Main Course
Instant Pot® Chicken in Orange Sauce
This easy and flavorful dish combines tender chicken with a tangy, sweet orange sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Using the Instant Pot makes it fast and fuss-free without sacrificing any deliciousness.
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50 min
Total Time
♜
4
Servings
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Medium
Difficulty
Ingredients
4
servings
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Instructions
1
Brown the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then cut it into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches each. Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to the sauté function on high. When it’s hot, pour in the oil and wait until it’s shimmering. Add the chicken and cook, stirring often, until it starts to brown a little, about 2 to 3 minutes.
2
Add Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the orange juice and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Then add the tomato sauce, sugar, molasses, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, ginger, and rice wine. Give everything a gentle stir to combine and coat the chicken in the sauce. Cancel the sauté mode.
3
Seal and Pressure Cook
Close the lid, lock it, and make sure the vent is sealed. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 5 minutes. It’ll take about 10 to 15 minutes to build pressure before the timer starts counting down.
4
Release Pressure and Saut
Once the cooking cycle finishes, let it sit on the “Keep Warm” setting for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method, then open the lid. Switch back to sauté on low heat.
5
Thicken the Orange Sauce
Mix the fresh orange juice with cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth, then stir it into the pot. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, which should take around 3 minutes. Let it simmer for a couple more minutes.
6
Let Sauce Thicken
Turn off the sauté, then let the sauce rest for 5 to 7 minutes to thicken up even more before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is quick to make and full of bright, zesty flavors that brighten up any meal. The Instant Pot makes the chicken tender and juicy, while the orange sauce adds a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home without much fuss.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad pairs nicely, adding crunch and freshness to the meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the chicken tender and the sauce flavorful. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months.
