What To Know
- Using the Instant Pot, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick and easy meals.
- The orange flavor in orange chicken comes from the orange juice, orange zest, and honey used in the sauce.
- This orange chicken recipe in Instant Pot is a delightful fusion of flavors that will satisfy your cravings for a delicious and easy-to-make meal.
Embark on a culinary journey with this tantalizing orange chicken recipe in Instant Pot. This dish combines the tangy sweetness of oranges with the savory flavors of chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Using the Instant Pot, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick and easy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, olive oil, orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, orange zest, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Cooking in the Instant Pot:
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Adjust the temperature to “Normal” or “Medium.”
- Add the chicken mixture to the Instant Pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is slightly browned.
3. Adding the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is browned, add the cornstarch and water mixture to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select the “Pressure Cook” function. Set the cooking time to 10 minutes.
4. Natural Release:
- After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure by moving the valve to “Venting.”
5. Thickening the Sauce:
- Once the pressure is released, open the lid of the Instant Pot. Select the “Sauté” function again and adjust the temperature to “Normal” or “Medium.”
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips for a Perfect Orange Chicken:
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar to your preferred sweetness level.
- For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch mixture.
- Serve the orange chicken immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
- Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the finished dish for an extra nutty flavor.
- Broccoli Orange Chicken: Add some broccoli florets to the Instant Pot along with the chicken for a healthy and colorful dish.
Health Benefits of Orange Chicken:
- Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps fight off infections.
- Chicken is a lean protein source that provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
- The combination of orange juice and honey provides a natural sweetness without added refined sugar.
“Did You Know?” Fun Facts:
- Orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, but it is not traditionally a Chinese dish.
- The orange flavor in orange chicken comes from the orange juice, orange zest, and honey used in the sauce.
- Orange chicken is often served with rice or noodles, and it can also be used as a filling for tacos or wraps.
“Wrap Up:” A Culinary Delight
This orange chicken recipe in Instant Pot is a delightful fusion of flavors that will satisfy your cravings for a delicious and easy-to-make meal. Experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences, and enjoy the health benefits that come with this dish. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?
A: Rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or stir-fried vegetables are all great options to serve with orange chicken.
