Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic takeout dish, offering a burst of citrus flavor combined with tender, juicy chicken pieces. This recipe captures the essence of a beloved Chinese-American staple while allowing you to whip it up quickly and easily in your Instant Pot. The sweet and tangy orange sauce envelops the chicken, making it an irresistible meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household for several reasons. First, the flavor profile of the orange chicken is utterly delectable. The balance of sweet orange juice, savory soy sauce, and a hint of ginger creates a pleasing taste that tantalizes the palate. Second, the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to prepare this meal in under 30 minutes. Finally, it fits well with various diets, as you can easily adjust the ingredients to be gluten-free, low-carb, or even dairy-free.
Tips and Tricks
To make your Instant Pot Orange Chicken even more delicious, consider these tips and tricks:
- Marinate: If time allows, marinate your chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will deepen the flavor.
- Use Fresh Orange Juice: For the best flavor, freshly squeeze your oranges instead of using store-bought juice.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and stir it into the sauce after cooking.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, toss in some bell peppers or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make components of this dish ahead of time:
- Marinated Chicken: Prepare your chicken with marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Sauce Preparation: You can mix the orange sauce ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Cooked Chicken Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Recipe Variations
Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Pineapple Orange Chicken: Incorporate pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
How to Serve
Serve your Instant Pot Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish it with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and visual appeal. A side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad complements this dish beautifully.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this flavorful dish with a chilled glass of Riesling or a light, citrusy cocktail like a Mimosa. For side dishes, consider serving with fried rice or vegetable spring rolls. For dessert, a light sorbet or fruit salad would cleanse the palate perfectly.
How to Store
To store your leftovers, place the orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, ensure it’s cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container; it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and microwave or heat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
Equipment Needed
You will need an Instant Pot for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can use a stovetop pressure cooker, but adjust cooking times as necessary. A whisk and measuring cups will also come in handy for mixing your sauce ingredients.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken, and opt for a vegan-friendly soy sauce. For a nut-free version, ensure your sauces do not contain any nuts and use alternatives if needed.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, consider using fresh oranges for juicing and zesting, while in winter, you can use mandarin oranges for a sweeter flavor. Incorporate seasonal vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully for this recipe and provide a richer flavor.
How long does it take to cook?
The cooking time is about 10 minutes under pressure, plus time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
Can I substitute orange juice?
You can use other citrus juices like tangerine or grapefruit for a unique flavor twist, but the taste will vary.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic takeout dish, offering a burst of citrus flavor combined with tender, juicy chicken pieces.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
- Sauté Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once hot, add sesame oil and the marinated chicken (discard marinade). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Pressure Cook: Add the remaining marinade to the pot. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: After cooking, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Thicken Sauce (optional): If desired, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and simmer on sauté mode until thickened.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 433Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 1078mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 2gSugar: 14gProtein: 56g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Orange Chicken is not only a quick and delicious meal but also a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy every bite!
