Zesty Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Say goodbye to greasy takeout and hello to a homemade delight! This **Instant Pot Orange Chicken** recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, creating a dish that’s incredibly saucy, bursting with zest, and remarkably easy to prepare. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality orange chicken experience right in your own kitchen.

The Instant Pot transforms a classic takeout favorite into a speedy, healthier meal. Forget long marinating times or complex cooking methods; this recipe leverages the power of pressure cooking to infuse tender chicken with a vibrant orange sauce, all while ensuring minimal cleanup. It’s an ideal solution for those hectic weeknights when you crave something delicious and comforting without the fuss.

Effortlessly Delicious: Your Guide to Simple Instant Pot Orange Chicken

If you, like many, have a soft spot for the comforting taste of Chinese takeout, prepare to fall in love with this Instant Pot Orange Chicken. This isn’t just any orange chicken; it’s a fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly wholesome version that rivals your favorite restaurant dish, often surpassing it in flavor and quality. The best part? You’re in complete control of the ingredients, ensuring a meal that’s free from unwanted additives and packed with natural goodness.

This recipe focuses on simplicity without compromising on taste. Our goal is to empower you to create a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort, making your Instant Pot an indispensable tool in your kitchen arsenal. We’ve designed this dish to be incredibly flavor-forward, with a sauce so good you’ll want to savor every drop. And to make it a complete meal, we’ll even guide you through cooking crisp-tender green beans right alongside your chicken, all within the same amazing Instant Pot.

Essential Ingredients for Your Zesty Orange Chicken

The heart and soul of any great orange chicken recipe lies in its sauce, and ours is truly exceptional – simple, fresh, and designed to be better for you. We believe in building layers of flavor with foundational ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to craft this irresistible glaze:

• Fresh Orange Juice: This is the star! Opt for 100% pure orange juice, ideally freshly squeezed, for the brightest and most authentic flavor. Avoid juices with added sugars or concentrates for the best results.
• Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Provides that essential umami depth and savory balance. For a gluten-free option, tamari works beautifully without compromising on taste.
• Natural Honey: Our preferred natural sweetener, honey adds a lovely golden hue and complements the orange notes perfectly. You can adjust the quantity to suit your desired sweetness level.
• Sriracha: Just a touch of sriracha introduces a subtle warmth and a gentle kick, elevating the flavor profile without making the dish overly spicy. Feel free to adjust based on your preference for heat.
• Cornstarch: This acts as our thickening agent, transforming the liquid sauce into a luxurious, glossy glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Beyond the luscious sauce, you’ll also need a few other key components to bring this meal to life:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, chicken breast is perfect for this quick-cooking recipe. Ensure it’s cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Coconut Oil: Ideal for browning the chicken, coconut oil imparts a subtle richness and has a high smoke point. Any neutral cooking oil, like avocado or olive oil, can be used as a substitute.
• Fresh Green Beans: These add a wonderful crisp texture and a pop of green to your plate, cooked perfectly in the Instant Pot alongside the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and green beans to taste, enhancing all the natural flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Creating this flavorful Instant Pot Orange Chicken is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect, saucy, and tender chicken dish every time:

1. Prepare Your Orange Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce (or tamari), honey, and sriracha until well combined. Set this delightful concoction aside, as it will be the heart of your dish.
2. Slice the Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and dice them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces roughly 1-inch in size to ensure even cooking and optimal sauce coating. Pat them dry with paper towels to encourage better browning.
3. Brown the Chicken: Activate the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and add 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Once the oil is shimmering and fragrant, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sauté for about 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor.
4. Deglaze with Sauce: Turn off the Sauté function. Carefully pour the prepared orange sauce into the Instant Pot. Immediately use a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This “deglazing” prevents the dreaded “burn” notice and adds immense flavor to your sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat it in the sauce.
5. Pressure Cook the Chicken: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place. Rotate the steam release valve to the Sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting on High pressure and set the timer for 4 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally build pressure, which typically takes 10-15 minutes, before the cooking countdown begins.
6. Integrate Green Beans: Once the 4-minute cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of pressure by carefully turning the steam release valve to the Venting position. Once all the steam has escaped and the float valve has dropped, open the lid. Immediately arrange the trimmed green beans on top of the cooked chicken. It’s important NOT to mix them into the liquid; they will steam cook beautifully on top. Lightly season the green beans with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Steam Green Beans: Place the lid back on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to Sealing. Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on High pressure for ‘0 minutes’. This unique setting brings the pot back to pressure just long enough to perfectly steam the green beans without overcooking them, ensuring they remain vibrant and crisp-tender.
8. Thicken the Sauce: After the ‘0-minute’ cycle, perform another quick release and carefully remove the lid. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked chicken and green beans to a serving dish, leaving the luscious sauce in the Instant Pot. In a small bowl, whisk 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of the hot sauce from the pot to create a smooth slurry.
9. Final Toss and Serve: Turn the Sauté function back on for the Instant Pot. While constantly whisking, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the pot. Continue to whisk gently for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce begins to bubble and thickens to your desired consistency. Once thickened, return the chicken and green beans to the Instant Pot and toss everything thoroughly to coat it evenly in the glorious orange sauce.

Your homemade Instant Pot Orange Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying and wholesome meal.

Mastering the Art of Sauce Thickening for Perfect Orange Chicken

The final, magical step to truly transforming this dish into orange chicken heaven is achieving that perfect, glossy, and clingy sauce. After the chicken and green beans are cooked, the sauce in the Instant Pot will be thin. This is where a simple thickening technique comes into play to create a rich, restaurant-style glaze.

To begin, ensure you’ve removed all the cooked chicken and green beans from the Instant Pot, leaving only the flavorful liquid behind. Now, for the thickening agent, we’ll be using cornstarch. The trick to avoiding lumpy sauce is to create a “slurry” first. In a separate small bowl, combine a portion of the hot sauce (about 1/4 cup) with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Whisk this mixture vigorously until it’s completely smooth and free of any lumps. This slurry prevents the cornstarch from clumping when added to the larger volume of hot liquid.

Once your slurry is ready, return your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce in the Instant Pot while continuously whisking. Keep stirring gently but consistently. You’ll notice the sauce begin to bubble and visibly thicken within 2-3 minutes. Continue to cook and whisk until it reaches your desired consistency – a beautifully glossy glaze that will lovingly coat every piece of chicken.

Substitution Idea: While cornstarch is our go-to for its effectiveness, you can absolutely experiment with other natural thickeners. Tapioca flour or arrowroot powder are excellent gluten-free alternatives that will yield similar results. Just remember to create a slurry with cold water (or a small amount of cold sauce) first, regardless of the thickener you choose, to ensure a silky-smooth finish.

Craving More?

Discover Our Healthy Orange Sesame Chicken!

If you’re searching for an even healthier alternative to your favorite Panda Express Orange Chicken, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our delicious recipe for Healthy Orange Sesame Chicken – it’s packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients!

Get the Recipe

Orange Chicken 101: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions and helpful tips to ensure your Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a resounding success every time.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. They offer a richer flavor and tend to be more forgiving, staying moist even if slightly overcooked. If you opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, remember to remove the skin and bones before dicing them into bite-sized chunks, just as you would with chicken breasts. The cooking time in the Instant Pot will remain largely the same, but the depth of flavor from the dark meat will add a wonderful dimension to your orange chicken.

What should I serve with this delicious orange chicken?

This Instant Pot Orange Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Our preferred way to serve it is alongside fluffy white rice to soak up all that incredible sauce, complemented by a crunchy green vegetable like our perfectly steamed green beans. However, feel free to customize your meal with these fantastic options:

• Instant Pot Brown Rice: For a healthier, fiber-rich option that’s still super easy to make.
• Quinoa: A complete protein and another excellent whole-grain alternative that cooks quickly.
• Cauliflower Rice: A fantastic low-carb option that absorbs flavors wonderfully.
• Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve over cooked lo mein or rice noodles.
• Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast.

Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh sesame seeds or a garnish of chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal!

What other vegetables can I substitute or add to this recipe?

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can truly make it your own by incorporating your favorite vegetables! While green beans are a fantastic choice, here are some other excellent options that work well with orange chicken, along with a tip for cooking them in the Instant Pot:

• Broccoli Florets: Add them at the same stage as the green beans (after the chicken cooks, during the ‘0 minute’ steam cycle) for vibrant, tender-crisp results.
• Cauliflower Florets: Similar to broccoli, these can be added during the ‘0 minute’ steam cycle.
• Halved Brussels Sprouts: For a slightly nutty, robust flavor, add them with the green beans. They’ll soften nicely without becoming mushy.
• Bell Peppers (sliced): Add red, yellow, or orange bell peppers with the green beans for a pop of color and sweetness. They cook quickly and retain a nice crunch.
• Snow Peas or Snap Peas: These delicate peas cook very quickly. Add them at the very end, perhaps even after the sauce is thickened, and simply let the residual heat warm them through to maintain their crispness.

Remember, the goal is to cook these vegetables until they are tender-crisp, so the ‘0 minute’ steam method is often ideal for firmer veggies like broccoli and cauliflower.

How long does Instant Pot orange chicken last in the fridge?

This Instant Pot Orange Chicken makes for excellent leftovers! Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will maintain its quality and delicious flavor for 3 to 5 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping your lunches or dinners throughout the week. When reheating, a quick warm-up in the microwave or a skillet on the stovetop will bring it back to life.

Can I freeze orange chicken for later?

Yes, absolutely! This Instant Pot Orange Chicken is freezer-friendly, making it an excellent option for long-term meal planning. To freeze, allow the cooked orange chicken to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag (like a Stasher bag or vacuum-sealable bag). Ensure as much air as possible is removed from the bag to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the orange chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave. You might want to add a tiny splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick after thawing and reheating.

4.50 from 18 votes

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

This Instant Pot Orange Chicken is saucy, flavorful, and so easy to make! All you need is your Instant Pot and the ingredients and you will have delicious take-out-tasting orange chicken in less than 30 minutes!

By:
Linley Hanson

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cook:

18 minutes
mins

Total:

28 minutes
mins

Servings:
4

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Ingredients

Orange Chicken Sauce

• ▢
  2/3 cup 100% orange juice
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  2 tablespoon soy sauce, or tamari
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  2 tablespoon honey
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  1 teaspoon sriracha
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  2 teaspoons cornstarch

Chicken

• ▢
  1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
• ▢
  2 tablespoon coconut oil, or more, if needed
• ▢
  12 oz. green beans, trimmed
• ▢
  salt, to taste
• ▢
  pepper, to taste

Instructions

• First, prepare orange chicken sauce by mixing together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Set aside.
• Next, prepare chicken by thinly slicing into bite-sized pieces.
• Turn on your Instant Pot’s saute feature and add 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
• When the coconut oil is fragrant, add chicken breast and saute for 1.5 minutes on each side to lightly brown.
• Then, turn off the saute feature and pour in sauce to deglaze your pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape all of the little bits off of the bottom of the pot and to toss the chicken in the sauce.
• Cover your Instant Pot, turn the valve to seal. Set your Instant Pot to manual > high > and set the timer to 4 minutes. It will take 10-15 minutes to build pressure before your Instant Pot starts counting down from 4 minutes.
• While your Instant Pot is heating up, prepare the green beans. Trim the ends off of your green beans and set aside.
• Once the timer goes off, quick release your Instant Pot. Open the lid and then immediately add the green beans on top of the chicken. DO NOT MIX WITH LIQUID. Lightly season green beans with salt and pepper.
• Put the lid back on and turn the valve to seal. Set your Instant Pot to manual > high > and set the timer to ‘0 minutes.’ Again it will take some time for the pressure to build.
• Once the timer goes off, remove the lid and then remove everything from the Instant Pot, but the sauce. Place about 1/4 cup of the sauce into a small bowl and whisk in 2 teaspoons of cornstarch to create a slurry.
• Turn on the Instant Pot’s saute feature and then whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for around 3 minutes or until the sauce bubbles and thickens.
• Finally, add the chicken back into the Instant Pot and toss to coat.
• Serve orange chicken next to the green beans with fresh orange zest and your favorite grain.

Watch It

Nutrition

Calories:
337 kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
23 g

,

Protein:
42 g

,

Fat:
9 g

,

Fiber:
4 g

,

Sugar:
14 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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