Instant Pot Asian Cuisine Orange Chicken For Effortless Cooking
If you’re craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time, look no further than this Instant Pot Asian Cuisine Orange Chicken. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. Not only is it delicious, but it also makes cooking effortless, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Orange chicken is a popular dish in Asian cuisine, often found in Chinese restaurants. It features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky orange sauce that is both sweet and slightly tangy. With the help of the Instant Pot, you can achieve that restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Plus, the pressure cooking method ensures that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In the Instant Pot, heat the vegetable oil using the sauté function. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a separate bowl.
- Once the chicken is browned, pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot back to the sauté function and stir in the slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the Instant Pot and serve the orange chicken over rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken
To achieve the best results, it’s important to use fresh orange juice. The flavor will be much brighter compared to bottled juice. Also, feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
For a bit of crunch, you can also toss in some chopped bell peppers or broccoli during the sautéing step. This adds color and additional nutrition to your meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot orange chicken pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or brown rice. You can also serve it with fried rice for an extra kick of flavor. Don’t forget to include a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas for a well-rounded meal.
If you want to keep things light, serve the orange chicken over a bed of fresh greens for a delicious and healthy salad option.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The sauce may thicken in the refrigerator, so you may want to add a splash of water to loosen it up when reheating.
Freezing Orange Chicken
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, orange chicken can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breast for thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts may be less tender than thighs.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce to the orange sauce mixture.
4. What should I serve with orange chicken?
Orange chicken is delicious served with rice, fried rice, or even over noodles. Adding a side of steamed vegetables enhances the meal’s nutritional value.
This Instant Pot Asian Cuisine Orange Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or any time you want a quick and delicious meal. With its delightful flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the taste of Asian cuisine without the hassle of takeout!
