There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of sweet and sour chicken. The combination of tangy pineapple, savory chicken, and vibrant vegetables brings a splash of color and flavor to your table, making it a family favorite. When you use a pressure cooker, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time, locking in all the flavors while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. This Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is not just quick to prepare; it’s also incredibly satisfying and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Reasons to Love Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

– **Quick Cooking**: The pressure cooker significantly reduces cooking time, making it an ideal choice for last-minute dinners.
– **Flavorful Results**: Pressure cooking helps to intensify the flavors, resulting in a dish that is both savory and sweet.
– **One-Pot Meal**: Less cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward.
– **Customizable**: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes, whether that means adding more vegetables or adjusting the sweetness.
– **Kid-Friendly**: The sweet and tangy flavor profile appeals to children, making it a great way to introduce them to new tastes.

Ingredient Breakdown

To create this delightful dish, here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts – tender and lean for the main protein.
1/2 cup (118ml) chicken stock – adds depth and moisture to the dish.
6 ounces (177ml) pineapple juice – provides the sweet and tangy flavor.
2 tablespoons (30ml) ketchup – enhances the sweetness and gives a rich color.
2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce – adds a savory umami kick.
1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar – balances the sweetness with acidity.
1/2 cup (59ml) honey – for natural sweetness and a lovely glaze.
1/2 teaspoon pepper – for a hint of spice.
1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch – to thicken the sauce.
2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water – to mix with cornstarch for thickening.
1 green bell pepper – cut into squares, adding crunch and color.
1 small yellow onion – cut into wedges for sweetness and texture.

Equipment at a Glance

Pressure Cooker – the star of the show, ensuring quick cooking and flavor infusion.
Cutting Board and Knife – for prepping your ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – to ensure accuracy in your recipe.
Mixing Bowl – for combining cornstarch and water.

Stepwise Method: Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Chop the green bell pepper into squares and cut the yellow onion into wedges.

Step 2: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and pepper. This will be your flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Set your pressure cooker to the sauté function. Add a drizzle of oil and toss in the onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Sauce

Add the chicken pieces to the pot, followed by the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Seal the pressure cooker lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Once the pressure is released, switch the cooker back to the sauté function. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of rice or noodles, drizzling extra sauce on top. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired. Dig in and savor every bite!

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Low-Sugar: Substitute honey with a sugar-free alternative or reduce the amount.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, adjusting cooking times as necessary.
Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium chicken stock and soy sauce to reduce salt intake.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

The beauty of cooking is that we all learn from our mishaps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken:

Using frozen chicken without adjusting the cooking time can lead to undercooked meat.
Not properly sealing the pressure cooker can result in steam escaping and uneven cooking.
Skipping the sauté step for the vegetables can lead to a lack of depth in flavor.
Ignoring the natural release method can cause the sauce to splatter when opening the lid.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Leftovers are a magnificent part of this recipe! Here’s how to handle them:

Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

Quick Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and extra moisture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also add a side of crispy vegetables or a fresh salad.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce before cooking for an extra kick.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to include broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.

Next Up in Your Queue

Hungry for More?

If you’re craving more easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out our blog for a wide variety of meals that fit any occasion. From quick dinners to indulgent desserts, we have something for everyone!

This Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is not only flavorful but also a delight to eat. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the ease of preparation that comes with using a pressure cooker. Happy cooking!

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Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

This Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is a family favorite! Quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup chicken stock
6 ounces pineapple juice
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 green bell pepper cut into squares
1 small yellow onion cut into wedges

Instructions

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Chop the green bell pepper into squares and cut the yellow onion into wedges.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and pepper. This will be your flavorful sauce.
Set your pressure cooker to the sauté function. Add a drizzle of oil and toss in the onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, followed by the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables.
Seal the pressure cooker lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Once the pressure is released, switch the cooker back to the sauté function. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of rice or noodles, drizzling extra sauce on top. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired. Dig in and savor every bite!