Instant Pot Orange Chicken
I have always been a fan of Chinese takeaway and learning to cook Instant Pot Orange Chicken in the pressure cooker was both exciting and fun.
This Chinese Instant Pot Orange Chicken dish is so easy to make at home It has a tangy taste and is an all-time favorite. It’s great to be able to make homemade orange chicken and it’s a super easy recipe to follow.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe
- Flavorful Feast: The tangy, sweet, and spicy orange sauce makes every bite delightful.
- Effortless Cooking: The Instant Pot ensures a fuss-free preparation and quick cleanup.
- Restaurant Quality: Enjoy a homemade version of your favorite Chinese takeout dish.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed for Instant Pot Orange Chicken:
For the Chicken and Batter
- Chicken Breast: The protein base of the dish, it’s lean and absorbs flavors well.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps create a crispy, golden exterior on the chicken.
- Cornstarch & All Purpose Flour: Form the batter that gives the chicken its crispy coating.
- Eggs: Help the batter adhere to the chicken and add richness to the dish.
Orange Chicken Sauce Ingredients
- Orange Juice: Provides a fresh, tangy sweetness that is the hallmark of orange chicken.
- Fresh Ginger & Minced Garlic: Add aromatic, spicy notes that balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity, balancing out the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Create a sticky, caramel-like sauce that coats the chicken.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth to the sauce.
- Sriracha Sauce & Red Pepper Flakes: Add heat to the dish, which can be adjusted to taste.
Cornstarch Slurry Ingredients
- Cornstarch & Orange Juice: This mixture thickens the sauce so it clings to the chicken, intensifying the flavor in every bite.
Garnish For Instant Pot Orange Chicken
- Green Onions: Add a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich, sweet and spicy sauce.
- Fresh Orange Zest: Enhances the orange flavor and adds a bright, citrusy note to finish the dish.
How to Make Instant Pot Orange Chicken?
Here are the step-by-step instructions for pressure cooker orange chicken:
Step One: Cut Chicken Breast
Cut your chicken breast or chicken thighs into small 1-2 inch chunks.
Step Two: Prepare Egg Mixture
Add 2 eggs to a small bowl and whisk.
Step Three: Combine Flour and Cornflour
In a separate bowl add your corn starch and all-purpose flour and mix to combine.
Step Four: Cover Chicken Pieces With Egg and Flour
Dip the chicken chunks into the whisked eggs and then into the flour mixture.
Shake off any excess flour and set to the side. Repeat until all your chicken pieces are coated.
Step Five: Saute Chicken in Hot Oil
Turn your pressure cooker onto Saute Mode. Add the oil to the inner pot. Once the oil has heated, add the chicken and saute for 2-3 minutes.
Turn your tender chicken over and over for an even cook. Cook until it just starts to get golden brown.
Step Six: Remove Chicken and Deglaze Instant Pot
Remove the coated chicken and set it to the side. Deglaze the pot with 1/4 cup orange juice and scrape any brown bits with a wooden spoon.
Step Seven: Make Sticky Orange Sauce
Add all the sauce ingredients to the Instant Pot. This includes orange juice, fresh ginger, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, sriracha and red pepper flakes.
Stir gently until all the ingredients are combined.
Step Eight: Add Chicken to Orange Sauce Mixture
Add the chicken To the Instant Pot and toss until the chicken pieces are coated in the sticky Orange sauce.
Step Nine: Pressure Cook Orange Chicken
Close the Instant Pot Lid, seal the vent and select the manual button.
Pressure cook your orange chicken recipe for 5 minutes on High pressure followed by 10 minutes of natural release.
Step Ten: Add Cornstarch Slurry to Instant Pot
Release the remaining pressure from your Instant Pot by opening the vent. Open the lid and select the Sauté function again.
In a medium bowl combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the 2 Tablespoons of orange juice. Whisk until all combined with no lumps.
Add the mixture to the Instant Pot and gently stir to combine.
Step Eleven: Simmer the Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Simmer the orange chicken recipe for 2-3 minutes. Then turn the Instant Pot off. Allow the chicken to thicken for 5 minutes.
Step Twelve: Garnish and Serve
Serve this Orange chicken Instant Pot recipe over rice and garnish with fresh chopped green onion, red chilis, and extra orange zest.
Your homemade Instant Pot Chinese Orange Chicken is now ready to enjoy!
What to Serve With Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken is delicious on its own, but to truly round out your meal, you can pair it with a variety of side dishes.
Some great options include steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as green beans or steamed broccoli.
You can also include other familiar Asian-inspired dishes like pot stickers or soba noodles for an extra layer of flavor.
If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, try pairing orange chicken with small portions of your favorite protein such as shrimp or pork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Orange Chicken?
Orange Chicken is a popular Chinese dish made from bite-sized pieces of chicken that are usually pan-fried until crispy, and then coated in a sweet and tangy sauce.
This Chinese Instant Pot dish can be served with rice or noodles and is typically garnished with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavour and texture.
Is Orange Chicken Spicy?
The original dish is not typically spicy, but it can be made so depending on the type of sauce used.
Many restaurants will serve their Orange Chicken with a side of hot or mild chili flakes so that diners can adjust the heat to their liking. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce or omit the number of chili flakes in the recipe.
Is Orange Chicken Sweet?
The main component of an Orange Chicken dish is the sauce, which is typically a combination of soy sauce, orange zest and juice, as well as brown sugar or honey for added sweetness.
Panda Express Orange Chicken
This recipe is similar to Panda Express Orange chicken a popular Chinese takeaway dish in North America.
This version of orange chicken is made using the Instant Pot and tastes just as good as the orange flavor of Panda Express Orange Chicken.
Is Orange Chicken Healthy?
While orange chicken is usually fried in high-fat ingredients such as oil, it can also be prepared using a healthier cooking method such as pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken allows you to significantly reduce the amount of fat used in a recipe while still creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Additionally, this dish is packed full of protein from the chicken breasts as well as important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and iron.
Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or a healthy and delicious meal to serve to guests, Instant Pot Orange Chicken is the perfect choice when combined with other healthy options.
How Many Calories in Orange Chicken?
The number of calories in orange chicken can vary depending on the recipe used, as well as how it is cooked.
Typically, a single serving of orange chicken contains between 250 and 500 calories.
To reduce the number of calories in your dish, try using less oil when you saute the chicken pieces.
Homemade Orange Chicken: Cheaper Than Takeout
Looking for a tasty and easy Chinese dish? Give this recipe for Instant Pot Orange Chicken a try today! It’s budget friendly and much cheaper than takeout!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Orange Chicken Recipe?
No. You’ll need to use fresh skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, as frozen chicken breasts won’t coat properly for cooking.
Best Type of Orange Juice for Instant Pot Orange Chicken
When making Instant Pot Orange Chicken, you’ll want to use a high-quality fresh orange juice variety that is free from additives and preservatives.
Some great options include Ocean Spray, Naked Juices, or Simply Orange. You can also make your orange juice by squeezing two cups of orange juice from fresh oranges.
How to Thicken Orange Sauce?
If you need to thicken up the orange sauce then here is a quick how-to guide.
Place the cooked meal on Saute mode for 2-3 minutes.
Whisk together cornstarch and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl.
Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of corn starch slurry to the sauce.
Mix into the sauce and thicken for 1 minute and leave to thicken naturally.
If the sauce thickens too much, add another 1/4 cup of water and mix well.
Side Dishes for Orange Chicken
Add side dishes such as brown rice noodles or white rice, and steamed dumplings or buns. Additionally, you might consider serving your orange chicken with a bowl of hot and spicy soup such as spicy chicken noodle or miso soup.
Whatever side dishes you decide to serve, this delicious Instant Pot orange chicken recipe is sure to be a hit with friends and family!
Can Dogs Eat Orange Chicken?
No! Dogs should not eat orange chicken, as it may contain ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic and Sriracha that can be toxic to dogs.
If you want to treat your dog to a Chinese dish, opt for some plain cooked chicken instead or some cauliflower fried rice. Always consult with your vet before giving your dog any new food or treats.
Who Invented Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken was invented by chefs and restaurateurs in the United States, who were looking for a way to recreate the flavors of popular Chinese takeout dishes at home.
The popularity of orange chicken quickly spread in the 1990s and it has since become one of the most well-known and enjoyed Chinese dishes today.
Is Sweet and Sour Chicken the Same as Orange Chicken?
No, sweet and sour chicken is not the same as orange chicken. Sweet and sour chicken typically includes a mix of vinegar, sugar, ketchup or tomato paste, soy sauce, and spices.
On the other hand, orange chicken features a glaze made from fresh oranges and a variety of savory ingredients such as garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and Sriracha.
Despite their differences, both dishes are delicious and popular choices for Chinese takeout or at-home meals!
Instant Pot Orange Chicken
The Instant Pot Recipe is a super easy homemade recipe that will definitely love by whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- Sauce:
- 1 cup no sugar added – Orange Juice
- 1 tbsp. ginger
- 1 tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 tbsp. rice wine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. Sriracha
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper Cornstarch Slurry: 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Garnish: 4 green onions sliced extra orange zest
Instructions
How To Make Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Here are the step-by-step instructions for pressure cooker orange chicken:
Step One: Cut Chicken Breast
Cut your chicken breast or chicken thighs into small 1-2 inch chunks.
Step Two: Prepare Egg Mixture
Add 2 eggs to a small bowl and whisk.
Step Three: Combine Flour and Cornflour
In a separate bowl add your corn starch and all-purpose flour and mix to combine.
Step Four: Cover Chicken Pieces With Egg and Flour
Dip the chicken chunks into the whisked eggs and then into the flour mixture.
Shake off any excess flour and set to the side. Repeat until all your chicken pieces are coated.
Step Five: Saute Chicken In Hot Oil
Turn your pressure cooker onto Saute Mode. Add the oil to the inner pot. Once the oil has heated, add the chicken and saute for 2-3 minutes.
Turn your tender chicken over and over for an even cook. Cook until it just starts to get golden brown.
Step Six: Remove Chicken And Deglaze Instant Pot
Remove the coated chicken and set it to the side. Deglaze the pot with 1/4 cup orange juice and scrape any brown bits with a wooden spoon.
Step Seven: Make Sticky Orange Sauce
Add all the sauce ingredients to the Instant Pot. This includes orange juice, fresh ginger, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, sriracha and red pepper flakes.
Stir gently until all the ingredients are combined.
Step Eight: Add Chicken To Orange Sauce Mixture
Add the chicken To the Instant Pot and toss until the chicken pieces are coated in the sticky Orange sauce.
Step Nine: Pressure Cook Orange Chicken
Close the Instant Pot Lid, seal the vent and select the manual button.
Pressure cook your orange chicken recipe for 5 minutes on HIgh pressure followed by 10 minutes of natural release.
Step Ten: Add Cornstarch Slurry To Instant Pot
Release the remaining pressure from your Instant Pot by opening the vent. Open the lid and select the Sauté function again.
In a medium bowl combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the 2 Tablespoons of orange juice. Whisk until all combined with no lumps.
Add the mixture to the Instant Pot and gently stir to combine.
Step Eleven: Simmer The Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Simmer the orange chicken recipe for 2-3 minutes. Then turn the Instant Pot off. Allow the chicken to thicken for 5 minutes.
Step Twelve: Garnish And Serve
Serve this Orange chicken Instant Pot recipe over rice and garnish with fresh chopped green onion, red chilis, and extra orange zest.
Your homemade Instant Pot Chinese Orange Chicken is now ready to enjoy!
Notes
How To Thicken Orange Sauce?
If you need to thicken up the orange sauce then here is a quick how-to guide.
- Place the cooked meal on Saute mode for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk together cornstarch and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl.
- Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of corn starch slurry to the sauce.
- Mix into the sauce and thicken for 1 minute and leave to thicken naturally.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add another 1/4 cup of water and mix well.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1207Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 239mgSodium: 2051mgCarbohydrates: 180gFiber: 3gSugar: 118gProtein: 81g
More Instant Pot Recipes to Try!
For more delicious recipes why not try these Instant Pot Dishes:
- Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo
- Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Acorn Squash Instant Pot Recipe
- Instant Pot Corn On The Cob
- Instant Pot General Tso Chicken
- Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts
- Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
- Instant Pot Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Spicy Instant Pot Marinara Recipe
- Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken
Can I use fresh squeezed orange juice?
yes sure.
Did you cook broccoli with the chicken or separately!
Hi Heather. I cooked the broccoli separate. 🙂