Imagine a dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, ready in just 25 minutes with minimal effort. This Instant Pot Sweet and Spicy Chicken is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will transform your weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or someone craving bold Asian-inspired flavors, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create a marinade.
- Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Plug in and turn on the Instant Pot, selecting the "Sauté" function to preheat the device.
- Add a small amount of cooking oil to the Instant Pot and allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Carefully place marinated chicken pieces into the Instant Pot, allowing them to brown slightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cancel the "Sauté" mode and secure the Instant Pot lid, setting the valve to "Sealing" position.
- Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode and set the timer for 5 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the valve to "Venting".
- Open the lid and check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- If sauce appears thin, use "Sauté" mode to reduce and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or with your preferred side dishes, garnishing with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor absorption.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching salt intake, and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- For extra heat, increase sriracha sauce; for milder flavor, reduce the amount.
- Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce on "Sauté" mode for an extra minute or two.
- Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking for even more intense flavor penetration.
- Garnish with fresh green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
