Instant Pot Asian Chicken Dish With Oranges For Fast Weeknight Meals
Are you looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Instant Pot Asian Chicken Dish with Oranges! This dish combines tender chicken thighs, zesty oranges, and a savory sauce that comes together in a matter of minutes. The best part? It’s all made in your Instant Pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 oranges, sliced for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined.
- Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer, browning them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your Instant Pot.
- Once all the chicken is browned, pour the orange juice mixture over the chicken in the pot. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check that the chicken is cooked through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F). If desired, you can remove the chicken and set it aside, then turn the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” to reduce the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the pot and toss it in the sauce. Serve the chicken over cooked rice or quinoa, and garnish with orange slices and chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Asian Chicken Dish with Oranges with your family and friends!
Why Use an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, especially for busy families. It combines multiple kitchen appliances into one, allowing you to sauté, pressure cook, slow cook, and more. This recipe is a perfect example of how you can achieve tender, flavorful chicken in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.
Flavor Combinations
This dish brilliantly balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. The fresh orange juice brings a bright citrus note that complements the savory soy sauce and honey beautifully. Adding garlic and ginger introduces aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. If you’re a fan of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot Asian Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or even zoodles for a low-carb option. You can also add steamed vegetables such as broccoli or bok choy to round out the meal and add some extra nutrients.
Meal Prep and Storage
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can double the batch and store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy another meal. The flavors will continue to meld and get even better over time!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time to around 8 minutes for best results.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, you can use pineapple juice or a mixture of lemon and lime juice for a different citrus flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce before cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Asian Chicken Dish with Oranges is not just quick and easy; it’s also a delightful explosion of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this meal is sure to impress. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights. So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that will make your weeknight dinners something to celebrate!
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends on Pinterest and other social media! Happy cooking!
