This Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a delightful balance of tangy and sweet, with a hint of spice that makes it irresistibly flavorful. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying. The chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with a rich orange sauce that’s made from freshly squeezed oranges, soy sauce, and a touch of honey for sweetness. The best part? It all comes together in the Instant Pot, making it a breeze to cook and leaving you with minimal cleanup. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3-4 oranges)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or your favorite hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sauté for about 5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the Instant Pot, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, ginger, and sriracha (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Add the chicken back to the Instant Pot, stirring to coat with the sauce. Close the lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on ‘Manual’ (high pressure) for 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Thicken the Sauce: Open the lid and set the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Serve: Turn off the Instant Pot. Serve the orange chicken over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy your zesty and comforting Instant Pot Orange Chicken!
