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Easy Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe with Sticky Citrus Glaze

Instant Pot orange chicken - featured image
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This quick and easy Instant Pot orange chicken features tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, tangy citrus glaze. It’s a healthier, fuss-free version of a restaurant favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for dredging)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • 2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for slurry)
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Orange slices or extra zest (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add oil and heat for about 2 minutes. Brown chicken pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Return browned chicken to Instant Pot. Pour glaze mixture over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  5. Lock lid, set to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
  6. Quick release pressure. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry.
  7. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ again. Stir slurry into sauce and cook for 2-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce is thick and glossy.
  8. Turn off Instant Pot and let chicken sit for 2-3 minutes to set the glaze.
  9. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and extra orange zest if desired.
  10. Serve hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Add orange slices for presentation.

Notes

Brown chicken in batches for best texture. Use fresh orange zest for vibrant flavor. Taste glaze before pressure cooking and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed. For crispier chicken, broil cooked pieces for 2-3 minutes before glazing. Leftovers deepen in flavor overnight and are great for meal prep. Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free. Use arrowroot instead of cornstarch for corn allergy.

Nutrition

Keywords: instant pot, orange chicken, sticky glaze, easy dinner, Asian, Chinese, weeknight, gluten-free option, dairy-free, pressure cooker

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/easy-instant-pot-orange-chicken-recipe-with-sticky-citrus-glaze/