Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Learn how to make the juiciest and most delicious orange chicken using the Instant Pot. Follow the simple steps to create a crunchy, flavorful dish that will leave you wanting more.

Cooking Chinese takeout at home can be a delightful experience, especially when you have the right recipe that guarantees results as good as your favorite restaurant.

This isn’t your typical orange chicken—it’s a culinary adventure that promises to make your taste buds dance with joy. Follow along as we take you step-by-step through this mouth-watering recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1/4 to 2 1/2 ounce can of chicken broth
• 1 fresh orange (for juice and zest)
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup light soy sauce
• 4 cloves of fresh garlic, zested
• Juice and zest from 1 orange
• 1 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water (cornstarch slurry)

For Tempura Batter (Optional)

• Tempura batter mix (available at most grocery stores)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot Base

1. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot.
2. Squeeze and Zest the Orange: Take one orange, cut it in half, and squeeze all the juice into the Instant Pot. Add a generous amount of zest from the same orange.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Set Up the Instant Pot: Place the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot into the pot, ensuring it is above the liquid.
2. Add Chicken Breasts: Place the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts on the trivet.
3. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid, set it to “pressure cook” mode on high pressure, and cook for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Release and Shred the Chicken

1. Release Pressure: After 30 minutes, release the pressure and open the Instant Pot.
2. Remove and Slice the Chicken: Take the chicken breasts out, let them cool for a moment, then slice them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: With the Instant Pot on “saute” mode, add the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, zested garlic, juice and zest of one orange, honey, ground ginger, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Add Cornstarch Slurry: Once the mixture starts to boil slightly, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Stir until it reaches a light boil and becomes slightly thickened.
3. Set Aside: Turn off the Instant Pot, pour the sauce into a separate container, and set it aside.

Optional Step: Make Tempura Chicken

Step 5: Prepare the Tempura Batter

1. Cool the Chicken: Place your bite-sized chicken pieces onto a plate lined with paper towels. Refrigerate to cool.
2. Mix the Batter: Prepare the tempura batter as per the instructions on the package. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of egg and flour or breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: Add vegetable oil to the Instant Pot and set it to “saute” mode.
2. Coat the Chicken: Beat two eggs in a bowl, coat the cooled chicken pieces in the egg, then coat them with the tempura batter.
3. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they are crispy on the edges but lightly colored. Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the tempura chicken with the prepared orange sauce. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Adjust Sauce Quantity: Depending on your preference, you may use more or less sauce. If you’re serving the chicken over rice, consider using more sauce to ensure each bite is flavorful.

Final Touches

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the Dish: Serve the amazing orange chicken over a bed of sticky rice. Garnish with fresh green onions for an added touch of flavor and color.
2. Taste Test: Enjoy every bite of your homemade orange chicken. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy tempura coating, and flavorful sauce is sure to impress anyone you serve.

Handy Tips and Variations

Simplify if Needed

If deep-frying isn’t your thing or you’re short on time, you can skip the tempura batter step altogether. Simply toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the sauce and serve immediately.

Store-Bought Sauce Alternative

While making your own sauce is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use a store-bought orange chicken sauce as a time-saving alternative.

Conclusion

Making this amazing orange chicken at home using an Instant Pot not only saves you a trip to your favorite Chinese takeout but also ensures healthier, fresher ingredients. With simple steps and easily available ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. So, go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the incredible flavors of homemade orange chicken. Your taste buds will thank you!