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Boy, do I have a treat for you today! Ever craved for a dish that screams 'sweet, tangy and savory' all in one go? Well, look no further. I'm sharing my instant pot pineapple chicken recipe, my own kitchen triumph. It's bursting with juicy chicken, tropical pineapple, and a sauce you won't believe was this easy to make. Trust me, once you try this, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance! Let's dive into the magic.
Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken in the Instant Pot
- Chicken thighs: Tender and flavorful, they absorb the sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, adding richness to the dish.
- Pineapple chunks: Provide natural sweetness and tropical flavor, balancing the savory elements of the dish for a delightful taste.
- Soy sauce: Infuses the dish with umami depth and savory notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
- Brown sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness to the sauce, creating a perfect balance with the tangy pineapple and savory soy sauce.
- Ketchup: Offers a touch of acidity and sweetness, complementing the other flavors in the dish for a well-rounded taste.
- Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and savory undertones, elevating the overall flavor profile of the pineapple chicken dish.
- Ginger: Adds a warm and spicy kick, infusing the dish with a fresh and zesty flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, creating a glossy and velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Water: Helps to create a slurry with cornstarch, thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating the chicken.
- Green onions: Fresh and vibrant, they add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor, enhancing the presentation and taste.
- Cooked rice: Serves as a base for the flavorful pineapple chicken, soaking up the delicious sauce and providing a satisfying meal.
Read more: Instant Pot Chicken Recipes Guide
Essential Tools for Making This Instant Pot Recipe
- Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the chicken quickly and infusing flavors efficiently.
- Knife: Needed to cut the chicken thighs into chunks for even cooking and better texture.
Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken Recipe Guide
This Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that combines savory and sweet flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Green onions chopped, for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Read more: Instant Pot Chicken Recipe Guide
Instructions:
- In the Instant Pot, combine chicken, pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once done, do a quick pressure release and open the lid.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir into the chicken mixture in the Instant Pot.
- Select the sauté function and cook until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
- Serve the pineapple chicken over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 32gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 1100mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Preparing and Storing Pineapple Chicken Ahead of Time
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the pineapple chicken as directed in the recipe.
- Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Freezing Instructions
- Allow the pineapple chicken to cool completely.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that can help tenderize meat, making it a great addition to marinades for chicken dishes like this one.
Read more: Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe Guide
Common Questions About Making Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken
FAQ:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but be mindful of adjusting the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple?
Absolutely, fresh pineapple can be used in place of canned pineapple. Just make sure to cut it into small chunks.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce if I have a soy allergy?
You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using an instant pot?
Yes, you can cook this pineapple chicken on the stovetop. Just simmer it in a covered pot until the chicken is cooked through.
How long can I store leftovers of this pineapple chicken?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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