Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of sweet and tangy orange sauce right to your table. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, as you can prepare it quickly and enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish stands out with its sticky sauce and fluffy rice, making it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can whip up this meal in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Sauce: The sweet and tangy orange sauce is packed with flavor, elevating simple chicken to gourmet status.
• One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, which means less cleanup for you after dinner.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust spice levels or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
• Healthy Option: This recipe uses lean proteins and fresh ingredients, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to make Instant Pot Orange Chicken.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Measuring cups
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Trivet (2.5-inch tall)

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This versatile appliance saves time by cooking food quickly under pressure while infusing rich flavors.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors in your dish.
• Trivet: Allows for pot-in-pot cooking, making it easy to prepare rice alongside your chicken without them mixing.

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!

Ingredients:
– 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 Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
1. Zest of 1 orange
2. 1/2 cup orange juice
3. 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey or pure maple syrup)
4. 1/4 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: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the Instant Pot and turn on sauté mode. Once hot:
* Add the cut chicken pieces.
* Brown them for about 4–5 minutes until they are lightly golden.
* Press Cancel to turn off sauté mode.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Pour the prepared orange sauce over the browned chicken in the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 5: Cook Rice Using Pot-in-Pot Method

To cook rice along with chicken:
* Place a 2.5-inch tall trivet inside the Instant Pot over the chicken.
* In a separate oven-safe bowl, combine:
– 1 cup rinsed long grain white rice
– 1 cup water
* Place this bowl on top of the trivet.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release valve to sealing position:
* Select Manual/Pressure Cook function.
* Set cooking time for 4 minutes at high pressure.

Step 7: Release Pressure

Once cooking ends:
* Allow pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes.
* Carefully switch steam release valve to venting position for quick release of any remaining pressure.

Step 8: Open Lid and Remove Rice

When pressure is fully released:
* Open the lid carefully.
* Use oven mitts to remove the bowl with rice from the trivet, then set aside.

Step 9: Thicken Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon water

Pour this mixture into the Instant Pot:
* Turn on sauté mode again and stir until sauce thickens—this should take just a minute or two.

Step 10: Serve

Serve your delicious instant pot orange chicken over fluffy rice:
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired!

How to Serve Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Serving Instant Pot Orange Chicken can elevate your meal experience, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Here are some delicious ways to present this flavorful dish.

On a Bed of Rice

• Fluffy Jasmine Rice – Serve the orange chicken over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the sweet and sticky sauce.
• Coconut Rice – For a tropical twist, pair it with coconut rice, which adds an aromatic flavor.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli – Add vibrant green steamed broccoli for a healthy crunch that complements the dish.
• Roasted Bell Peppers – These add color and sweetness, enhancing the overall taste profile of your meal.

Topped with Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of freshness.
• Sesame Seeds – A light sprinkle of sesame seeds provides a nice texture and nutty flavor.

As Part of a Larger Meal

• In a Wrap – Use tortilla wraps to create delicious orange chicken wraps, adding lettuce and shredded carrots for crunch.
• Over Quinoa – Serve it over quinoa for a protein-packed alternative that pairs well with the sauce.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Orange Chicken

To ensure your Instant Pot Orange Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Adjust Sweetness – Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar or honey to suit your taste preferences.
• Cut Chicken Evenly – Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking throughout.
• Allow Natural Pressure Release – This step helps keep the chicken tender and juicy by allowing it to finish cooking gently.
• Thicken Sauce Appropriately – Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry thoroughly so that there are no lumps in your sauce.
• Garnish Creatively – Don’t hesitate to add extra garnishes like sliced cucumbers or cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Instant Pot Orange Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Fried Rice – A classic choice that complements the flavors of orange chicken while adding texture.
2. Asian Slaw – A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings freshness to your plate.
3. Steamed Dumplings – Soft dumplings filled with vegetables or chicken make an excellent side that everyone loves.
4. Garlic Noodles – Tossed in garlic butter, these noodles add richness and depth alongside the orange chicken.
5. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad with sliced cucumbers and a tangy dressing balances out the sweetness of the chicken.
6. Stir-Fried Bok Choy – Quick stir-fried bok choy offers a nutritious side that pairs beautifully with Asian flavors.
7. Sweet Potato Mash – Creamy sweet potato mash provides a sweet contrast that enhances the overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Instant Pot Orange Chicken can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure a delicious result.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always measure your orange juice, soy sauce, and sugar precisely. This balance affects the sauce’s flavor.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the chicken adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this; it’s essential for a richer taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can make the chicken dry. Stick to the recommended cooking time for juicy results.
• Ignoring natural pressure release: Allowing pressure to release naturally helps maintain moisture in the chicken. Be patient; it enhances texture.
• Not using rinsed rice: Rinsing rice helps remove excess starch, which prevents it from becoming gummy. Always rinse your rice before cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the dish cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instant Pot Orange Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label with a date for easy tracking of freshness.

Reheating Instant Pot Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil, heating for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Instant Pot Orange Chicken gluten-free?

You can substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

Can I use other proteins for Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

Yes! You can use beef, turkey, or lamb as alternatives that will work well with this recipe.

What should I serve with Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out flavors.

Can I customize the spice level of Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

Absolutely! Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preference or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.

How do I store leftovers from Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is not only quick and easy but also delivers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious meal that pleases everyone at the table!

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