Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken
This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken is a one-pot meal prep idea that comes together with a 5-ingredient sauce made of mostly pantry staples. It's gluten-free, high protein, and works with any veggie too!
This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken is a one-pot meal prep idea that comes together with a 5-ingredient sauce made of mostly pantry staples. It's gluten-free, high protein, and works with any veggie too!
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup dry jasmine rice
- 4 green onions sliced
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 medium-sized chicken breasts diced into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or from a can i used fresh)
- 1 each red green and yellow bell pepper, chopped
- Carbohydrate 24.5393186510061 g
- Cholesterol 287.5 mg
- Fat 58.6449997679232 g
- Fiber 0.520999760198489 g
- Protein 72.624448696768 g
- Saturated Fat 16.6491916344747 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (448g)
- Sodium 752.081873799783 mg
- Sugar 24.0183188908076 g
- Trans Fat 4.95085034619474 g
- Calories 932 calories
Step-by-step
- Add olive oil, chicken, pineapple, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, soy sauce, broth, and rice to Instant Pot in that order, leaving rice to float on top of other ingredients.
- Place lid on and cook for 2 minutes on high pressure. (Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure, then cooks on high pressure for two minutes.)
- Do a quick pressure release and remove the lid when safe to do so.
- The rice may appear uncooked or crunchy; stir in bell peppers, then replace the lid and let sit another 5-10 minutes to absorb the extra liquid. (It will get fully cooked after sitting.)
- Remove the lid, divide among four bowls, top with green onions, and serve.
My Favorite Weeknight Dinner: Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending to-do list, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become obsessed with my Instant Pot. It's a lifesaver! This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken recipe is a perfect example of how easy and satisfying a weeknight meal can be. It's quick, it's flavorful, and the cleanup is minimal – a huge win in my book!
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The sauce is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of pantry staples. I love that it's naturally gluten-free, and the chicken provides a good source of protein to keep everyone feeling full and energized. Plus, the sweetness of the pineapple perfectly balances the tangy sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile that my entire family devours. I often add extra vegetables, like broccoli florets or snap peas, to boost the nutritional value and make it a complete one-pot meal. It's incredibly versatile and adaptable to whatever vegetables I have on hand.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different types of rice or add other proteins like shrimp or tofu. The possibilities are endless! I've even been known to throw in some extra veggies like broccoli or snap peas to make it an even more complete meal. The key is to let the flavors meld together, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken and rice perfectly. The result is a vibrant, delicious, and satisfying dinner that’s ready in minutes.
Beyond the Weeknight Wonders: This recipe isn't just for busy weeknights. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping. I often double the recipe on the weekend and store individual portions in the fridge for quick and easy lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, retaining its delicious flavor and texture. This makes it a perfect choice for packed lunches or quick dinners when I’m short on time. The convenience alone makes it a staple in my meal planning rotation.
Tips for Success:
- Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple: While I prefer fresh pineapple for its superior flavor, canned pineapple works perfectly fine in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the Instant Pot.
- Don't Overcook the Rice: The rice may seem slightly undercooked when you first release the pressure, but it will continue to cook as it sits. Give it those extra 5-10 minutes to absorb the liquid fully.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Peppers, broccoli, carrots, and even peas all work well in this dish.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken recipe has become a true family favorite. It's a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and convenient meals don't have to be complicated. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is a surefire way to impress your family and yourself, even on the busiest of days. So, give it a try and experience the joy of a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that the whole family will love! And remember, even amidst the chaos of a busy life, taking time to nourish yourself and your family with delicious, home-cooked meals is a priority worth cherishing. Enjoy!
