Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Easy orange chicken made in an instant pot, a healthy version that gives you all the flavor with less calories.
Servings 6 people
Calories 290kcal
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-2 inch cubes 900 g
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced I used all 6, if you prefer less garlic you can use only 4
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 tablespoon white sugar
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- zest of one orange
For the slurry to thicken the sauce:
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon orange juice
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken thoroughly, heat the vegetable oil in either in the instant pot on saute mode, or in a regular pan on medium high heat on the stove. Cook the chicken 2-3 minutes, stirring throughout until starting to turn golden brown then remove the chicken. If using the instant pot, make sure theres no chicken bits stuck to the bottom so you don't get a burn notice. If there are any stuck bits, add a splash of orange juice and stir to deglaze.
- Add the sauce ingredients to the pot, the orange juice, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, white sugar, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, orange zest and sweet chili sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Close instant pot lid, make sure vent is closed, and select high pressure, 5 minute cooking time. After the cooking time is over, naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes, then switch the vent to release and force release any remaining pressure.
- Mix together the cornstarch and the orange juice, and add to the instant pot, stir gently to combine with the sauce. Turn instant pot to saute mode and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Turn off the instant pot, the orange chicken will thicken further if you let it stand for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped chives or green onions and extra orange zest. Serve with white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, we always use chicken breast due to personal preference
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcal