Make the perfect Chinese takeout at home in less than half an hour with this Instant Pot orange chicken recipe. Sweet, tangy and so delicious!
Pressure Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
Orange chicken is one of my favorite Chinese takeout dishes, and let me tell you, this homemade Instant Pot recipe is a keeper!
So simple and easy to make, it’s a perfect go to after a busy day and it’s on the table quicker than your delivery driver can get to you!
Be sure to check out my Teriyaki Chicken Thighs and Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken too!
Why You’ll Love this Instant Pot Orange Chicken:
- Quick and easy: Ready to serve in less than 30 minutes, this is perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
- One pot: This whole recipe is made right in the Instant Pot so clean up is a breeze!
- Kid-friendly: This is a great meal that the whole family will love, even those pesky picky eaters!
How to make Instant Pot orange chicken
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Saute the chicken strips in the Instant Pot.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, except the cornstarch.
- Cook on high, rest, and release the steam.
- Stir in the cornstarch to thicken.
- Serve.
Can you make it ahead of time?
This Instant Pot orange chicken is best served as soon as it’s made, but if you do have any leftovers, they will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop til warmed through.
What’s the best chicken to use?
I like to make this recipe with chicken breasts, but you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. If you have chicken tenders, you can use those as well. Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so that they cook through evenly.
What do you serve it with?
This orange chicken is great served on a bed of rice with some stir fried vegetables for a super quick and tasty meal. You can also serve it with noodles or with cauliflower rice if you prefer.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Add in the cornflour a teaspoon at a time. The sauce will thicken quickly, so add a little and stir it in until you get the consistency that you like.
- Make sure that the chicken is full submerged in the liquid before sealing the Instant Pot to ensure that it cooks through evenly.
I love how quick and effortless this Instant Pot orange chicken is to make! Perfectly sweet and tangy, it’s the perfect alternative to takeout!
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
If you’ve made this recipe, please be sure to let us know by leaving a star rating or a comment below. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts cut into 1-2 inch strips
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup water
- Zest from one orange about 1 Tablespoon
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp crushed red peppers
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Select the saute button, and place chicken and butter in the pot. Saute the chicken strips in the butter until they are just beginning to turn golden brown. Turn off saute, and then add in the remaining ingredients, except for the cornstarch. Stir and make sure the chicken is submerged. Place the lid on the pot, and seal. Close the valve and cook on high for 5 minutes. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining steam. Remove the lid and stir the chicken in the sauce.
- Add in the corn starch one teaspoon at a time, stirring for about 30 seconds after each teaspoon you put in, until the sauce thickens to your preference.
- Serve with rice, stir fry. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Add in the cornflour a teaspoon at a time. The sauce will thicken quickly, so add a little and stir it in until you get the consistency that you like.
- Make sure that the chicken is full submerged in the liquid before sealing the Instant Pot to ensure that it cooks through evenly.
Debra says
Really easy and delicious except that it was SOOOOOO hot because of the red pepper flakes. If I ever make this again I will omit the red pepper flakes. There were not enough tissues at our table for the amount of heat in this dish!
Becky Hardin says
Definitely modify to your taste!
Sarah says
My whole family loved this! I cut the red pepper flakes in half and it still had a nice after bite.
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing!
CJ says
Mine came out way to watery. I had to use way more cornstarch to thicken and it still had too much liquid . Flavor was good
Becky Hardin says
Modify if needed!