Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Posted on September 15, 2025

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of citrus to your table in no time. This recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet and sticky orange sauce, all cooked together with fluffy rice in your Instant Pot. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-make meal is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, this recipe cooks everything in one pot, saving you time on cleanup.
Flavorful Sauce: The combination of orange juice, garlic, and ginger creates a deliciously tangy sauce that enhances the chicken perfectly.
Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or with vegetables for a complete meal that can be customized to your preference.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fresh flavors, this dish makes for a nutritious dinner option.
Family-Friendly: The mild flavors appeal to both adults and kids, making it a great choice for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Instant Pot Orange Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can simplify your cooking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Instant Pot
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

Why These Tools Matter

Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking time while infusing flavors deeply into the chicken.
Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without any mess.
Whisk: Ensures that sauces are mixed thoroughly for consistent flavor throughout the dish.

Ingredients

Instant Pot Orange Chicken with a sweet and sticky orange sauce and fluffy rice. This orange chicken recipe is easy to make and everything cooks at once in your Instant Pot – even the rice!

Ingredients:
– zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup orange juice (from 1 large orange)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey or pure maple syrup)
– 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
– 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs or tenders)
– 1 cup long grain white rice such as jasmine or basmati (rinsed and drained (see note))
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon water
– 3 green onions (sliced)
– sesame seeds

How to Make Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until well combined:
* zest of 1 orange
* 1/2 cup orange juice
* 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
* 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
* 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 2 cloves garlic (minced)
* 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
* red pepper flakes if desired

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the Instant Pot and turn on sauté mode. Once hot:
* Add the chicken pieces.
* Brown them for about 4–5 minutes until lightly golden.
Press Cancel to turn off sauté mode.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Pour the prepared orange sauce over the browned chicken. Stir well to combine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Cook Rice Using Pot-in-Pot Method

For pot in pot cooking:
* Place a trivet inside the Instant Pot over the chicken.
* In an oven-safe bowl, combine 1 cup rinsed rice with 1 cup water.
* Place this bowl on top of the trivet. If you don’t have an oven-safe bowl, cook rice separately per package instructions.

Step 6: Seal and Cook

Close the lid of the Instant Pot, turning the steam release valve to sealing position. Use Manual/Pressure Cook function:
Set cook time to 4 minutes at high pressure. The pot will take about 10 minutes to reach pressure before cooking starts.

Step 7: Release Pressure

After cooking ends, allow natural release for about 10 minutes:
Then quick-release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the steam release valve to venting position. Press Cancel to turn off warm setting.

Step 8: Finish Cooking Process

Once pressure is fully released:
Open lid carefully. If using pot-in-pot method for rice, use mitts to remove it gently from trivet; set aside. Remove trivet from Instant Pot.

Step 9: Thicken Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch with
* 1 tablespoon water until smooth.
Pour this slurry into the sauce in your Instant Pot while turning on sauté mode again. Stir consistently until thickened which takes just a couple of minutes.

Step 10: Serve

Serve hot over fluffy rice garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired! Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Orange Chicken!

How to Serve Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Serving Instant Pot Orange Chicken can elevate your dining experience with a few creative ideas. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, these suggestions will enhance the flavors and presentation of your dish.

Add Fresh Vegetables

Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition. Simply steam until tender.
Sautéed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers can be sautéed in olive oil for a sweet crunch.
Crispy Snap Peas: Quick to prepare and crunchy, snap peas offer a fresh contrast to the chicken.

Pair with Crunchy Toppings

Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: These seeds add a nutty taste and are perfect as a garnish.
Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro can brighten up the dish with its vibrant flavor.

Use Unique Serving Bowls

Bamboo Bowls: Serve in bamboo bowls for an authentic Asian feel.
Clear Glass Bowls: Showcase the vibrant colors of the chicken and rice in clear glass bowls.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Perfecting your Instant Pot Orange Chicken is all about paying attention to details. With these tips, you’ll ensure that each batch is flavorful and cooked to perfection.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly.
Brown the Chicken Well: Searing the chicken adds depth to the taste, even if it doesn’t turn deeply brown in the Instant Pot.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to modify the brown sugar or honey based on your preference for sweetness.
Let it Rest After Cooking: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving helps meld all flavors together.
Experiment with Spices: Adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder can give an extra layer of flavor.
Garnish Creatively: Use vibrant garnishes like sliced green onions or herbs for an appealing finish.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Orange Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful main course.

Fluffy Jasmine Rice: The classic pairing that soaks up all that delicious orange sauce.
Vegetable Fried Rice: A colorful rice dish packed with veggies that adds an extra dimension to your meal.
Garlic Green Beans: Tender green beans sautéed in garlic make a great crunchy side.
Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut rice offers a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with orange flavors.
Asian Slaw Salad: A crisp salad mix adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.
Roasted Cauliflower: Seasoned cauliflower florets bring a healthy, roasted option that complements well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Orange Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for.

Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the chicken can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always brown the chicken briefly in olive oil before adding the sauce.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor quality orange juice or soy sauce can affect flavor. Use fresh-squeezed orange juice and high-quality soy sauce for the best results.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Overcooking or undercooking can ruin your meal. Follow the recommended cook time of 4 minutes at high pressure for perfectly tender chicken.
Not Allowing Natural Pressure Release: Quick-releasing pressure immediately can make your chicken tough. Letting it naturally release for 10 minutes helps keep it juicy.
Forgetting to Rinse Rice: Skipping this step may result in overly sticky rice. Always rinse and drain your rice well before cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Separate the chicken and rice if possible for better texture upon reheating.

Reheating Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and reheat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a quick and easy dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, all made conveniently in an Instant Pot.

Can I use other meats for Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or lamb—both will work well with the orange sauce.

How can I customize my Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

Is Instant Pot Orange Chicken healthy?

With lean protein and fresh ingredients, this dish is a healthier alternative to traditional fried orange chicken.

Can I make Instant Pot Orange Chicken without rice?

Absolutely! You can serve it over quinoa or enjoy it on its own as a lower-carb option.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. Whether served over rice or alongside vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your own!