot Sweet & Sour Chicken: A Quick and Tasty Dish

Sweet and sour chicken is a classic dish that brings together the savoury umami of chicken with a delightful tangy sweetness that dances on the palate. Traditionally prepared in a pan, this dish can require considerable cooking time and attention. However, thanks to the Instant Pot, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time at all. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this Instant Pot Sweet & Sour Chicken recipe is simple, convenient, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients

To make Instant Pot Sweet & Sour Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 200g pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

For the Sweet & Sour Sauce:

• 100ml pineapple juice
• 50ml soy sauce
• 50ml rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For Serving:

• Cooked rice or noodles
• Spring onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

1. Set the Instant Pot: Begin by pressing the ‘Sauté’ button on your Instant Pot. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat up slightly.

2. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot in batches (if necessary) to avoid overcrowding, and sauté until lightly golden brown, around 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the Onions: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, stirring frequently until it becomes translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the Peppers and Pineapple: Next, add the red and green bell peppers along with the pineapple chunks. Sauté for another 2 minutes to allow them to soften slightly before returning the chicken to the pot.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Make the Sweet & Sour Sauce: In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar, stirring well to mix.

2. Add to the Pot: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the Instant Pot. Stir to ensure that everything is well-coated in the sauce.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

1. Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid, ensuring that the valve is set to ‘Sealing.’ Select the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ setting, and set the cooking time for 10 minutes.

2. Cook and Release: Allow the Instant Pot to reach pressure, which will take a few minutes. Once cooking is complete, carefully quick-release the pressure by turning the valve to ‘Venting.’ Be cautious of the steam.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

1. Thicken with Cornstarch: After releasing the pressure, switch the Instant Pot back to the ‘Sauté’ function. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.

Step 6: Serve

Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, your Instant Pot Sweet & Sour Chicken is ready to serve! Ladle it over freshly cooked rice or noodles and garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Sweet & Sour Chicken is not only quick and easy to prepare but also offers a wonderful balance of flavours that will please the entire family. Its vibrant colours and enticing aromas are sure to make it a favourite at your dinner table. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this tasty classic in a fraction of the time—perfect for those busy days when you want a wholesome homemade meal without the fuss. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it on a regular basis!

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