Instant Pot Sweet And Sour Chicken

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Looking for an easy and delicious Instant Pot recipe? Look no further than Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken. This dish is so quick and simple to make but tastes amazing.

It’s packed with savory-sweet flavors from the tangy sweet and sour sauce, to the umami notes from the soy sauce and spices. This sweet-and-sour chicken recipe will surely be a big hit in your home!

What Is Sweet And Sour Sauce?

Sweet and sour sauce is a popular Chinese condiment made from sugar, vinegar, soy sauce and spices. It’s typically used as a coating for meat, and adds a delicious savory-sweet flavour to any dish.

You can often order sweet and sour dishes from your local Chinese restaurant, but they are also easy to make at home using simple ingredients.

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What Does Sweet And Sour Chicken Taste Like?

Sweet and sour chicken has a wonderfully savoury-sweet flavor. The sauce is tangy from the vinegar, but also slightly sweet from the sugar.

Plus, it’s loaded with delicious umami flavours thanks to the soy sauce and spices.

Whether you’re an adventurous cook or new to Asian cuisine, this dish is sure to become a favourite!

Is Sweet And Sour Chicken Healthy?

This Instant Pot sweet and sour chicken does contain sugar so is not free from carbs. However, this delicious option for a meal is packed with protein and other key nutrients from the chicken, veggies, and sauce ingredients.

How Many Calories In Sweet And Sour Chicken?

One serving of Instant Pot sweet and sour chicken contains approximately 270 calories. However, it will vary depending on the ingredients and sauce brand you use.

Instant Pot Sweet & Sour Chicken

If you’re ready for a little bit of sweet and a little bit of sour, then this Instant Pot sweet and sour chicken meal is for you!

With just a few ingredients you can recreate something that you can get at a restaurant.

It sounds like a win-win situation for me. I love eating this with some Fluffy White Rice, it just completes the meal. 

Is Sweet And Sour Chicken The Same As Orange Chicken?

Although both dishes are made with a sweet and sour sauce, they are not the same.

Instant Pot sweet and sour chicken is made with classic Chinese flavors, while orange chicken typically contains a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger and orange juice or zest.

Additionally, instant pot sweet and sour chicken usually includes vegetables like bell peppers or pineapple.

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Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce Versus Sweet and Sour Stir Fry Sauce

Since first sharing this Instant Pot version of sweet and sour chicken… it has come to my attention that there are two types of Sweet and Sour sauce and this was at one point confusing my readers.

For this Sweet and Sour Chicken Instant Pot recipe, you need to use Sweet and Sour stir fry sauce not dipping sauce.

The dipping sauce is too thick, this would need to be diluted with water which would make the recipe blander and less tasty.

Using a jar of stir fry sweet and sour sauce will work much better as the consistency is just right for pressure cooking without the need to add extra water.

Adding extra water could result in soggy chicken which is tasteless.

There is also the option to make a homemade sweet and sour sauce as instructed below.

How To Make Homemade Sweet And Sour Sauce

You can make your own sweet and sour sauce by combining the following ingredients:

Ingredients for homemade sweet and sour sauce:

– 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar

– 2 tbsp soy sauce

– 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

– 1 tsp cornstarch

– Pinch of salt and pepper

Simply whisk all of these ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

In the following recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken, I prefer to use a Jar of store-bought Sweet and Sour Stir Fry Sauce.

Instant Pot Sweet And Sour Chicken Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed for this sweet-and-sour chicken Instant Pot recipe:

• 1 lb Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut Into Small Strips
• 1 Cup Corn Starch
• 2 Eggs, Large Room Temp
• 1 Cup Flour
• 2 Tbsp Sunflower Oil
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, Diced
• 1 Green Pepper, Diced
• 8 oz Jar Sweet And Sour Sauce (Stir Fry Sauce)

Ingredients For Instant Pot Rice

• 1 Cup Basmati Rice
• 2 Cups Water, For Rice
• Green Onions To Garnish

How to Make Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Here are step-by-step instructions for turning Chicken breast into the best Sweet and Sour Instant Pot Chicken.

Step One: Turn Instant Pot To Saute Function

Turn the Instant Pot on to saute and let it come to full heat before adding any food. 

Step Two: Make Chicken Batter Mix

Add cornstarch, flour, and eggs into 3 small bowls. Whisk the eggs thoroughly. 

Dip the chicken into the cornstarch, then into the eggs, and then into the flour. Set to the side.

Step Three: Cook Chicken In Inner Pot

Add the oil to your Instant Pot once hot. Add the dredged chicken in a single layer into the Instant Pot.

Brown the chicken on each side for around 5 minutes.

Step Four: Deglaze Instant Pot

Once the chicken pieces are cooked and golden brown remove them from the Instant Pot.

Deglaze the pot with a little water and remove any food particles that may be stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step Five: Add Chicken and Sweet And Sour Sauce

Replace the chicken in the Instant Pot. Add the bell peppers and sweet and sour stir-fry sauce. Toss to combine.

Step Six: Pressure Cook Sweet And Sour Chicken

Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve to the closed position. Pressure cook your tender chicken on high pressure for 3 minutes.

Step Seven: Quick Release The Instant Pot.

Release the valve once the Instant Pot timer goes off. Remove the sweet and sour chicken and set to the side. 

Step Eight: Cook Instant Pot Rice

Clean and dry the Instant Pot insert. Place the insert back into the Instant Pot. Add rice and 2 cups of water to the Instant Pot.

Close the lid and pressure cook for 5 minutes. Quick pressure release once the rice is cooked.

Step Nine: Serve and Garnish Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Serve your rice into bowls and top with your Sweet and Sour Chicken. Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. Enjoy!

Can I Use Skinless Chicken Thighs Instead Of Chicken Breast?

Yes, you can certainly use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe.

To ensure that the meat is cooked through saute for a minute longer than you would Chicken breast. Then follow the instructions for the rest of the recipe.

Can I Add Pineapple Chunks To Sweet And Sour Chicken?

Yes, some people love the added texture of pineapple chunks in their Sweet and Sour Chicken.

You can cut fresh pineapple chunks or use canned pineapple.

Be sure to drain any pineapple juice first and add the Pineapple pieces at the end after the Sweet and Sour Chicken has finished pressure cooking.

How To Add A Spicy Kick To Sweet And Sour Chicken?

If you want to add a little spice to this recipe try adding half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.

My Sauce Is Too Watery. How Do I Thicken Sweeten My Sauce?

If your Instant Pot Sweet And Sour Chicken sauce turns out too watery, there are a few different ways to thicken the sauce.

One option is to add corn starch slurry, which consists of equal parts cornstarch and cold water. To make the slurry, gently stir 1-2 tablespoons of corn starch into the sauce until it is well incorporated.

You can let the Instant Pot cook for a few more minutes on saute mode until the sauce thickens.

Another option is to mix one tablespoon of cold water with one tablespoon of flour, then add this mixture to your Instant Pot just

What To Serve With Sweet And Sour Chicken?

If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to pair with your Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken, try making some steamed vegetables or stir-fried bok choy.

Additionally, this chicken pairs well with a variety of sauces, such as sweet chili sauce or sriracha.

If you don’t want to serve with white rice you could serve it with Jasmine rice or homemade fried rice. Check out our recipe for hibachi fried rice here!

For a low carb option try serve chicken with cauliflower rice to cut down the carbs.

Whatever you choose, your sweet-and-sour chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to become a favorite in your Instant Pot recipe repertoire!

How To Store Sweet And Sour Chicken Leftovers

To store Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken leftovers, let the meat cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Does Sweet And Sour Sauce Go Bad?

Yes, sweet and sour sauce can go bad. To prevent this, store your sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator.

It’s best to use within 3-4 days after making it, but you can also freeze any leftovers that you do not use right away for later enjoyment.

Can You Freeze Sweet And Sour Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken. Let the meat cool to room temperature before freezing in an airtight container or ziplock bag.

Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let sit in the refrigerator overnight until completely thawed.

How To Reheat Sweet And Sour Chicken

To reheat, heat on the stove over medium-high heat until warmed through, stirring gently as needed to prevent burning. Alternatively

Can I Cook Sweet And Sour Chicken In The Crock Pot?

Yes, you can certainly cook Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken in the crock pot. Simply cook the chicken first and place into the slow cooker with the sweet and sour sauce, slow cooking for 2-3 hours.

How To Bake Sweet And Sour Chicken

To bake Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the chicken breast pieces on a baking sheet, and spread them out evenly.

Then, top with sweet and sour sauce, making sure to completely cover all of the chicken pieces. Bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!

So, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or want to wow your friends with a delicious Instant Pot recipe, Instant Pot Sweet And Sour Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to become a favorite dish on the family dinner menu.

Is Sweet And Sour Sauce Gluten Free?

Yes, most traditonal sweet and sour sauce recipes are gluten-free. However, it’s important to check the ingredients label of your favorite store-bought brands to confirm whether or not they are gluten-free.

Some common ingredients used in sweet and sour sauces that may contain gluten include soy sauce, wheat flour, and barley malt extract. If you prefer to make your own sauce, you can easily make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch as a thickener.

Additionally, you can choose other gluten-free stir-fry ingredients like rice noodles, quinoa or cauliflower rice, and fresh veggies for a healthy, gluten-free meal.

How To Make Sweet And Sour Pork In The Instant Pot

To make Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pork, use pork pieces instead of chicken breast and follow the recipe exactly the same way you would when using the chicken.

How To Make Sweet And Sour Meatballs In The Instant Pot

To make Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs, simply combine your favorite pre-cooked meatballs with a sweet and sour sauce, using the Instant Pot to cook them until they are heated through.

How To Make Sweet And Sour Fish?

To make Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Fish, start by marinating your fish fillets in a sweet and sour sauce of your choice. Then, transfer the fish to the Instant Pot and any additional ingredients you may want, such as chopped vegetables or rice noodles. Pressure cook for 2 minutes.

You can also add in additional veggies or rice for a complete meal that is sure to please the whole family!

Here are some more Easy Instant Pot recipes:

• Instant Pot Chicken Wings with Jalapeno Jelly BBQ
• Honey Chicken in the Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
• Healthy Instant Pot Chicken and Quinoa
• Instant Pot Chicken Stew
• Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos
• Instant Pot Cajun Jambalaya
• Instant Pot Potato Soup
• Instant Pot Coconut Curry Soup
• Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts
• Instant Pot Cinnamon Oatmeal
• Instant Pot Beef and Bean Stew
• Instant Pot Meatballs
• Instant Pot Butter Chicken