Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe

If you have a craving for something sweet, tangy, and perfectly crispy, then you’re going to absolutely fall in love with this Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe. It’s that magical combination of tender chicken bites enveloped in a luscious, bright orange sauce with just the right kick of spice, all whipped up quickly without any of the fuss of traditional frying. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner hit or a quick craving buster, this recipe delivers comfort and excitement in every mouthwatering bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each one plays an essential role — from the crisp coating on the chicken to the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes in the sauce.

• Chicken breast (2 pounds): Cut into 1-2 inch pieces, this tender protein forms the base of our dish.
• Vegetable oil (2 Tablespoons): For sautéing and helping achieve that slight golden crisp.
• Cornstarch (1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons): Creates the crispy coating and thickens the sauce for that silky finish.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Combined with cornstarch, it gives the chicken its satisfyingly crunchy crust.
• Egg (1 large): Acts like a glue, helping the flour mixture adhere perfectly to each piece of chicken.
• Orange juice (1 cup + 2 Tablespoons): The star ingredient for this orange chicken, providing bright citrus flavor and acidity.
• Ginger paste (1 Tablespoon): Gives a warm, aromatic depth that balances the sweetness.
• Minced garlic (1 Tablespoon): Adds a punch of savory freshness.
• Rice wine (1 Tablespoon): Boosts the umami and adds subtle complexity to the sauce.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup) & Brown sugar (1/4 cup): These sweeten the sauce perfectly while adding a slight caramel undertone.
• Soy sauce (1/2 cup): Provides the salty, savory backbone essential for balance.
• Sriracha (1 Tablespoon): Brings a gentle but noticeable spicy kick that livens up the dish.
• Crushed red pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds another layer of heat to tantalize the taste buds.
• Green onions and extra orange zest: For a fresh, bright garnish that elevates the dish presentation and flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Cut the chicken into bite-sized 1-2 inch pieces—this size helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures every piece is perfectly coated in that bright orange sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk your single large egg until smooth. This egg wash is the key to making sure our flour mixture clings to the chicken, giving it that irresistible crispy texture after sautéing.

Step 3: Mix the Coating

In another bowl, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. This blend creates a light yet crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside, so mix it well for an even coat.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken first into the whisked egg, then toss it into the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping. Repeat this process for all the chicken, setting the coated pieces aside on a plate.

Step 5: Sauté the Chicken

Turn on your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and wait for the indicator to read HOT. Add vegetable oil and then your coated chicken pieces. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, turning frequently, until each side starts to turn golden brown. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet, but this step develops essential color and texture. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 6: Deglaze the Pot

To capture every bit of flavor, pour 1/4 cup of orange juice into the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom. This takes nothing away from the pan and adds depth to your sauce.

Step 7: Make the Sauce

Add the orange juice, ginger paste, minced garlic, rice wine, granulated sugar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Sriracha, and crushed red pepper into your Instant Pot. Stir gently to combine all the flavors. Then, return the chicken to the pot and toss to coat each piece evenly with this vibrant sauce.

Step 8: Pressure Cook

Seal the lid, make sure the vent is closed, and set your Instant Pot to Manual on High Pressure for 5 minutes. After the cooking cycle finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before turning off the heat and carefully opening the vent to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and switch the Instant Pot back to the Sauté function.

Step 9: Thicken the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of orange juice until completely smooth with no lumps. Pour this slurry into the pot and stir gently. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, thickening and coating the chicken beautifully.

Step 10: Finish and Rest

Turn off the Instant Pot and let the chicken sit in the thickened sauce for 5 minutes. This rest time helps the sauce cling perfectly to each chicken piece, making every bite lovingly saucy.

How to Serve Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

To brighten the dish and add fresh crunch, sprinkle sliced green onions and a bit of extra orange zest on top just before serving. These simple garnishes not only intensify the citrus aroma but also add a beautiful pop of green and vibrant citrus notes that make your presentation inviting and your bites lively.

Side Dishes

This orange chicken pairs soulfully with a warm bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice, soaking up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a more balanced meal, add lightly sautéed or steamed broccoli, snap peas, or even a crunchy Asian slaw, which gives the meal delightful texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Instant Pot Orange Chicken in lettuce cups for a handheld delight that’s fresh and light. Alternatively, plate the chicken atop fried rice or even a simple noodle dish to mix things up. Drizzle a little extra sauce on the side for dipping and wow your guests with vibrant color and irresistible aromas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer the orange chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests, making the next meal just as delightful.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Freezing is a great way to prep meals ahead without sacrificing any of the dish’s wonderful taste or texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the stove, warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to restore that saucy goodness. Adding a splash of water or orange juice can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish, and they hold up well in the Instant Pot. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, but the flavor will be fantastic.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the Sriracha and crushed red pepper. You can easily dial it up or down by increasing or reducing these ingredients according to your spice tolerance.

Do I have to coat the chicken with flour and cornstarch?

The coating is key for that crispy exterior even in the Instant Pot. It creates a delightful texture contrast to the saucy chicken. If you skip it, the chicken will be very tender but won’t have that signature crispy bite.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready to cook, simply add it to the Instant Pot with the chicken and follow the recipe as written—super convenient for meal prepping.

What are some good alternatives to rice wine?

If you don’t have rice wine, dry sherry or a mild white wine works well as a substitute. You can also skip it if needed, but it does add a nice depth to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe is hands-down one of those dishes that becomes a beloved staple. It’s quick, flavorful, and satisfies with every juicy, crunchy, saucy bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how wonderful home-cooked orange chicken can be when you use your Instant Pot. Trust me, this recipe has a way of making dinner feel like a celebration any night of the week!

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