This tangy and sweet chicken dish comes together quickly in the Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with vibrant orange flavors, it’s a delicious way to brighten up your dinner routine.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches each. Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to the sauté function on high. Once it’s hot, add a bit of oil and let it shimmer. Toss in the chicken and cook, stirring often, until it starts to turn golden—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Pour in 3/4 cup of orange juice and bring it to a boil, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Then add the tomato sauce, sugar, molasses, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, ginger, and rice wine. Give everything a gentle stir so the chicken is nicely coated. Turn off the sauté function.
Lock the lid in place and make sure the vent is closed. Set the pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes to come up to pressure. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
Open the lid and switch back to the sauté function, this time on low heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot and stir well. Cook for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens, then let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Turn off the sauté function and let the sauce sit for 5 to 7 minutes to thicken a bit more before serving. Enjoy!
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor and avoid bottled juice with added sugar.
- Sear the chicken before pressure cooking to lock in juices and add extra flavor.
- Let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes to keep the chicken moist and tender.
This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The bright orange flavor adds a fresh and tangy twist to tender chicken. It’s a healthy and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Serve this dish over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. Add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a nice touch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
