Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken
Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken
Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken is better than takeout. Sweet and savory combine in this dish, and bring you incredible flavor. Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, in a delicious homemade sauce! You can’t go wrong with this Instant Pot Chicken Recipe.
Grab some cilantro rice and serve it right next to this pineapple chicken. The rice soaks up all the sauce and transforms the dish. My entire family goes nuts for this recipe.
Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken
The best part of all is this chicken recipe requires basic everyday ingredients. It is so simple to prep it makes it a no brainer for serving up for dinner!
Can You Freeze Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken
Yes, I walk you through all the steps below in recipe card! I show you how you can meal prep this recipe for future meals. How to assemble once cooked and more!
It is a fantastic Instant Pot freezer meal to get set up for later in the month. I pull this out on nights I know I need a hands-off approach to dinner.
Keep reading till you get to the recipe card for the easiest dump and go Instant Pot freezer directions.
Can Use Pre-Cooked Chicken
You can use leftover pre-cooked chicken if you have some on hand. Just make sure the chicken is mellow in flavor so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients used.
What Type of Pineapple Works Best in Pineapple Chicken
Canned pineapple chunks, sliced or even crushed all work great. If you are a fan of fresh pineapple feel free to chop it up and use that as well. The only thing is I use the juice and all with can so added pineapple juice would be needed.
Best Sides for Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken
- Cilantro Lime Rice | This is a copycat version to Chipotle. It is light and fluffy and offers a tasty flavor that pairs great with this chicken.
- Regular Rice | Long grain rice, brown rice or even cauliflower rice works! Any rice you enjoy is always great.
- Salad | Whip up a green side salad for a crisp and light side dish. I would use a vinaigrette dressing.
How to Thicken Sauce in Pineapple Chicken
I make a cornstarch slurry that I pour in at the end and stir. It will then slowly begin to thicken as it warms up. Then after awhile, you get a really thick and flavorful sauce that sticks to pineapple and the chicken.
Keep reading till you get to the recipe card for the easiest dump and go Slow Cooker freezer directions.
Best Way To Store Leftover Chicken and Pineapple
Spoon mixture into an airtight container and toss in the fridge. If you plan to meal prep use single-serve containers. I even toss in rice at the bottom so it’s fully ready to grab and go.
What Does Natural Pressure Release Mean
When you see that you need to naturally release the pressure that means to allow the pressure to naturally release. Simply click to keep warm, and then wait for 10 minutes. Then open the valve to help release any leftover pressure in the Instant Pot. By allowing it to naturally release for ten minutes you are helping to finish cooking and tenderizing the meat.
You have to ensure you do the 10-minute natural release or your recipe will not be finished.
Can I Add Onions and Peppers to My Pineapple Chicken
Absolutely! You will see some recipes like adding in chopped peppers and onions. If you want to do this, use one onion and one bell pepper. Slice and toss in to cook! It adds even more flavor to the recipe.
Give this recipe a try today and see how you like it! We are loving the fresh and tasty flavors of this Instant Pot pineapple chicken recipe.
For a delicious one pot meal, serve with Instant Pot Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice or Instant Pot White Rice.
Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken breasts (buy the strips if possible), cut into 1" cubes (FOR FREEZER MEAL: you can opt to use 2 lbs of frozen shredded chicken)
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 (20 oz) can Pineapple Chunks with juice
- 1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
- 1 TBSP Minced Garlic
- **After cooking**
- 1 TBSP Corn Starch
- 1 TBSP Water
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients (except the "after cooking" items) into your pot.
- Set Instant Pot to high pressure for 12 minutes. Lock lid and make sure vent is closed. When coking time ends, Do a natural release for 10 minutes and than release remaining pressure.
- Combine cornstarch with 1 TBSP of water. Add to your pot. Stir into sauce to thicken. You can turn pot to saute to promote thickening.
- Serve with Instant Pot Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice or Instant Pot White Rice.
Notes
To FREEZE: Put all ingredients (except "after cooking" items) into a Ziploc bag. Seal bag. Date & include these notes: EMPTY INGREDIENTS OF PINEAPPLE CHICKEN BAG INTO POT. PC - 12 MIN + 10 NR. ADD CORNSTARCH/WATER TO THICKEN.
To REHEAT:
- Empty contents of your pineapple chicken freezer bag in to your pot.
- Manual High pressure for 12 min. When cooking cycle ends do a natural release for 10 minutes. Then release remaining pressure.
- Give a good stir. If any of your pineapple chicken still seems a bit frozen, put back on PC for 1 or 2 minutes depending on how much more cooking you may need.
- Combine cornstarch with 1 TBSP of water. Add to your pot. Stir into sauce to thicken. You can turn pot to saute to promote thickening.
- Serve with Instant Pot Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice or Instant Pot White Rice.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 552Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 193mgSodium: 1367mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 1gSugar: 38gProtein: 73g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
