Easy Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Made with tender chicken thighs, this recipe for Instant Pot orange chicken is quick, easy, and delicious.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 352 Calories

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
• 1 cup brown sugar, or more to taste
• 2 large oranges, zested
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or more to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 0.5 cup lemon juice
• 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 0.25 cup diced green onions

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Blot chicken thighs with a paper towel and trim off excess fat with kitchen shears. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks.

Step 2

Stir orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, green onions, orange zest, ginger, garlic, and Sriracha together in a bowl.

Step 3

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) and select Saute function. When the pot is hot, add oil and swirl it around. Add chicken, salt, and pepper and saute for 2 minutes. Cancel Saute function.

Step 4

Pour orange sauce mixture into the Instant Pot. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 4 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

Step 5

Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, for 5 minutes, then switch to the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.

Step 6

Turn the Instant Pot back to the Saute function. Stir in brown sugar.

Step 7

Stir cornstarch and water together in a small bowl; stir slurry into the Instant Pot and let cook until the sauce has thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.