Instant Pot Orange Chicken

This Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a quick and easy dinner made with tender chicken and a sweet, tangy orange sauce. It is cooked in one pot and ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce turns thick and glossy, coating every piece of chicken with bold flavor. This easy Instant Pot orange chicken recipe tastes better than takeout and pairs perfectly with rice or noodles for a simple, satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs cut into bite size pieces
1 tbsp oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp ginger grated
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water

Method

Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once hot, add oil and then add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to lightly brown, then stir and cook another 2 minutes.
Add orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck bits.
Turn off sauté mode. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release. Open the lid after the pressure is fully released.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Turn sauté mode back on and slowly stir in the slurry.
Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens into a glossy coating that sticks to the chicken.
Turn off the heat. Let the chicken sit for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the sauce to settle and thicken slightly more before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add 1 tsp orange zest after cooking
Adjust sweetness or salt to taste before serving
Sauce will thicken more as it cools
If using chicken breast, reduce cook time by 1 minute for best texture