Name: Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 medium chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, bite size pieces; 2 cup barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup orange marmalade; 1/4 cup water, or chicken broth

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Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a delightful twist on classic Asian-inspired flavors, marrying tender chicken with a zesty sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish is a staple for weeknight dinners but has the elegant touch needed for special occasions. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness from the orange marmalade and a savory undertone from the barbecue sauce, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.

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I first discovered this recipe during a busy week when I craved something comforting yet quick to prepare. The ease of using the Instant Pot means you’re just minutes away from a dinner that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout, minus the heavy takeout menu prices. Serve it over a fluffy bed of rice for a satisfying meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try this!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 24 minutes, including prep and cook time, making it perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: Experience the wonderful balance of sweet and savory that will set your taste buds tingling.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully glazed chicken pieces served over rice make for an inviting platter.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian twist, or use your favorite low-sugar BBQ sauce if you’re watching your sugar intake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Chicken breast offers lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Feel free to double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd.
2 cups barbecue sauce: A tangy barbecue sauce enhances the savory notes of the dish. Avoid honey-style sauces, as they can bring too much sweetness and cause a burn message in the Instant Pot.
1/4 cup orange marmalade: This is the star ingredient that gives your dish that delicious citrus kick. You can also use orange preserves if you have them.
1/4 cup water or chicken broth: This helps create steam in the Instant Pot, resulting in tender chicken. Chicken broth adds extra flavor, but water will work just fine.

Optionally, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped onion for a slight sweetness and 3 tablespoons soy sauce for depth. These extra ingredients can elevate the taste even further!

How to Make Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Cube the Chicken: Begin by cutting your 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform chunks to ensure even cooking.

Combine in Instant Pot: Place the cubed chicken into your Instant Pot. Pour in 2 cups of barbecue sauce and 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth. If you’re using onion and soy sauce, add those now too. This step is essential for ensuring the chicken is infused with incredible flavor during cooking.

Stir Well: Gently stir to coat all the chicken pieces with the barbecue sauce mixture. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly; this is where the flavor starts to develop.

Set the Cooker: Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the steam valve is closed. Set it to high pressure for 4 minutes. Yes, just 4 minutes! The magic of the Instant Pot means dinner is practically done before you know it.

Quick Release and Uncover: Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release by turning the steam valve to release the pressure. Carefully lift the lid when the steam has fully escaped—watch out for hot steam!

Sauté for Sauce Thickness: Switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot barbecue sauce from the pot in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the Instant Pot and stir it in—this will help create a luscious sauce.

Add Orange Marmalade: Stir in the 1/4 cup of orange marmalade and let the mixture bubble for about 2 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbling around the edges and smells amazing.

Serve and Enjoy: Once thickened, turn off the Instant Pot, and serve your Instant Pot Orange Chicken over a fluffy mound of rice. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors melded into every bite!

Storing & Reheating

You can store any leftovers at room temperature for a couple of hours after serving, but it’s best to refrigerate them within that time. Place your chicken in an airtight container and enjoy it for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you’re looking to keep it longer, freeze the orange chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, use the microwave on medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even warming. The sauce may become slightly thicker when refrigerated, so you could add a splash of water while reheating to maintain the right consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken; sticking to the 4-minute cooking time is crucial for tenderness.
For a more pronounced orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to amplify the citrus notes.
If you have leftover orange chicken, consider using it in wraps or as a salad topping to enjoy something new the next day.
Use a good-quality barbecue sauce for the best flavor; don’t skimp here!
If you find your sauce is too thin, always remember cornstarch is your friend for thickening!

Crafting Instant Pot Orange Chicken is not just about filling your stomach; it’s about creating something that delights and warms your heart. The perfect combination of flavors and textures ensures it stands out as a family favorite. I encourage you to make this recipe your own by trying different BBQ sauces or citrus flavors. Enjoy it over rice, and savor every bite—you’ll want to make it again and again!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can! However, increase the cooking time to about 10 minutes for frozen chicken breasts. Ensure they are cut into smaller pieces for even cooking.

What happens if I don’t have BBQ sauce?

You can substitute with homemade barbecue sauce or even teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile. The key is to maintain a balance of sweet and savory.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and soy sauce to adapt the dish to your dietary needs.

What can I serve with Instant Pot Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even crispy stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of spring rolls or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

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