THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Main Course
Fast Orange Chicken Recipe for the Instant Pot®
This quick and flavorful orange chicken recipe brings a delicious homemade touch to your dinner table in no time. Using the Instant Pot makes it easy to enjoy tender, saucy chicken without the wait or mess.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Fast Orange Chicken Recipe for the Instant Pot®
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
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01
Saut Chicken Pieces
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches each. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting on high heat. Once it’s hot, add a bit of oil and wait until it’s shimmering. Toss in the chicken and cook, stirring often, until the pieces start to turn golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.
02
Simmer Orange Sauce
Pour in 3/4 cup of orange juice and bring it to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to lift up any browned bits. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, molasses, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, ginger, and rice wine until everything is well combined. Turn off the sauté function.
03
Pressure Cook and Release
Lock the lid in place and make sure the vent is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts. When it’s done, let it sit on the Keep Warm setting for 10 minutes, then carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method. Remove the lid.
04
Thicken Orange Sauce
Turn the sauté function back on, this time on low heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice with the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot and stir gently. Let the sauce thicken for about 3 minutes, then simmer for a couple more minutes.
05
Let Sauce Thicken
Finally, turn off the Instant Pot and let the sauce sit for 5 to 7 minutes to thicken up even more before serving.
Why you’ll love it
This dish is a great way to enjoy flavorful orange chicken in a fraction of the time. Using the Instant Pot® makes cooking fast and easy, while still delivering tender chicken and a tangy, sweet sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a long wait.
How to serve
Serve this orange chicken over steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas to bring color and crunch. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
