If you are craving a bright, tangy, and irresistibly saucy dish that comes together in almost no time, this Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Perfectly tender chicken pieces coated in a vibrant orange sauce bursting with fresh citrus, a hint of sweetness, and just the right amount of heat make every bite a delightful experience. Using the Instant Pot means you get all those complex flavors developed quickly, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want to impress without fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a staple you turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken thighs to the perfectly zesty orange juice and the savory soy sauce, every item is essential to creating that characteristic, mouthwatering dish we all love.
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that soaks up the sauce beautifully; breasts can be used but thighs yield better texture.
- â…“ cup all purpose flour: Helps create the perfect light coating that crisps slightly and thickens the sauce; can substitute with gluten-free blend if needed.
- ½ tsp. salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ tsp. black pepper: Adds mild warmth and depth to the chicken.
- 2 Tbsp. oil (olive or avocado): Used for sautéing, it prevents sticking and helps build flavor from the start.
- 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil: Adds a rich nutty aroma that complements the orange glaze perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced): Provides aromatic depth and a touch of pungency.
- ½ tsp. ginger paste: Brings brightness and a subtle spicy warmth; fresh minced ginger works just as well.
- ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed): The star ingredient, giving the sauce its signature zesty sweetness and acidity.
- 1 Tbsp. orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor making every bite extra vibrant.
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce or Tamari: Balances the sweetness with umami and saltiness; Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
- 2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce naturally and helps caramelize during cooking.
- 1-2 tsp. chili garlic paste: Adds a pleasant kick and depth of flavor; adjust based on how spicy you want it.
- Sesame seeds (toasted, optional): Great for garnish, adding crunch and nutty flavor.
- Green onions (optional): Freshly sliced for a pop of color and mild oniony freshness.
- Basmati rice or cauliflower rice: Perfect to serve underneath and soak up the luscious sauce.
How to Make Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing your cubed chicken thighs in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. This simple coating primes the chicken pieces to develop a light crust and gently thicken the sauce later on. Take your time to ensure every piece is evenly coated—this step makes a difference in both texture and flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Orange Sauce
Combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic paste in a bowl, whisking it all together until well blended. This vibrant sauce mixture is where the magic happens—each element perfectly balances the others to create that classic orange chicken taste.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and heat up the olive (or avocado) oil along with the toasted sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for just a minute or two until fragrant. Next, add the coated chicken cubes, letting them brown slightly on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot really well afterward to prevent any stuck bits; this small step is key to avoiding that frustrating BURN error later.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Pressure Cook
Pour the orange sauce over the sautéed chicken, making sure to lift the chicken from the bottom so no bits are left sticking. Seal the Instant Pot lid and close the pressure valve. Set it to cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before opening. This gentle finish ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy while the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully open the lid, give the sauce a stir to coat the chicken well, and turn off the Instant Pot. Serve the chicken hot over fluffy basmati rice or light cauliflower rice, sprinkling sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for that final pop of texture and fresh flavor. Get your chopsticks ready because you are about to dig into something pretty spectacular!
How to Serve Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you add that finishing touch that takes your Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe from delicious to extraordinary. Toasted sesame seeds lend a subtle crunch and nuttiness, while thinly sliced green onions brighten each bite with their mild onion flavor and add eye-catching color. Fresh orange zest sprinkled lightly over the top can also intensify the citrus punch.
Side Dishes
This orange chicken shines best when paired with simple sides designed to soak up the luscious sauce. Basmati rice is a classic, fluffy pillow to catch every drip of sauce. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice works beautifully, making the meal a bit lower in carbs but just as satisfying. Steamed broccoli or snap peas offer a crisp vegetable contrast and a fresh burst of color.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress family or guests? Serve the Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe in shallow bowls to show off the glossy sauce with a sprinkle of cilantro or chopped peanuts for a crunchy surprise. You can also wrap the chicken and sauce in warm lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld meal or pile the chicken high on a bed of fried rice for a hearty one-pan twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your freshly made orange chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The sauce continues to develop even after cooking, so leftovers can taste even better the next day!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Frozen orange chicken will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your orange chicken, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot. Add a splash of water or extra orange juice if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Stir well to restore that glossy, saucy texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be substituted if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs tend to remain juicier and more tender after pressure cooking, making the dish more flavorful and less prone to drying out.
Is it okay to use bottled orange juice for this recipe?
While fresh orange juice and zest provide the brightest and most authentic flavor, bottled juice can work in a pinch. If using bottled juice, try to find one that is 100% juice without added sugars for the best taste and health benefits.
Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
Definitely! The chili garlic paste controls the heat, so add more for a spicy kick or reduce it if you prefer a milder sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili for extra heat.
What can I use to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce feels too watery after pressure cooking, you can turn on the Sauté function again and simmer it for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken up quickly.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can whisk together the orange sauce ingredients a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This saves time on the day you cook and helps the flavors marry together nicely before adding to the Instant Pot.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe is a vibrant, comforting, and downright addictive dish that fits perfectly into busy lives without sacrificing flavor or fun. The balance of tangy orange, sweet brown sugar, and savory soy sauce combined with tender chicken will have you coming back to this recipe again and again. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your home too!
Print
Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
This Instant Pot Orange Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tangy and slightly spicy twist on a classic favorite, ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken thighs are coated, sautéed, and pressure-cooked in a vibrant orange sauce made with fresh juice, soy sauce, and chili garlic paste, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s served best over basmati or cauliflower rice and garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- â…“ cup all purpose flour (or gluten-free 1-to-1 blend)
- ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
Cooking Oils and Aromatics
- 2 Tbsp. oil (olive or avocado)
- 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ½ tsp. ginger paste (or fresh, finely minced)
Orange Sauce
- ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 Tbsp. orange zest
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce or Tamari (Tamari or coconut liquid aminos)
- 2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1–2 tsp. chili garlic paste (depending on desired spice level)
Optional Garnishes and Serving
- Sesame seeds (toasted, optional)
- Green onions (optional)
- Basmati rice or cauliflower rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with flour or starch, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat each piece thoroughly, ensuring an even, light coating that will help thicken the sauce during cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic paste until fully blended. Set this mixture aside for later use to infuse the chicken with tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
- Add Everything to the Instant Pot: Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and add the olive or avocado oil along with the toasted sesame oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger paste and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the coated chicken cubes and sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remember to scrape the bottom of the pot carefully to lift any browned bits, preventing the ‘burn’ error during pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Pour the prepared orange sauce over the sautéed chicken. Secure the Instant Pot lid and close the pressure valve. Set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes. After the cooking time ends, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes to let the flavors develop fully and keep the chicken tender.
- Serve the Chicken: Open the pressure valve and remove the lid carefully. Serve the orange chicken over warm basmati or cauliflower rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy this vibrant, flavorful meal freshly made!
Notes
- Using chicken thighs provides more moisture and tenderness, though chicken breasts can be substituted for a leaner option.
- Scraping the bottom of the Instant Pot after sautéing is essential to avoid the burn warning and achieve perfect cooking.
- Adjust chili garlic paste according to your preferred spice level, starting with less and adding more if desired.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest contribute the best flavor; bottled juice may alter taste slightly.
- Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and green onions adds texture and enhances presentation.
