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Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken

Tender chicken thighs in a sweet-savory pineapple sauce made quickly in the Instant Pot.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time4 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lb chicken thighs cut into 1–2 inch pieces
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 20 oz pineapple chunks (canned) do NOT drain; reserve 1/4 cup pineapple juice before adding rest to pot
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice or water; used to mix with cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch for initial slurry
  • 4 green onions sliced, for garnish
  • sesame seeds for garnish
  • slivered almonds for garnish

Instructions

  • Open the pineapple can and reserve 1/4 cup of the juice; leave the pineapple chunks and remaining juice in the can to add to the pot.
  • Add the chicken pieces, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), brown sugar, and the pineapple chunks with their remaining juice to the Instant Pot; stir to combine.
  • Close and seal the lid. Set the Instant Pot to Poultry or Manual on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
  • When cooking finishes, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
  • Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté on LOW. In a small bowl, whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice until smooth and lump-free.
  • Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot and gently stir. Simmer on Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, a few minutes.
  • If a thicker sauce is desired, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon reserved juice, add to the pot, and cook until thickened.
  • Let the chicken stand 5–7 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Serve over rice and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and slivered almonds.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Rubber spatula or spoon
  • Can opener

Notes

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid excessive saltiness.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
  • Substitute 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup for brown sugar if desired.
  • One teaspoon ground ginger can replace fresh ginger but will be less bright.
  • Ensure cornstarch is fully dissolved in juice to prevent lumps.