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Let me tell you about this wonderful dish I've been cooking lately– Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Tender chicken bursting with sweet, tangy flavors– all made easy in the Instant Pot. It's a simple dish with big taste! I can't wait to share it with you, get ready to elevate your taste buds!
Ingredients for Delicious Instant Pot Orange Chicken
- Chicken thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that absorbs the orange sauce well, adding richness and depth to the dish.
- Orange juice: Provides a bright citrus flavor that balances the savory elements and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the orange juice and honey in the sauce.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally, creating a sticky glaze on the chicken and balancing the tangy orange juice.
- Garlic: Infuses a pungent and aromatic flavor into the dish, enhancing the overall savory profile of the orange chicken.
- Ginger: Adds a warm and spicy kick to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the orange juice.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to create a glossy and velvety texture that coats the chicken pieces beautifully.
- Water: Helps create a slurry with cornstarch to thicken the sauce, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture in the dish.
- Green onions: Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor as well as a pop of color and crunch to the finished dish.
- Sesame seeds: Provides a nutty and toasty flavor, adding a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the orange chicken.
Read more: Duck Recipes: Easy Orange Glazed Duck
Essential Tools for Making This Instant Pot Recipe
- Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the chicken quickly and infusing flavors efficiently.
- Knife: Needed to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe
This Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that combines tender chicken with a delicious orange sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orange juice
- 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- Green onions sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- In the Instant Pot, combine chicken, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once done, do a quick pressure release and open the lid.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the chicken mixture in the Instant Pot.
- Select the sauté function and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the orange chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes:
Serve with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 30gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg
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Prep Now, Enjoy Later: Make-Ahead Tips for Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook the orange chicken according to the recipe instructions.
- Allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Store the cooled orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Cook the orange chicken according to the recipe instructions.
- Allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Place the cooled orange chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Orange chicken is believed to have originated in Hunan, China, and was brought to the United States by Chinese immigrants.
Common Questions About Making Orange Chicken in an Instant Pot
FAQ:
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs in this recipe. Just be mindful that chicken breast tends to cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh orange juice?
Yes, you can use bottled orange juice instead of fresh orange juice. However, fresh orange juice will give a more vibrant and fresh flavor to the dish.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Simply cook the chicken in a skillet or pan, then add the sauce ingredients and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To make this recipe spicier, you can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced chili peppers to the sauce mixture before cooking. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I freeze the leftovers of this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this dish. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to eat.
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