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Quick Orange Chicken in the Instant Pot®
This flavorful dish brings together tender chicken and a tangy orange sauce, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the fuss.
◷50 minTotal Time
♜4Servings
▥MediumDifficulty
Ingredients
4servings
Instructions
1
Saut Chicken Pieces
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels, then cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches each. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting on high heat. Once it's hot, add a bit of oil and let it shimmer before tossing in the chicken. Cook it, stirring often, until the pieces start to turn golden—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.
2
Add Orange Juice and Sauce
Next, pour in ¾ cup of orange juice and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this adds great flavor. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, molasses, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, ginger, and rice wine until everything is well combined.
3
Pressure Cook and Release
Lock the lid in place and make sure the vent is sealed. Set the pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build up. After cooking, let it sit with the Keep Warm function on for 10 minutes, then carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method.
4
Thicken the Sauce
Once the lid is off, switch the pot back to sauté on low heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice with the cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture into the pot. Cook, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes, and then let it simmer for a couple more minutes.
5
Let Sauce Thicken
Turn off the sauté function and let the chicken sit for 5 to 7 minutes to let the sauce thicken even more. Give everything a final stir and it’s ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but fast. The Instant Pot makes cooking easy and hands-off, while the bright orange sauce adds a sweet and tangy twist to classic chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed white rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the sauce. Add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for a fresh, crunchy contrast. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep the chicken tender. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
