Craving the vibrant, sweet, and tangy flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout? Look no further! This incredible recipe for Easy Instant Pot Orange Chicken brings that beloved restaurant taste right into your kitchen with minimal effort. Imagine succulent, tender chicken pieces generously coated in a zesty, aromatic sauce crafted from real orange juice, fresh ginger, rich soy sauce, and a hint of fiery sriracha. It’s a dish that promises to transform your weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary, delivering a burst of authentic flavor in every bite.
Effortless Takeout-Style Orange Chicken at Home
The allure of takeout on a hectic weeknight is undeniable. However, frequent takeout can be costly, and for those managing specific dietary needs or monitoring sodium and sugar intake, it often leaves you wanting more control. This is precisely where our homemade Instant Pot Orange Chicken shines. It offers all the comfort and deliciousness of your favorite Chinese restaurant dish, but with the added benefits of fresh, wholesome ingredients and complete control over what goes into your meal.
For anyone who has felt intimidated by preparing Asian-inspired dishes at home, rest assured, this recipe is designed for simplicity. Forget complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The magic of this orange chicken lies in its straightforward approach and a harmonious blend of common pantry staples. The vibrant kick comes predominantly from the fresh orange juice, aromatic ginger, and a dash of sriracha, beautifully balanced by savory garlic, a touch of tomato sauce, and classic soy sauce. It’s a perfectly balanced, flavorful meal that you can enjoy as a satisfying main course over fluffy rice, tender noodles, or as a low-carb protein option.
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Creating this irresistible orange chicken couldn’t be simpler, thanks to a thoughtful selection of ingredients. We’ll break down what you’ll need to achieve that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. For precise measurements and nutritional information, remember to check the full recipe card at the end of this post.
For the Irresistible Chicken and Zesty Sauce
- Chicken: The star of our dish! You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into uniform 1 to 2-inch chunks. Thighs tend to stay slightly juicier under pressure, but breasts work beautifully for a leaner option.
- Tomato Sauce: This versatile ingredient adds a wonderful depth and subtle tang to the sauce, helping to balance the sweetness of the orange and contributing to its rich color.
- Orange Juice: The heart of the orange flavor! For the smoothest sauce, opt for pulp-free orange juice. However, if you enjoy a little texture, or if that’s what you have on hand, orange juice with pulp works just fine. Freshly squeezed is always a fantastic choice for maximum flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, it helps create a lightly browned exterior before pressure cooking, locking in moisture and flavor. Any neutral-flavored oil like canola or grapeseed oil would also be suitable.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger is highly recommended here, as its vibrant, spicy, and aromatic notes truly elevate the sauce. If fresh ginger isn’t available, a good quality ground ginger can be substituted; just use a slightly smaller amount as its flavor is more concentrated.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar provide a crucial acidic counterpoint to the sweet and savory elements, brightening the overall flavor profile. Rice vinegar is another excellent option that adds an authentic touch.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers a pungent, essential aroma and flavor. Similar to ginger, garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh always offers a more dynamic taste.
- Soy Sauce: A cornerstone of Asian cuisine, soy sauce provides umami and saltiness. For dietary considerations, feel free to use tamari (gluten-free) or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
- Sriracha Sauce: This popular chili sauce is key for adding a garlicky, spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of heat – a little goes a long way!
- Orange Zest: The outer peel of an orange contains potent essential oils that infuse the sauce with an intense, fresh orange aroma. If fresh oranges aren’t available, you can omit this, but it truly enhances the dish.
For the Cornstarch Slurry – The Secret to a Perfect Glaze
- Cornstarch and Water: A small mixture of cornstarch and cold water is essential for creating a “slurry.” This magical concoction is stirred into the cooked sauce at the end to thicken it into that signature shiny, glossy, and deliciously sticky glaze we all adore in orange chicken.
For Serving – Completing Your Takeout Experience
- Rice: Classic and comforting, jasmine rice or regular long-grain white rice are perfect companions for soaking up all that amazing orange sauce. Brown rice is a healthier alternative.
- Chives or Green Onions: Finely chopped fresh chives or vibrant green onions provide a beautiful pop of color, a hint of fresh oniony flavor, and a delightful garnish.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using frozen chicken is a convenient option for busy days. When using frozen chicken, you’ll need to increase the pressure cook time by approximately 2 to 4 minutes. It’s crucial to always verify that the chicken is fully cooked through by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached this temperature, simply secure the lid again and pressure cook for additional 2-minute intervals until it’s perfectly done.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Instant Pot Orange Chicken
One of the many reasons to adore this recipe is its sheer simplicity and the Instant Pot’s incredible versatility. You’ll use your Instant Pot for multiple functions – first as a sauté pan, then as a pressure cooker, and finally back to sauté mode to achieve that perfectly thick, glossy sauce. This multi-functional approach minimizes clean-up and maximizes flavor!
- Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken: Begin by activating the “Saute” function on your Instant Pot, setting it to Medium heat. Once the display indicates “Hot,” add the vegetable oil. Allow it to heat for a moment, then introduce your cubed chicken, fresh grated ginger, and orange zest. Stir-fry constantly for about 3 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. This step is crucial for building a foundational layer of flavor.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients and Pressure Cook: Carefully add the remaining sauce ingredients into the Instant Pot, stirring everything thoroughly to ensure all components are well combined. Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) function and set it to “High” pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow Natural and Quick Pressure Release: Once the 10-minute pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This period helps the chicken absorb more flavor and remain tender. After 10 minutes, carefully move the steam release valve to “Venting” to perform a quick release of any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, it’s safe to open the lid.
- Thicken the Sauce to Perfection: With the lid removed, select the “Saute” function again, this time setting it to “Low” heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually pour the slurry into the simmering sauce in the Instant Pot, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a beautiful, glossy, and sticky glaze consistency.
- Serve and Savor: Turn off your Instant Pot. Your homemade orange chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm over a bed of fluffy white rice or noodles, and garnish generously with fresh chopped chives or vibrant green onions for a touch of freshness and color.
Why is my Instant Pot chicken rubbery?
Achieving perfectly tender chicken is key to a delicious meal. If you find your Instant Pot chicken comes out with a moist yet rubbery texture, it generally indicates that it needs a little more cooking time. While the chicken might have reached a safe internal temperature, a few extra minutes of simmering in the flavorful sauce can work wonders to tenderize it further, making it irresistibly soft and succulent. Don’t hesitate to let the chicken continue to simmer in the thickened sauce until it reaches your desired texture.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Orange Chicken
While this Instant Pot Orange Chicken recipe is designed to be incredibly easy and quick, a few expert tips can elevate your dish from good to absolutely phenomenal. Keep these helpful hints in mind to ensure your homemade orange chicken turns out perfect every time:
- Make It Saucier: If you’re someone who loves extra sauce to generously coat your rice or noodles, feel free to increase the quantities of all sauce ingredients by 50% or even double them. This modification won’t affect the cooking time and will result in a more luxuriant, saucy dish.
- Adjust the Heat Level: The beauty of homemade cooking is customization! You have complete control over the spice level. Reduce the amount of sriracha for a milder flavor, omit it entirely for a kid-friendly version, or add an extra dash for a more intense kick. For a sweeter, less spicy alternative, sweet chili sauce can be used in place of sriracha.
- Explore Noodle Pairings: While rice is a classic choice, don’t limit yourself! This orange chicken also pairs wonderfully with various noodles. Consider serving it over delicate vermicelli noodles, hearty lo mein, or even wide rice noodles for a different texture and experience.
- Ensure Proper Browning: Don’t skip the initial sautéing step for the chicken. Browning the chicken before pressure cooking adds a crucial layer of flavor through the Maillard reaction, resulting in a richer, more complex taste in your final dish.
- Avoid the “Burn” Notice: To prevent a burn notice, especially if your Instant Pot is prone to it, make sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing the chicken. Scrape up any stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon before adding the other liquid ingredients.
Elevate Your Meal: Inspired Serving Suggestions
Transform your delicious Instant Pot Orange Chicken into a complete, restaurant-quality feast with these delightful pairing suggestions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a family meal, these additions will complement the vibrant flavors of the orange chicken beautifully:
- Flavorful Fried Rice: Nothing says “takeout feast” like a side of fried rice! Our Easy Shrimp Fried Rice with Pineapple is a colorful and flavorful homemade option that will perfectly complement the orange chicken. The sweet pineapple and savory shrimp create a harmonious balance that takes any meal to a whole new level.
- Soothing Egg Drop Soup: For a light and comforting start to your meal, a bowl of homemade Egg Drop Soup is a perfect choice. This restaurant-style favorite offers a soothing, mild warmth that beautifully balances the bold flavors of the orange chicken. It’s incredibly easy to make and adds an authentic touch to your Asian-inspired dinner.
- Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken: Why choose just one chicken dish when you can have two? Serving this tangy Instant Pot Orange Chicken alongside Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken creates an exciting contrast of flavors and textures. The sweet and savory notes of the honey sesame chicken provide a wonderful counterpoint to the zesty tanginess of the orange chicken, making for a truly memorable meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: For a fresh and healthy addition, serve your orange chicken with a side of perfectly steamed broccoli florets, snap peas, or mixed stir-fry vegetables. They add color, crunch, and essential nutrients, complementing the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- Fresh Spring Rolls: Light and refreshing, homemade or store-bought spring rolls with a sweet chili dipping sauce offer a delightful appetizer that won’t overwhelm the main course.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Leftovers
This Instant Pot Orange Chicken is not only fantastic fresh, but it also makes for wonderful leftovers, perfect for meal prepping. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its delightful flavors for days to come:
- To Refrigerate: Allow the orange chicken to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen beautifully overnight!
- To Freeze: For longer storage, place the cooled chicken and its sauce into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to loosen it.
Orange Chicken in the Instant Pot – Recipe Card
Print Recipe
Orange Chicken in the Instant Pot
Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes
15 minutes
20 minutes
10 minutes
45 minutes
6
Ingredients
For Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 – 2 inch pieces (you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Cornstarch Slurry:
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ tablespoons water
Optional:
- Rice, for serving
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the pressure cooker. Choose Saute option on medium heat.
- Add the oil to the Instant Pot. When heated, add the chicken, ginger, and orange zest. Saute for 3 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Mix well until combined.
- Close the lid, set the valve to “sealed,” and select High Pressure. Set the time for 10 minutes.
- When the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then slide the valve to “vent” to quickly release the remaining pressure.
- Select the Saute function again, this time on low heat.
- In a bowl mix the cornstarch and water to make the slurry. Add the slurry to the chicken inside the Instant Pot and mix well.
- Cook on the Saute function for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Serve over rice, and garnish with fresh chives or green onions.
- You can also serve over vermicelli noodles, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Discover More Asian-Inspired Delights
If you’ve enjoyed the convenience and incredible flavors of this Instant Pot Orange Chicken, we invite you to explore more of our easy-to-make Asian-inspired recipes. Expand your culinary horizons and bring a world of taste to your dinner table with these fantastic dishes:
- Pad See Ew: A beloved Thai stir-fried noodle dish featuring wide rice noodles, tender meat, and Chinese broccoli in a savory sauce.
- Instant Pot Mongolian Beef: Experience tender, flavorful beef in a sweet and savory sauce, made effortlessly in your Instant Pot.
- Easy Chicken Stir Fry: A versatile and quick weeknight meal packed with colorful vegetables and succulent chicken, all tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce.