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why make this recipe

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a popular takeout dish at home. By using the Instant Pot, you save time while still achieving tender, flavorful chicken coated in a zesty orange sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family or friends with a tasty meal without the fuss of complicated steps.

how to make Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup + 2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons orange juice
4 green onions (sliced)
Orange zest

Directions:

In a small bowl, add the 2 eggs and whisk them together.
In another bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch; mix well.
Pat the chicken dry using a paper towel.
Dip the chicken pieces into the whisked eggs, then coat them in the flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour and set aside. Repeat this for all chicken pieces.
On the Instant Pot, press the Sauté button. Wait until the indicator shows HOT, then pour in the vegetable oil.
Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until both sides are golden brown.
Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Deglaze the pot with 1 cup of orange juice, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to remove any stuck food.
Stir in the minced ginger, minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, granulated sugar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Sriracha, and crushed red pepper.
Add the chicken back into the pot and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
Close the lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to sealing. Press the manual or pressure cook button and set it for 5 minutes on high pressure.
Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Remove the lid, and press the sauté button again.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons orange juice until smooth.
Pour this mixture into the Instant Pot and gently stir to combine. Let it simmer for 3 minutes.
Turn the Instant Pot off and let the chicken sauce thicken for about 5 minutes.
Serve the orange chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onions and orange zest.

how to serve Instant Pot Orange Chicken

This Orange Chicken is best served over a bed of fluffy rice. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Don’t forget to add extra green onions and a sprinkle of orange zest on top for extra flavor and presentation!

how to store Instant Pot Orange Chicken

To store any leftovers, place the orange chicken in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly when ready to enjoy again.

tips to make Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Make sure to pat the chicken dry. This helps it get crispy when sautéed.
Adjust the level of Sriracha and crushed red pepper to your spice preference.
Using fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor, but you can use powdered versions if that’s what you have on hand.
Serve with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a delicious side dish.

variation

You can switch up the protein in this recipe by using shrimp or tofu for a different twist on this orange sauce. You can also try adding different vegetables to the pot to make it even more nutritious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If you only have frozen chicken, you will need to increase the cooking time.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can also make orange chicken in a regular skillet or a traditional pressure cooker. The cooking time may vary.

How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch mixed with a little water to the sauce while it’s simmering. Adjust until you reach your desired consistency.