If you’re in the mood for a delicious homemade meal but short on time, this Instant Pot Orange Chicken recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to dish. Made with tender chicken, a flavorful orange sauce, and cooked to perfection in just 30 minutes, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. The Instant Pot streamlines the process, making it a quick and convenient option for busy weeknights when you still want a homemade meal that’s bursting with flavor.
**Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon water
– Green onions, sliced, for garnish
– Sesame seeds, for garnish
– Cooked white rice, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. In the Instant Pot, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the Instant Pot and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
3. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before carefully doing a quick pressure release to release any remaining pressure.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
6. Select the sauté function on the Instant Pot and add the cornstarch slurry to the chicken mixture. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Turn off the Instant Pot and let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes to thicken further.
8. Serve the Instant Pot Orange Chicken over cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
This Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, with tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. The tangy orange sauce is perfectly balanced with hints of garlic and ginger, creating a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. The convenience of using the Instant Pot means you can have this incredible meal on the table in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days when you still want a hot, homemade meal.
So, if you’re looking for a simple yet impressive recipe that will satisfy your cravings for Chinese takeout without the wait, give this Instant Pot Orange Chicken a try. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s sure to become a regular feature on your weekly menu. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even entertaining guests, this recipe has everything you need to create a delicious and memorable meal in no time at all. Enjoy!
