instant pot spicy orange chicken

Steps

1. # Instant Pot Spicy Orange Chicken: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe
3. Craving a delicious, spicy, and tangy dish that’s quick to make? This **Instant Pot Spicy Orange Chicken** recipe is the perfect solution! Packed with bold flavors, this dish combines tender chicken, zesty orange, and a hint of spice for a meal that’s sure to impress. Follow these detailed steps to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home.
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7. ## **Ingredients for Instant Pot Spicy Orange Chicken**
8. - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
9. - 1/4 cup cornstarch
10. - 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
11. - 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
12. - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
13. - 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
14. - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
15. - 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
16. - 3 garlic cloves (minced)
17. - 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
18. - 1 tsp orange zest
19. - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
20. - 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
21. - Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)
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25. ## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
27. ### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
28. 1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel.
29. 2. Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps create a crispy texture when cooked.
31. ### **Step 2: Sear the Chicken**
32. 1. Set your **Instant Pot** to the "Sauté" function and add the oil.
33. 2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
35. ### **Step 3: Make the Spicy Orange Sauce**
36. 1. In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, orange zest, and red pepper flakes.
37. 2. Pour the sauce into the Instant Pot and deglaze the bottom by scraping off any browned bits with a wooden spoon.
39. ### **Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken**
40. 1. Add the seared chicken back into the Instant Pot and stir to coat it with the sauce.
41. 2. Secure the lid, set the valve to "Sealing," and cook on **High Pressure** for 5 minutes.
42. 3. Once the cooking time is complete, allow a **Natural Release** for 5 minutes, then perform a **Quick Release** for any remaining pressure.
44. ### **Step 5: Thicken the Sauce**
45. 1. Remove the chicken and set aside. Turn the Instant Pot back to the "Sauté" function.
46. 2. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
48. ### **Step 6: Serve and Garnish**
49. 1. Add the chicken back into the sauce and stir to coat.
50. 2. Serve over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
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54. ## **Tips for Perfect Spicy Orange Chicken**
55. - For a **healthier option**, use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
56. - Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes.
57. - Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
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61. ## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
62. This **Instant Pot Spicy Orange Chicken** is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements makes it a standout dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, using the Instant Pot ensures tender, juicy chicken every time!
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66. Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Don’t forget to share your results and tag us on social media! #InstantPotRecipes #SpicyOrangeChicken #EasyDinnerIdeas

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