Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of orange zest and juicy chicken together in a sweet and sticky sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe allows everything to cook at once in your Instant Pot, making it not only delicious but also convenient. The fluffy rice complements the tender chicken beautifully, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than an hour, perfect for busy schedules.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of fresh orange juice, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering sauce that will impress everyone.
• One-Pot Wonder: With the Instant Pot, you can cook your entire meal—chicken and rice—in one go, reducing cleanup time.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes based on your preference.
• Healthy Option: This dish uses lean chicken and can be made with minimal added sugars, making it a healthier choice for dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Instant Pot Orange Chicken, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that make the cooking process easier and more efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowls
• Trivet
• Cutting board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multi-purpose cooker speeds up cooking time while retaining flavors and nutrients.
• Trivet: Helps elevate the rice above the liquid while cooking, ensuring perfect texture without burning.
• Mixing Bowls: Ideal for whisking together sauces and marinades before adding them to the pot.

Ingredients

Instant Pot Orange Chicken with a sweet and sticky orange sauce and fluffy rice. This orange chicken recipe is easy to make and everything cooks at once in your Instant Pot – even the rice!

• zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup orange juice (from 1 large orange)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey or pure maple syrup)
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs or tenders)
• 1 cup long grain white rice such as jasmine or basmati (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 green onions (sliced)
• sesame seeds

How to Make Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 2: Cut the Chicken

Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the Instant Pot and turn on sauté mode.
* Add the chicken pieces to the pot.
* Brown them for about 4–5 minutes. It’s okay if they don’t brown too much; this step enhances flavor.
* Press cancel to turn off sauté mode.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour the prepared orange sauce over the browned chicken. Stir well to combine and scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Cook Rice in Pot-in-Pot Method

For pot-in-pot cooking:
* Place a 2.5-inch tall trivet inside the Instant Pot over the chicken mixture.
* In a separate bowl, combine rinsed rice with 1 cup water.
* Place this bowl on top of the trivet. If using another method for rice cooking, follow package instructions separately.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set the steam release valve to sealing position.
Use Manual/Pressure Cook function:
* Set cook time to 4 minutes at high pressure.
* The Instant Pot will take around 10 minutes to build pressure before starting its countdown.

Step 7: Release Pressure

Once cook time ends:
* Allow natural pressure release for about 10 minutes.
* Carefully quick-release remaining pressure by turning steam release valve to venting position. Press Cancel to stop warming mode.

Step 8: Open Lid

When pin drops down:
Open the lid carefully. If you cooked rice pot-in-pot:
Use oven mitts to remove it safely from inside. Set aside and remove trivet from pot.

Step 9: Thicken Sauce

In a small bowl:
Stir together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until smooth.
Pour this slurry into your Instant Pot:
Turn on sauté mode again. Stir until sauce thickens—this should take just a couple of minutes. Once thickened, press Cancel.

Step 10: Serve

Serve your delicious chicken over fluffy rice garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired! Enjoy this tasty meal with family or friends!

How to Serve Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Serving Instant Pot Orange Chicken is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and creating a well-rounded meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.

Over Fluffy Rice

• Serve the orange chicken over fluffy rice for a comforting and filling dish. Jasmine or basmati rice works perfectly to soak up the sweet and sticky sauce.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pair the chicken with a medley of steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. This adds color, nutrition, and a satisfying crunch to your plate.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fun twist, serve the orange chicken in fresh lettuce leaves. This makes for a light and refreshing option that’s great for gatherings.

On Noodles

• Serve over noodles such as chow mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist. The noodles will absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully.

With a Side Salad

• A crisp side salad featuring mixed greens, cucumbers, and sesame dressing complements the sweetness of the chicken nicely.

As Meal Prep Bowls

• Divide the orange chicken into meal prep containers with rice and veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Orange Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot Orange Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried options.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preferences; this allows you to control the sweetness level.
• Thicken Sauce Properly: Ensure you give enough time for the cornstarch slurry to thicken; this gives your dish that perfect sticky consistency.
• Avoid Overcrowding: If you’re making a larger batch, cook in batches so that each piece of chicken browns properly for maximum flavor.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest before serving helps retain more moisture and flavor.
• Experiment with Veggies: Add vegetables directly into the pot during cooking for added texture and nutrition; bell peppers or snow peas work well.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Orange Chicken

A well-balanced meal deserves equally delicious side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to complement your Instant Pot Orange Chicken.

1. Fried Rice: A quick stir-fried rice dish loaded with veggies adds extra flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with orange chicken.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar balances out the sweetness of the chicken.
3. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide a crunchy contrast that complements the softness of the dish.
4. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat make for an exciting side that adds crunch.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings a comforting element to your meal and enhances its Asian flair.
6. Quinoa Salad: Light yet filling quinoa salad mixed with herbs offers a nutritious alternative to traditional sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people rush through the process of making Instant Pot Orange Chicken and end up with less-than-perfect results. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the browning step: This step adds depth of flavor. Always brown the chicken in the Instant Pot before adding your sauce.
• Using too much liquid: Overloading with liquid can lead to a soupy dish. Stick to the recipe measurements for optimal texture.
• Not allowing natural pressure release: Rushing this step can result in tough chicken. Let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes.
• Ignoring the cornstarch slurry: This thickens your sauce. Always mix it separately and add it at the end for a glossy finish.
• Cooking rice without rinsing: Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing clumping. Make sure to rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container. Keep your Instant Pot Orange Chicken in a sealed container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Enjoy within this time frame for best quality.

Freezing Instant Pot Orange Chicken

• Use freezer-safe containers. Choose containers that can withstand freezing temperatures.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best taste, consume sooner rather than later.

Reheating Instant Pot Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for 1-2 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a quick and easy dish made with tender chicken coated in a sweet and sticky orange sauce, all cooked conveniently in an Instant Pot.

Can I use other proteins for Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

Yes! Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or even lamb for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To increase spice levels, add more red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers when preparing the sauce.

What can I serve with Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs well with fluffy rice or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it over noodles for a delightful twist.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

The total cooking time is about 44 minutes, including preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

Conclusion

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by swapping proteins or adjusting sweetness levels according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful meal that comes together quickly and effortlessly!