Why I Love This Recipe
I am super excited to introduce my uber-delicious, jaw-dropping Easy Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Orange chicken has been on my list for quite a while and I finally got around to making it in the Instant Pot. I am so happy I did it because it is our new favorite! And no eggs require. Woohoo!! The luscious orange sauce is totally customizable: you can add more or less ginger, garlic, soy… anything that makes your taste buds happy! This Easy Instant Pot Orange Chicken is one of those recipes that the whole family will request again and again. If you’re a fan of orange chicken, give this one a try. You’ll love it. The orange sauce is heavenly! It is a sweet-citrusy orange sauce made with orange juice, sugar, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, cayenne pepper, and orange zest. It is both sweet and spicy and full of flavor.
Ingredients Notes & Substitutions
Chicken: This version of the popular takeout dish is made with boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces, dredged, and then lightly fried until crispy. Feel free to use boneless chicken thighs if that it’s what you prefer. Shaoxing wine: If you don’t have or find Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine), substitute it with dry sherry. Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce to your liking. ¼ teaspoon was too much heat for my kids so I am planning to add just a pinch next time.
Step By Step Recipe Photo Tutorial
1 – Make the Sauce
Place orange juice, sugar, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, Chinese wine, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, cayenne pepper, and orange zest in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
2 – Coat the Chicken
Place the cornstarch, salt, and pepper together in a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake until the chicken is well-coated.
3 – Brown the Chicken
Turn the Instant Pot ON, select “sauté” mode, and adjust the heat to more. When hot, add oil. Add the chicken in batches, making sure not to crowd the pot, and cook for about 2 minutes per side or until the cornstarch coating is slightly crispy and dry. Transfer the chicken to a plate and repeat with any remaining chicken. Press “cancel”. NOTE: You can also sauté the chicken in a skillet over the stove
4 – Add the Sauce and Cook
Return chicken to the pot and pour the sauce over it. Secure the lid to the Instant Pot, close the pressure valve and select “manual” or “high pressure” and cook for 10 minutes. When the time is over, carefully turn the valve to “venting” to release the pressure. Then remove the lid. Press “Cancel”. Turn the Instant Pot ON and select “sauté” mode, adjust heat to normal. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until no lumps. Pour mixture over the chicken; mix to combine. Simmer for 1 – 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serving Ideas
Serve orange chicken with white rice, fried rice, or cauliflower rice.
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Recipe Card 📖
