Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Pineapple offers an incredible symphony of flavors: lusciously sweet, perfectly savory, and with just the right amount of fiery kick. This vibrant dish is more than just a meal; it’s a tropical escape for your taste buds, brought to life in the convenience of your pressure cooker. Whether served elegantly over a bed of fluffy white rice or enjoyed simply on its own, its rich, thick sauce and tender chicken pieces make it an undeniable family favorite. Prepare to discover your new go-to pressure cooker dinner that’s bursting with the irresistible flavors of the islands.

Are you searching for a vibrant, protein-packed dinner that excites the palate with a delightful balance of sweet pineapple and a gentle spice? Look no further! This easy Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a stellar addition to your collection of quick Instant Pot recipes. My personal connection to these bold, tropical flavors runs deep, having spent the first six years of my life growing up in Hawaii. That unique upbringing instilled in me a profound appreciation for dishes that burst with character, and this Hawaiian chicken truly embodies that spirit.

Crafting Your Perfect Hawaiian Chicken: Chicken Breast or Thighs

When it comes to selecting the perfect cut of chicken for this delectable Hawaiian dish, both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and succulent chicken thighs are excellent choices. This time, we opted for chicken breasts, a lean and versatile protein cherished by many families. However, don’t hesitate to use chicken thighs if that’s what you have on hand or prefer; their slightly higher fat content lends itself to an even juicier, more tender result, absorbing the rich Hawaiian sauce beautifully.

For optimal flavor infusion and even cooking under high pressure, it’s best to cut the chicken into large, uniform bite-sized pieces. This preparation ensures that every morsel is thoroughly coated in the irresistible sauce, allowing the sweet and savory notes to penetrate deeply. Medium-sized pieces strike the perfect balance, preventing the chicken from becoming overcooked or drying out, and ensuring a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Ultimately, the best choice is often what’s readily available or on sale at your local grocery store, making this recipe both flexible and budget-friendly.

Cooking from Frozen: Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken Made Easy

Life gets busy, and sometimes the chicken isn’t thawed. The good news is, cooking frozen chicken in your Instant Pot for this Hawaiian delight is absolutely possible! The key is to have the chicken pieces separated and, ideally, small. If you’re working with fresh chicken diced into small pieces, as detailed in the recipe card below, you’ll only need 6 minutes of high-pressure cooking. If your chicken is frozen solid, slicing it beforehand might not be an option, but don’t worry – there are two simple methods to achieve perfect results:

1. Option 1 (Shredded Chicken): Place the frozen chicken (whole or in larger chunks) into your Instant Pot with 1 cup of broth. Cook under high pressure for 12 minutes, followed by a 1-minute natural release. After releasing the remaining pressure, drain any excess liquid from the pot. Shred the tender chicken directly in the Instant Pot. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the Hawaiian sauce ingredients until smooth. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté mode, pour in the prepared sauce, and let it bubble for a few minutes to thicken. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce, allowing it to warm through and absorb the flavors before serving.
2. Option 2 (Diced Chicken from Frozen): If you want to keep your chicken diced in the sauce, partially cook it first. Place frozen chicken pieces (separated) into the Instant Pot with 1 cup of broth. Cook for 6 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick release. Carefully drain the liquid. At this point, the chicken should be tender enough to slice into bite-sized pieces if needed. Return the chicken to the pot. Then, whisk together the Hawaiian sauce ingredients and pour them over the chicken. Proceed with the remainder of the recipe as directed for fresh chicken, cooking the meat further in the sauce on sauté mode to thicken.

This recipe’s delightful balance of sweet and savory is truly exceptional. The natural sweetness of pineapple is beautifully complemented by a subtle warmth from the Sriracha. The amount of Sriracha is entirely adjustable, allowing you to customize the spice level of your pressure cooker pineapple chicken. The base recipe provides a very mild heat, perfect for sensitive palates, but feel free to increase it for a bolder, spicier experience.

Lightning-Fast Dinner: Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken Cooking Time

One of the most appealing aspects of this Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken recipe is its incredible speed. It only requires a mere 6 minutes of cooking time on high pressure! Factoring in the time it takes for your Instant Pot to come to pressure (typically around 8-10 minutes, depending on the model and amount of liquid), you’re looking at a total preparation and cooking time of approximately 15-20 minutes. This makes it an absolutely perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious, homemade meal on the table in a flash.

While we adore the sweet and savory balance of this dish, if you’re inclined to add an extra layer of warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be stirred in at the end. However, for those who, like us, prefer the inherent sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar to shine, the recipe as written delivers pure tropical bliss without additional heat. The beauty of Instant Pot cooking lies in its efficiency, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful dish in minutes, proving that fast food can indeed be fantastic food.

The Secret to Success: What is Hawaiian Chicken Sauce Made Of?

The heart of this extraordinary dish lies in its incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Hawaiian chicken sauce. This sweet and savory concoction is a delightful blend that coats every piece of chicken, creating an unforgettable experience. You’ll simply whisk together a harmonious mix of:

• Brown Sugar: For that signature sweetness and depth.
• Minced Ginger: Adding a warm, aromatic zest.
• Minced Garlic: Providing a pungent and savory foundation.
• Ketchup: Contributing a tangy, umami-rich component.
• Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of savory, salty flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: For a bright, acidic counterpoint that balances the sweetness.
• Pineapple Juice + Chunks or Tidbits: Essential for the tropical sweetness and texture.
• Diced Onion and/or Small Bits of Bell Peppers: Optional, but they add a wonderful freshness and slight crunch.

The best part? There’s absolutely no need for overnight marinating! This recipe is all about convenience; you simply combine all the ingredients directly in your Instant Pot and let the magic happen. The pressure cooker infuses the chicken with these incredible flavors in a fraction of the time. This versatile sauce isn’t just for chicken either; imagine using it to create a mouth-watering Instant Pot Hawaiian pulled pork, or even drizzling it over leftover meats for an instant flavor upgrade. This sweet and tangy Hawaiian BBQ-style chicken is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation!

Flexibility in the Kitchen: Can You Use Chicken Thighs?

Absolutely! As mentioned earlier, while chicken breasts are a fantastic option, chicken thighs are equally, if not more, delicious in this Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken recipe. They are renowned for their rich flavor and ability to remain incredibly tender and juicy during pressure cooking, absorbing the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully. Many of our Instant Pot chicken recipes are designed with this kind of versatility in mind.

Our philosophy in the kitchen is all about practicality and making the most of what you have. If you happen to buy chicken in bulk or find a great deal on a particular cut, don’t hesitate to use it! Whether it’s boneless, skinless chicken breasts or succulent thighs, this recipe adapts wonderfully. Experimenting with different cuts can not only save you money but might also lead you to discover a new favorite texture and flavor profile for this incredible Hawaiian dish. Always choose what’s most convenient and appealing to you and your family!

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5 from 18 votes

Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

By
Justine

Easy Instant Pot Hawaiian chicken is pineapple sweet with a bit of a kick. Served on top of rice or by itself it’s one of our favorite pressure cooker dinners!

Prep:

15
mins

Cook:

6
mins

Total:

21
mins

Servings:
6

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Equipment

• 1 pressure cooker

Ingredients

• 2
  lbs
  chicken breasts,
  or thighs, boneless, skinless, diced
• 1
  cup
  pineapple juice
• 1
  cup
  pineapple tidbits
• 1/3
  cup
  soy sauce
• 1
  tbsp
  garlic,
  minced
• 1/2
  tbsp
  ginger,
  minced
• 1
  tbsp
  rice vinegar
• 1/2
  cup
  ketchup
• 1/3
  cup
  brown sugar
• 1.5
  tbsp
  Sriracha,
  makes it cut down the sweetness, but not spicy, add more if you want heat
• 1/2
  small
  onion,
  diced, optional
• 3
  tbsp
  cornstarch,
  + 3 tbsp of hot liquid from pot to thicken at end

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Instructions

1. Place your diced (bite-sized) chicken pieces along with all other ingredients listed (except for the cornstarch, which will be used later) into your pressure cooker.
2. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in the sauce mixture.
3. Close the lid and seal the steam valve. Set your pressure cooker to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Turn off/cancel the pressure cooker, then press the sauté button.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of the hot liquid from inside your pot until smooth. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the pot.
6. The mixture should now be bubbling gently on sauté mode. Stir continuously and allow it to bubble for about 1 minute, then turn the pot off.
7. The sauce will have thickened slightly, and it will continue to thicken further as it rests for a few more minutes off the heat.
8. Serve this delicious Hawaiian chicken as is, or classically on top of a bed of rice. Enjoy!

Video

A video tutorial for this recipe would typically appear here.

Nutrition

Serving: 3oz,
Calories: 348kcal,
Carbohydrates: 42g,
Protein: 34g,
Fat: 4g,
Cholesterol: 96mg,
Sodium: 1168mg,
Potassium: 847mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 34g,
Vitamin A: 195IU,
Vitamin C: 19mg,
Calcium: 48mg,
Iron: 1.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Entree, Main Course

Cuisine:
American, Hawaiian

📷


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Beyond the Instant Pot, this delightful Hawaiian chicken recipe can also be prepared in a slow cooker for those days when you prefer a “set it and forget it” approach. For detailed instructions on our Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken, be sure to check out our dedicated guide. While it entails a longer cooking time, we believe in providing a variety of options to suit every schedule and preference, ensuring you can enjoy these fantastic flavors any way you choose.

When it comes to serving, this Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken truly shines atop a mound of perfectly cooked Instant Pot white rice. I often prepare the rice simultaneously in my Instant Pot mini, making meal prep incredibly efficient. For a lighter, lower-carb option, consider serving it alongside a vibrant side salad or a medley of steamed or roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic with additional fresh fruit for the kiddos, or simply on its own for a quick and satisfying meal. The possibilities for customization are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Chicken

If you’re still craving more island-inspired flavors, our list of must-try recipes includes a fantastic Hawaiian pork chops recipe that promises another delightful culinary adventure. This versatile Hawaiian chicken can be enjoyed in various ways: spooned over Ninja Foodi rice, or even shredded and tucked into warm tortillas to create amazing Hawaiian chicken tacos. Whichever way you choose to serve it, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Versatile Cooking: Ninja Foodi & Other Pressure Cookers

Rest assured, this fantastic Hawaiian chicken recipe isn’t exclusive to one brand of appliance. You can effortlessly prepare this dish using a Ninja Foodi recipe, a Crockpot Express, Mealthy, or virtually any other brand of electric pressure cooker. The operational principles across these devices are remarkably similar, meaning the cooking times and steps outlined in this recipe will translate seamlessly. The beauty of modern kitchen technology is its interchangeability, allowing you to enjoy this delicious, quick, and easy meal regardless of your specific pressure cooker model.

Explore More Irresistible Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

Once you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavor of this Hawaiian chicken, you’ll be eager to discover more incredible Instant Pot chicken creations. We have a treasure trove of recipes designed to make your busy life simpler and more delicious:

• Our Pressure Cooker Chicken and Rice is another beloved family favorite, offering a comforting and complete meal cooked in mere minutes. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily add extra protein or incorporate leftovers. Just be mindful that creamy condensed soups used in this recipe might not pair well with fruit.
• For a dish with a similar texture and appeal but a distinctly different Asian-inspired flavor profile, try our Instant Pot Sesame Chicken. It’s wonderfully savory and quick to prepare.
• If you enjoy a bit more heat, our Spicy Honey Instant Pot Chicken is a perennial hit, having been pinned over 100,000 times and consistently earning rave reviews for its perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

For those truly pressed for time, a clever “cheater version” of Hawaiian chicken is always an option. You can craft a simplified dish using readily available store-bought ingredients, such as a pre-made barbecue sauce combined with a can of pineapple chunks. This approach is reminiscent of our Instant Pot Orange Chicken recipe, which expertly blends barbecue sauce with pineapple for a quick, flavorful meal. Alternatively, our incredibly simple 3-ingredient Ninja Foodi Chicken Breast recipe also offers a convenient and delicious solution for hectic evenings. These convenient options ensure that a fantastic, flavorful meal is always within reach, even on the busiest days.

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