Zesty Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Craving the vibrant, sweet, and tangy flavors of your favorite takeout orange chicken but want a healthier, quicker option? Look no further! This Instant Pot Orange Chicken recipe is designed to bring that restaurant-quality experience right into your kitchen. In under 30 minutes, you’ll create a deliciously saucy, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly cooked orange chicken that your entire family will adore. Forget the long waits and questionable ingredients; with your Instant Pot, a few simple pantry staples, and this easy-to-follow guide, a fantastic meal is just moments away.

The Instant Pot isn’t just for this amazing orange chicken! It’s a versatile tool perfect for simplifying your meal prep. If you’re looking for more quick and efficient ways to cook, mastering shredded chicken in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for weekly meal planning.

Simple Instant Pot Orange Chicken: Your Weeknight Hero

If you, like us, cherish the convenience and flavor of takeout but also prioritize wholesome, homemade meals, this Instant Pot Orange Chicken will become a new favorite. It’s a testament to how effortlessly you can recreate beloved dishes with incredible flavor and minimal effort. This recipe is designed to deliver a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious meal, where the star is undeniably the irresistible orange sauce – so good you’ll want to savor every last drop!

Our comprehensive guide will walk you through crafting this easy Instant Pot Orange Chicken, complete with perfectly steamed green beans, cooked right alongside your chicken in the same pressure cooker. This means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your culinary masterpiece.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Instant Pot Orange Chicken

The magic of orange chicken truly lies in its sauce, and our recipe boasts a truly outstanding one. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory, with a hint of spice, all made from straightforward, wholesome ingredients. This means you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s also a healthier choice!

For the Irresistible Orange Chicken Sauce:

• Fresh Orange Juice: The cornerstone of our sauce, providing natural sweetness and vibrant citrus notes. Use 100% pure orange juice for the best flavor.
• Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Adds that essential umami depth and savory profile. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that complements the orange beautifully, adding richness and balance. Maple syrup can be a vegan alternative if desired.
• Sriracha: Just a touch provides a subtle kick, elevating the flavor without making it overly spicy. Adjust to your heat preference, or omit for a milder dish.
• Cornstarch: Our secret weapon for achieving that perfectly glossy, thick, and clingy sauce that coats every piece of chicken.

For the Chicken and Accompaniments:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and quick-cooking, chicken breast is ideal for this recipe. We’ll dice it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy serving. Chicken thighs are also an excellent alternative for richer flavor.
• Coconut Oil: Used for browning the chicken, adding a subtle richness. Olive oil or avocado oil can be used as alternatives.
• Fresh Green Beans: Our chosen vegetable, offering a crisp, fresh contrast to the saucy chicken. Trimmed and ready for their brief Instant Pot steam bath.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and green beans.

How to Make Instant Pot Orange Chicken: A Detailed Guide

Making this incredible Instant Pot Orange Chicken is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect, flavorful meal every time:

1. Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce (or tamari), honey, and sriracha until well combined. Set this flavorful sauce aside – it’s going to be the heart of your dish.
2. Dice the Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them into uniform bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and makes the chicken easier to eat.
3. Brown the Chicken: Activate the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and add the coconut oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering (you should see it shimmer slightly and smell its faint aroma), add the diced chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear the chicken for about 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor and a beautiful color, but don’t worry about cooking it through entirely.
4. Deglaze and Add Sauce: Turn off the Sauté function. Carefully pour the prepared orange sauce into the Instant Pot. Immediately use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This crucial step, known as deglazing, prevents a “BURN” error and incorporates all those delicious caramelized flavors into 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 build pressure (this usually takes 10-15 minutes), after which the cooking countdown will begin.
6. Incorporate Green Beans: Once the 4-minute cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the steam release valve to the Venting position. Once the float valve drops, open the lid. Now, gently place the trimmed green beans on top of the cooked chicken. IMPORTANT: Do not stir or mix the green beans into the liquid. They will steam beautifully on top. Lightly season the green beans with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Steam Green Beans (0 Minutes): Close the lid again, ensuring the valve is set to Sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting on HIGH pressure and set the timer to ‘0’ minutes. Yes, zero minutes! This method uses the residual heat and the quick build-up of pressure to perfectly steam the green beans, keeping them crisp-tender.
8. Thicken the Sauce: Once the ‘0’ minute cycle finishes, perform another quick release. Open the lid and carefully remove both the chicken and the green beans from the Instant Pot, setting them aside in a separate bowl. Leave the sauce in the pot. In a small bowl, whisk 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with about 1/4 cup of the hot sauce from the Instant Pot to create a smooth slurry.
9. Achieve Perfect Sauce Consistency: Turn on the Sauté function again (on normal or medium heat). Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce remaining in the Instant Pot. Continue to whisk gently as the sauce heats and begins to bubble. It will thicken considerably within 2-3 minutes, transforming into a glossy, rich orange sauce.
10. Toss and Serve: Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, turn off the Instant Pot. Return the cooked chicken and green beans to the pot and gently toss them with the luscious orange sauce until everything is beautifully coated.

Mastering the Sauce: Achieving the Ideal Consistency

The final, magical touch to elevate your Instant Pot Orange Chicken to takeout-level perfection is ensuring the sauce is gloriously thick and coats every morsel of chicken. This step happens after both the chicken and green beans have been cooked.

To achieve this, you must first carefully remove the cooked chicken and green beans from the Instant Pot, leaving only the flavorful liquid behind. This liquid will be the base for your thickened sauce. Next, create a cornstarch slurry: in a small separate bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with about 1/4 cup of the hot sauce liquid from the Instant Pot, whisking until absolutely smooth and lump-free.

Return the Instant Pot to Sauté mode (on normal or medium heat). Pour the cornstarch slurry into the hot liquid in the pot, whisking continuously. Keep whisking and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Within 2 to 3 minutes, you’ll notice the sauce begin to bubble and thicken, transforming into that beautiful, glossy consistency you desire. Continue cooking and whisking until it reaches your preferred thickness, then turn off the Instant Pot.

Substitution Idea: While cornstarch is our go-to for its excellent thickening properties and clear finish, feel free to use alternative thickeners. Tapioca flour or arrowroot powder can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cornstarch to achieve a similar result, offering slightly different textures but effective thickening.

Orange Chicken 101: Your Questions Answered

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for chicken breasts in this Instant Pot Orange Chicken recipe. They tend to be a bit more forgiving and offer a richer, juicier flavor. If you’re using bone-in chicken thighs, make sure to debone them before proceeding. Once deboned, simply cut the chicken thighs into similar bite-sized chunks as you would with chicken breasts. The cooking time in the Instant Pot remains the same.

What should I serve with this delicious orange chicken?

Our favorite way to enjoy Instant Pot Orange Chicken is with a side of fluffy white rice and a crunchy green vegetable like our perfectly steamed green beans. However, the versatility of this dish allows for many wonderful pairings. Consider serving it with:

• Instant Pot Brown Rice: A healthier whole-grain option that cooks effortlessly in your pressure cooker.
• Quinoa: A protein-packed grain that makes for a light and nutritious accompaniment.
• Cauliflower Rice: A fantastic low-carb alternative that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Noodles: Lo mein or stir-fry noodles can be tossed with the chicken for a heartier meal.
• A Simple Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

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

This Instant Pot Orange Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to vegetables. While green beans are excellent, you can easily incorporate your favorite veggies or any of the following options. You can often add them during the ‘0-minute’ steam cycle with the chicken for a one-pot meal:

• Broccoli Florets: Add during the 0-minute steam for vibrant, tender-crisp results.
• Cauliflower Florets: Similar to broccoli, they steam well and add a mild flavor.
• Halved Brussels Sprouts: Offer a slightly bitter, nutty flavor that complements the sweet orange sauce.
• Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers (any color) can be added with the green beans or sautéed briefly with the chicken for a softer texture.
• Snap Peas or Snow Peas: A quick-cooking option that adds a lovely sweet crunch.
• Carrot Matchsticks: Add a touch of sweetness and color.

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

Properly stored, this Instant Pot Orange Chicken will remain fresh and delicious for 3 to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It makes for excellent leftovers, as the flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight.

Can I freeze Instant Pot orange chicken?

Yes, Instant Pot Orange Chicken freezes beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. To freeze, allow the cooked orange chicken to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container, such as a sturdy plastic container or a high-quality freezer bag (like a Stasher bag). Ensure as much air as possible is removed from freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.