• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A Mind "Full" Mom
  • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Main Courses
      • 30-Minute Meals
      • Easy Pork Recipes
      • Beef Recipes
      • Soup, Stew, and Chili Recipes
      • Sandwiches, Burgers, and Wraps
      • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Beverage Recipes
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Allergy Friendly Recipes
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Low Carb
    • Pasta
    • Snacks
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
  • Instant Pot
    • Start Here: Instant Pot 101
    • All Instant Pot Recipes
    • Healthy Instant Pot Recipes
    • Sign Up for Instant Pot Tips and Recipes
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Free Instant Pot Secrets
  • Free Meal Plans
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Instant Pot
  • About Me
  • Free Instant Pot Secrets
  • Free Meal Plans
  • Subscribe to Newsletters
  • Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Real Food » Instant Pot » Instant Pot Orange Chicken

    Instant Pot Orange Chicken

    By Kristen Chidsey | 18 Comments | Published March 30, 2021 | Updated August 30, 2021 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pin
    Share
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    No need to call in for take-out! In less than 30 minutes, this easy, flavorful Instant Pot Orange Chicken can be on your table!. This healthy spin on your favorite Chinese take-out comes together from start to finish in less than 30 minutes for an easy, healthy version made in the electric pressure cooker. This Orange Chicken is perfect for dinner on busy nights!

    Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a flavor-packed chicken dinner made in less than 30 minutes! Made with tender chunks of chicken and a sweet and savory citrus sauce, this healthier spin on a popular Chinese take-out dish is sure to be a family favorite!

    This Instant Pot Orange Chicken recipe makes an incredibly simple meal that happens to be kid-friendly and picky eater approved--that sweet sauce gets them every time! Serve over cauliflower rice, over Instant Pot Rice, or Instant Pot Quinoa for a hearty, healthy meal.

    Bowl of orange chicken served over brown rice next to instant pot.

    Why Use the Instant Pot?

    One of my family's favorite meals is Orange Chicken. It is a simple dish to make on the stove, but I wanted to give it a try in the Instant Pot.

    The results? Perfection!

    The recipe for Instant Pot Orange Chicken results in more of the delicious sauce and requires less hands-on time--which is great for busy weeknights.

    Ingredients Needed

    Ingredients for Orange Chicken on counter labeled.
    • Chicken--You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless thighs for this recipe. You can even use frozen chicken with a few modifications.
    • Oranges--Because this recipe uses orange zest and orange juice, it makes sense to use freshly squeezed orange juice. Use a Microplane to zest your orange first and then slice in half and juice the orange. Of course, you can use prepared orange juice in place of fresh orange juice!
    • Soy Sauce--Low sodium soy sauce is best to control the sodium content. Use Tamari for a Gluten-Free Instant Pot Orange Chicken. 
    • Brown Sugar--Brown Sugar is my sweetener of choice for this recipe, as I love the way it plays off the orange notes. However, honey is more traditional, so feel free to substitute honey for brown sugar in equal amounts. Note: You can also increase honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter Orange Chicken, but I would not increase it to more than ¼ cup.
    • Rice Wine Vinegar--Rice wine vinegar is a mild vinegar used often used in Asian dishes. If you don't have rice wine vinegar, white distilled vinegar will work.
    • Fresh Ginger--Be sure to use freshly grated ginger root--NOT ground ginger, the flavor can not be compared. A money-saving tip is to peel your ginger root and place it in a freezer-safe bag--it will keep for a month and can be grated fresh right from the freezer. 
    • Garlic--Freshly minced or jarred garlic works great for this recipe.
    • Cornstarch Slurry--Cornstarch Slurry is just cornstarch that has been dissolved in a liquid that helps thicken up a sauce. This is added after pressure cooking.

    Step-By-Step Directions

    • Prepare your chicken by slicing it into 1-inch chunks.
    • Turn your Instant Pot to saute, add in oil and allow to heat.
    • Add in the cubed chicken and saute until JUST browned. About 2 minutes.
    • Turn the Instant Pot OFF.
    Sauteed chicken inside inner pot of instant pot.
    • Mix together the orange zest, orange juice, garlic, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar together.
    • Pour over the chicken.
    Ingredients for Orange Chicken sauce mixed together in a glass measuring cup.
    • Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken and use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.
    • Put the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the vent knob to the sealed position.
    • Hit manual (for more information check out Instant Pot functions) and then adjust the cooking time by using the plus or minus buttons to 5 minutes.
    • After cook time has elapsed, let rest 10 minutes and then do a quick release of any remaining pressure.
    Chicken inside inner pot with orange sauce.
    • Turn Instant Pot back to saute.
    • Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until fully combined.
    • Whisk in the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and allow to boil for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
    • Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. I love to top with sesame seeds and green onions, but those are totally optional.
    Spoon dishing out orange chicken out of instant pot.

    Recipes FAQs

    Can you make Orange Chicken with Frozen Chicken?

    Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe with frozen chicken. However, you will need to keep a few things in mind. Instead of searing the chicken, place frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the inner pot. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and then set the cooking time to 11 minutes. Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Do a quick release and remove chicken breasts to a cutting board and cut into large chunks or shred chicken and thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry as directed.

    How do you make this recipe Gluten-Free?

    Use Tamari to keep this recipe gluten-free.

    Can you cook the rice at the same as the chicken?

    Yes. I have used the pot-in-pot cooking method to cook the rice above the chicken. To do this, place rinsed long-rain white rice in a stainless steel bowl with an equal amount of water. Place a trivet above the chicken and set the bowl on the trivet. The rice needs a bit longer to account for the stainless steel bowl, so the cooking time of 5 minutes with at least 10 minutes of natural pressure release. Rice in stainless steel bowl over orange chicken in instant pot.

    More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

    • Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken--You can permanently put down the take-out menu, and enjoy a more wholesome version of this take-out favorite.
    • Instant Pot Mongolian Beef--This Chinese-American dish is a favorite recipe that is so simple and much healthier to make at home--especially when you use your Instant Pot!
    • Instant Pot Spaghetti--One pot, no draining, and the pasta is so much more flavorful!
    • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese--Creamy, dreamy, and easy!
    • Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff--Comfort food made in one pan! The noodles cook in the sauce absorbing all the flavor.
    • Instant Pot Hamburger Helper--A true family favorite!

    I would love for you to leave a comment and review below if you enjoyed this recipe for Instant Pot Orange Chicken.

    Orange Chicken served over rice next to instant pot.

    Instant Pot Orange Chicken

    Made with tender chunks of chicken and a sweet and savory citrus sauce, this healthier spin on a popular Chinese take-out dish is sure to be a family favorite!
    4.75 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Chinese
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 9 minutes
    NPR: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 14 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 192kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch chunks
    • ¾ cup orange juice
    • zest of 1 orange
    • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce Tamari for Gluten Free
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 garlic clove minced
    • 2 tbs rice wine vinegar
    • 1 tbs fresh ginger grated
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 1 bunch of green onions chopped (optional)
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Turn your Instant Pot to saute. Allow to heat up for 1 to 2 minutes add in ½ -1 tablespoon oil and let heat for 1 minute.
    • Add in chicken and saute until JUST browned--about 2-3 minutes and then turn Instant Pot OFF.
    • Add in orange juice and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.
    • Add in orange zest, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger and garlic to instant pot. 
    • Close the pot, and set the valve to seal. 
    • Set the manual button to "high pressure" and set the timer for 5 minutes.
    • Let naturally release for 10 minutes. Then do a quick release. 
    • Turn Instant Pot back to saute. Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until fully combined. Add cornstarch slurry to the pressure cooker and stir and boil for 2-3 minutes. 
    • Serve with steamed rice, cauliflower rice and scallions if desired. 

    Equipment Needed

    • Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)

    Notes

    For an 8 quart Instant Pot, add in an additional ¼ cup water or orange juice in order for pressure to be reached. 
    Corn-Free Modifications: If you have a corn allergy, you can substitute the cornstarch for tapioca starch. 
    Gluten-Free Modifications: If you need this to be Gluten-Free, be sure to use Tamari.
    Ginger: If you do not have fresh ginger, do NOT use powdered ginger, just skip the ginger.
    Storage: Cooled Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 3 months. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 541mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Vitamin C: 24.8mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.8mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This recipe was originally published in 2017 but updated in 2021 with new pictures and tips.

    Pin
    Share
    « Banana Cake
    The BEST Egg Salad »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shani

      April 22, 2020 at 9:23 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tonight for supper- it was a great way to make use of a few super ripe oranges! So easy and so flavourful. I served it with brown rice in romaine salad leaves topped with shoe string style veggies. My kids loved it! “Salad spoons” made it fun, the orange chicken made it delicious!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 23, 2020 at 8:19 am

        I am so glad you enjoyed Shani! I love how you used produce that could have been wasted to make this and how you made the meal "fun" for your kids. I think I want to enjoy this recipe with "salad spoons" the next time I make it!

        Reply
    2. Marsha

      February 01, 2020 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      OUTSTANDING! I can't tell you how many of your recipes we have enjoyed since Christmas! I got my instant pot as a gift and fortunately discovered you right away. I love all of the recipes that we have tried so far. The orange chicken was simply amazing. We had NO leftovers, it was a huge hit with my family and certainly one we will be making on a regular basis. Thank you so much for your website, you are an outstanding cook and I am so thankful for you sharing them with us.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 02, 2020 at 8:01 am

        Oh thank you so much Marsha! You just made my week with your kind words! I strive to provide easy, delicious, fool-proof recipes and hearing you are enjoying them makes my heart so happy! So glad you especially loved this recipe for Orange Chicken!

        Reply
    3. Amber P

      September 26, 2019 at 11:53 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness! This Orange Chicken was amazing and so easy!!!
      My boyfriend is an East coast guy and has been struggling to find good Chinese food in Oregon. Now we don't need to look any further than our IP. So good!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 27, 2019 at 6:44 am

        WAHOO!!! When you can replace your favorite take out with homemade that is a huge win!!!

        Reply
    4. Ellen Giller

      February 10, 2019 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      So easy, tasty and healthy. I've really been enjoying your recipes (going on ~3 Months with Instant Pot and you are my go-to). Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 10, 2019 at 8:17 pm

        Oh Ellen, that makes my heart so happy. I hope you keep finding recipes to enjoy in your instant pot from me.

        Reply
    5. Tommy

      December 18, 2018 at 6:34 pm

      Hi, if I wanted to make 2 pounds of chicken what I double the ingredients and keep the same time only in the pressure cooker?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 19, 2018 at 6:42 am

        Exactly right! Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. RVB

      December 15, 2018 at 10:28 am

      I’m anxious to try the Orange Chicken recipe. Please tell me why it says to use 3/4 C orange juice DIVIDED. I don’t see any instructions about dividing into parts.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 15, 2018 at 5:11 pm

        Hi! I am updating this now, it should NOT say, divided. Sorry about that!

        Reply
    7. Tommy Clough

      December 10, 2018 at 4:56 pm

      Hi,
      My wife just bought the Instant pot and I was asked to check it out first. I had fun checking the instant pot out, that I decided to look for some recipes. As I was surfing the web, I came across you website and saw the Orange Chicken and I love Orange Chicken. So I surprised her with her first meal from the Instant pot and it was a huge success. This recipe is amazing and easy to follow. The absolute best Orange Chicken that I have ever eaten. (And not just because I made it, LOL). My wife was tremendously impressed and I plan on using more of your recipes. Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 11, 2018 at 7:09 am

        Thank you so much for sharing Tommy! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe! And I love that you cooked for your wife--SO sweet. Can't wait to hear what else you enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Taryn

      July 17, 2018 at 5:13 pm

      5 stars
      I love this orange chicken recipe! It is a much healthier and more economic way to satisfy my take-out craving than actually ordering take-out!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 17, 2018 at 8:57 pm

        YESSS!!! This is exactly why I created this recipe Taryn--for health and affordability! So glad you enjoyed

        Reply
    9. Sarah M

      July 17, 2018 at 4:14 pm

      5 stars
      This turned out so well! The leftovers were almost as good as the firsts.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 17, 2018 at 8:58 pm

        YAY! So glad you enjoyed Sarah. I love it when we have leftovers too--but in this house, that rarely happens!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Meet A Mind "Full" Mom

    welcomeHi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

    Instant Pot Favorites

    jar of plain yogurt next to instant pot

    Instant Pot Yogurt

    Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs Sliced Open on cutting board

    Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    Shredded Pot Roast with carrots and Potatoes in white bowl next to Instant Pot.

    Instant Pot Pot Roast

    Whole Chicken on cutting board

    Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken

    Bowl of Cold Start Yogurt

    Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt

    Inner pot of instant pot filled dried beans

    Instant Pot Beans

    4 chicken breasts cooked inside instant pot.

    Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Fresh or Frozen)

    How to use the instant pot as a slow cooker

    How to Use Your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

    Reader Favorites

    Bowl of Baked Meatballs.

    The Best Baked Meatballs

    slice of egg cheese overnight breakfast casserole with sausage

    Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

    Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice in yellow casserole dish

    Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice

    Baked Potato on White Plate

    Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

    Chili seasonings labled on wooden board

    DIY Chili Seasoning

    Plate of chicken and bok choy stir fry topped with cilantro.

    Stir-Fried Chicken and Bok Choy

    Platter of Instant Pot Wings next to ranch dressing

    Instant Pot Chicken Wings

    Bowl of slow cooker oatmeal topped with maple syrup and nuts

    Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

    Taco Meat in skillet with wooden spoon

    The Best Taco Meat Recipe

    Homemade Chicken Tenders on platter.

    Homemade Chicken Tenders

    FEATURED ON

    featured

    Footer

    Featured on:

    Websites AMind"Full"Mom has been featured on

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me

    DISCLAIMER: THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR TREATMENT. AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I GENUINELY LOVE ARE OFTEN INCORPORATED IN MY POSTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

    Copyright © 2020 · A MIND "FULL" MOM