Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors with tender chicken, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness. The best part? Everything cooks together in your Instant Pot, including the fluffy rice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: With just 4 minutes of cooking under pressure, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
• One-Pot Wonder: This recipe allows you to cook the chicken and rice simultaneously, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
• Flavorful Sauce: The sweet and sticky orange sauce elevates the dish, providing a burst of citrus that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the spice level or swap in your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your process and ensure everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Trivet

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker saves time and energy by cooking meals quickly while retaining moisture and flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients before adding them to the pot, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Trivet: Allows you to cook rice separately while steaming the chicken above it, maximizing efficiency.

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 Orange Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
1. Zest of one orange
2. ½ cup of fresh orange juice
3. ¼ cup brown sugar
4. ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
5. 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
6. 2 cloves minced garlic
7. 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
8. A pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired)

Step 2: Cut the Chicken

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Pour one tablespoon of olive oil into your Instant Pot and select sauté mode:
* Add the cut chicken to the pot.
* Brown the chicken for about 4–5 minutes until slightly golden.
* Press Cancel to stop sautéing.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Pour the prepared orange sauce over the browned chicken:
* Stir well to combine, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 5: Cook Rice Separately or in Pot-in-Pot

For pot-in-pot cooking:
* Place a trivet inside your Instant Pot over the chicken mixture.
* In an oven-safe bowl, combine one cup of rinsed rice with one cup of water.
* Set this bowl on top of the trivet.

If you do not have an oven-safe bowl, cook rice separately according to package instructions.

Step 6: Seal and Cook

Close your Instant Pot lid:
* Turn steam release valve to sealing position.
* Select Manual/Pressure Cook function; set timer for 4 minutes on high pressure.

Step 7: Release Pressure Naturally

Once cooking completes:
* Allow pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes.
* Carefully switch steam release valve to venting position for quick release if needed.

Step 8: Open Instant Pot

Once pin drops down:
* Open lid carefully.
* If using pot-in-pot method, remove rice bowl using oven mitts.

Step 9: Thicken Sauce

In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of water:
* Pour this slurry into your Instant Pot.
* Turn on sauté mode again; stir until sauce thickens (about a minute).

Step 10: Serve

Serve your flavorful orange chicken over fluffy rice:
* Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Serving Instant Pot Orange Chicken can elevate your meal experience, making it a delightful dish for family dinners or gatherings. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this flavorful dish.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition, providing a nice crunch against the tender chicken.
• Sautéed Snap Peas: Quick sautéing enhances the sweetness of snap peas, complementing the orange sauce beautifully.

Use as a Filling

• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the orange chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
• Tacos: Incorporate the chicken into soft tortillas with avocado and salsa for a unique twist.

Create a Bowl Meal

• Rice Bowl: Serve the chicken and sauce over a generous portion of fluffy rice, topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
• Quinoa Bowl: For a healthier grain option, serve with quinoa garnished with lime juice and cilantro.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Orange Chicken

To ensure your Instant Pot Orange Chicken turns out delicious every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold Flavors: Enhance the sauce by adding extra ginger or garlic for more depth.
• Proper Browning: Sauté the chicken until lightly browned before pressure cooking to lock in flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh orange juice and zest to maximize flavor; bottled juices often lack freshness.
• Thick Sauce: Adjust cornstarch slurry as needed for your desired sauce thickness; add more if it’s too thin.
• Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cook time; overcooking can make chicken dry. Stick to 4 minutes at high pressure.
• Natural Release: Allow natural pressure release for better texture and moisture retention in the chicken.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Complement your Instant Pot Orange Chicken with delicious side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Coconut Rice: The creamy coconut flavor pairs well with orange chicken, adding richness to each bite.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of your favorite vegetables stir-fried in soy sauce brings color and crunch.
3. Egg Fried Rice: This classic side is easy to prepare and absorbs the sweet orange sauce perfectly.
4. Mango Salad: Fresh mango slices mixed with greens create a sweet contrast that balances the savory chicken.
5. Crispy Wontons: Fried wontons offer a crispy texture that complements the tender chicken nicely.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, brightening up the overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Instant Pot Orange Chicken can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the browning step: This step adds depth and flavor to the chicken. Always brown your chicken before adding the sauce for the best taste.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get it right.
• Ignoring natural pressure release: Allowing natural pressure release helps maintain moisture in the chicken. Don’t rush this process; wait at least 10 minutes.
• Overcooking the rice: If you’re cooking rice in the Instant Pot, make sure you follow the recommended water-to-rice ratio. Too much water can lead to mushy rice.
• Forgetting to scrape the bottom: Bits stuck to the pot can cause a burn notice. Always scrape up any bits after browning chicken before adding liquids.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Instant Pot Orange Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure it cools down before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Instant Pot Orange Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Instant Pot Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange sauce, all cooked efficiently in an Instant Pot.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs add more flavor and remain juicy. Feel free to use boneless, skinless thighs or tenders based on your preference.

How do I customize my Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during cooking, or adjust sweetness with more or less sugar based on your taste.

Is there a substitute for soy sauce?

Absolutely! You can use tamari or coconut aminos as alternatives if you’re looking for gluten-free options or lower sodium content.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! You can double the ingredients while keeping the same cooking time. Just ensure your Instant Pot has enough capacity to handle the larger volume.

How do I serve Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

Serve it over fluffy rice topped with green onions and sesame seeds. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness level. Give this recipe a try; your family will love its sweet and sticky goodness!

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