Healthy 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Orange Chicken: A Flavorful 4-Minute Meal

Craving a delicious, zesty, and undeniably easy dinner? Look no further than this incredibly healthy 3-ingredient Instant Pot orange chicken recipe. Forget the greasy takeout and complicated steps; this version is made without breading and comes together in an astounding 4 minutes of cook time! We’ve perfected this recipe using both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs, and the combination of vibrant orange marmalade and savory barbecue sauce consistently delivers a mouthwatering result that your whole family will adore.

Mastering Instant Pot Orange Chicken with Frozen Meat

While fresh chicken yields the quickest results, it’s entirely possible to make this delectable orange chicken using frozen chicken in your Instant Pot. Initially, I experimented by cooking small, whole frozen chicken breasts first, then incorporating the savory-sweet sauce mixture. This approach ensures the chicken is fully cooked before flavor infusion. If you choose to add frozen, bite-sized chicken pieces at the beginning with the sauce, be prepared to adjust the cook time to approximately 12 minutes, followed by a 3-minute natural pressure release. For maximum flavor absorption and tender results, thawed meat, cut into uniform bite-sized pieces as directed in the recipe, is generally preferred because the surface area allows for deeper marinade penetration.

You don’t necessarily need an “Instant Pot” branded appliance to create this culinary delight. This recipe also shines as one of our favorite Ninja Foodi recipes, utilizing its pressure cooking lid. As long as you own an electric pressure cooker, you’re perfectly equipped to make this dish. Served over a steaming bed of fluffy rice, this orange chicken becomes an irresistible meal that quickly finds its way into our regular dinner rotation, praised for its simplicity and incredible taste.

I can confidently say that this may be our absolute favorite quick and easy meal, especially when time is of the essence! While I’ve enjoyed making Crockpot orange chicken for years, the speed and efficiency of my favorite 7-in-1 Instant Pot appliance have made this recipe a weekly go-to. You only need three core ingredients for the main dish, with a few optional additions to customize the flavor. Whether you prefer a touch of heat from spicy seasonings or a purely sweet and tangy profile, this recipe is wonderfully versatile.

Ingredient Notes for Perfect Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Selecting the right ingredients is key to the success of this simple yet profound recipe. Each component plays a vital role in creating the signature flavor and tender texture.

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: For optimal flavor absorption and quick cooking, it is crucial to use boneless and skinless chicken, whether breasts or thighs. Dice the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. This preparation ensures that every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce and cooks evenly under pressure, becoming incredibly tender and infused with all the wonderful flavors. We recommend about two medium chicken breasts for four servings, but feel free to double the recipe for a larger family or meal prep.
• Barbecue Sauce: The barbecue sauce forms the rich, savory base of our sauce. We highly recommend using your favorite original style BBQ sauce. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s Original work exceptionally well due to their balanced sweetness and smoky notes. A crucial tip: Do NOT use honey-style barbecue sauces in your pressure cooker. Their high sugar content can easily lead to the dreaded “burn notice” on your Instant Pot, indicating that something at the bottom is scorching. Stick to non-honey varieties for a smooth cooking experience.
• Orange Marmalade: This is the magic ingredient that delivers that classic, bright, and tangy orange flavor. You’ll typically find orange marmalade in the jam and jelly aisle of your grocery store. Its potent citrus zest and sweetness are what make this dish truly special. You can adjust the amount of marmalade to your personal preference – use a little less for a subtle hint of orange or a bit more for a bolder, tarter flavor. If you’ve ever enjoyed orange marmalade on toast, you know how delightful it is; using it as a chicken sauce is an even more spectacular experience! It’s conceptually similar to our popular pressure cooker apricot chicken, but with a distinct orange twist. The idea is simple: tender meat paired with a luscious fruit spread for an unforgettable “WOW” factor.

Optional Add-Ins to Elevate Your Orange Chicken

While the core three ingredients create a fantastic meal, a few optional additions can further enhance the complexity and texture of your Instant Pot orange chicken:

• White Onions: Diced or sliced white onions are a wonderful addition, introducing a subtle sweetness and a pleasant textural element to the dish. They soften beautifully under high pressure, blending seamlessly with the sauce. About half a cup added at the beginning works perfectly.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a touch of heat, easily transform this sweet orange chicken into a spicy delight. A quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chili powder, readily available in most cupboards, can be added with the chicken. You can always adjust the spice level later if needed.
• Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce is highly recommended to beautifully counteract the sweetness of the marmalade and barbecue sauce, introducing a savory, umami depth. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option for those mindful of salt intake. We suggest about 3 tablespoons for a balanced flavor profile.
• Garnishes: For a fresh finish and a pop of color, sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions over the top just before serving. These fresh herbs add a delicate oniony flavor that complements the rich sauce.
• Thickening the Sauce: For those who prefer a thicker, more glazed sauce, a cornstarch slurry can be whisked in at the very end. We’ll cover the specific technique for thickening the sauce in detail further down.

This dish, affectionately known as “sweet chicken” in our household, is universally loved by my children! It’s versatile, delicious, and pairs perfectly with a side of rice. Speaking of which, this is how to make the perfect Instant Pot white rice to serve this succulent orange chicken on top of. Next time you head to the store, grab these few simple items and give this incredible recipe a try this week!

Expert Tips for Instant Pot Orange Chicken Success

Achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your Instant Pot orange chicken is surprisingly easy, and the beauty of this recipe lies in its adjustability to your personal preferences. Here are some expert tips to ensure your success:

• Flavor Intensity: For a vibrant, intense fruit flavor, be generous with the orange marmalade. You can use up to 1/2 cup for a truly bold orange profile. If you prefer just a subtle hint, stick to the recommended 1/4 cup or even slightly less. Remember, marmalade is quite potent with its included zest!
• Sweet to Savory Balance: The soy sauce is your secret weapon for balancing the sweetness. Adding a tablespoon or two can introduce a savory, umami element that rounds out the flavors beautifully. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste if you desire a less sweet profile.
• Controlling the Heat: If you’re introducing a spicy element like red pepper flakes or chili powder, always start small. Add about 1/4 teaspoon when cooking. Once the chicken is done, taste the sauce. If you want to intensify the heat, you can stir in another 1/4 teaspoon until you reach your desired spice level. It’s much easier to add more heat than to reduce it!
• Scaling the Recipe: For larger households or if you’re planning for leftovers, this recipe doubles beautifully. Simply increase all the ingredient quantities proportionally. However, when doubling, keep in mind that the flavors can become quite intense, so you might start with slightly less marmalade or adjust spices incrementally.
• Trust Your Palate: The amounts listed in the recipe card are a fantastic starting point. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! Every batch of barbecue sauce or marmalade can vary slightly in sweetness and acidity. Always taste the finished sauce and modify it to suit your family’s liking for the next round.

Cooking with Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot

While fresh chicken is always ideal for ease and speed, using frozen chicken in your Instant Pot is absolutely doable with a few key modifications. If you plan to cook your frozen chicken alongside the sauce from the very beginning, it is essential that the chicken pieces are already cut into small, bite-sized portions. Furthermore, these pieces must be separated and not frozen together in one solid, thick clump. A large clump of frozen chicken will not cook through properly and evenly within the pressure cooker’s time frame.

If you find your frozen chicken breast or thigh pieces stuck together, a simple trick is to run them under cool water while gently using your hands to break them apart. For whole frozen chicken pieces, aim for small to medium sizes. The cook time will need to be adjusted to 12 minutes for these, followed by a natural pressure release. We generally recommend no more than 4 whole frozen chicken pieces in a standard 6-quart Instant Pot to ensure even cooking and sufficient space for pressure build-up.

How to Thicken the Orange Chicken Sauce

A beautifully thickened sauce can transform this dish from great to extraordinary, creating that perfect glaze that coats every piece of chicken. Keep in mind that pressure cooker sauces tend to appear thin initially, but they thicken considerably as they cool. Therefore, you often don’t need a large amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

Here’s how to achieve that ideal consistency:

1. Once the chicken is cooked and the pressure has been released, carefully remove the tender chicken pieces from the pot and set them aside on a plate. This prevents them from breaking apart while you work with the sauce.
2. Leave the remaining sauce in the Instant Pot and select the “Saute” function. This will bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
3. While the sauce is heating, prepare a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) with about 2-3 tablespoons of hot liquid (sauce) from the Instant Pot. Whisk this mixture vigorously until it is completely smooth and free of lumps.
4. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry back into the simmering sauce in the Instant Pot, stirring continuously.
5. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for about 1-2 minutes while you continue to stir. You’ll notice the sauce begin to thicken almost immediately. It doesn’t take much time or a lot of starch for the texture to change.
6. Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, turn off the Instant Pot. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, toss to coat thoroughly, and serve immediately.

This simple thickening step ensures your orange chicken has that irresistible, glossy coating that makes it truly exceptional. Always adjust the heat and other flavor elements to your liking, remembering that a little bit of spice goes a long way!

4.67 from 12 votes

Instant Pot Orange Chicken Recipe

By Justine

Easy 3 ingredient Instant Pot orange chicken recipe! Use fresh or frozen chicken breasts or thighs to make this healthy one pot meal.

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 4 mins | Total: 14 mins | Servings: 4

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Equipment

• 1 pressure cooker

Ingredients

• 2 medium chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, bite size pieces (can double recipe if you want 4 breasts)
• 2 cup barbecue sauce (do not use honey style as there is too much sugar and may display burn message)
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

1. Cube your chicken and add to your Instant Pot along with your barbecue sauce and water or chicken broth (optional additions now: 1/2 cup chopped onion if desired and 3 tablespoons soy sauce).
2. Stir gently to ensure chicken pieces are thoroughly coated.
3. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and close the steam valve. Set your Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
4. Once the cooking cycle is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully lift the lid. Turn the Instant Pot to the “Saute” function.
5. If you wish to thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of hot barbecue sauce from the pot. Whisk this mixture until it’s smooth, then add it back into the pot and stir continuously.
6. Add the orange marmalade, stir well, and allow the mixture to gently bubble for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through and well combined.
7. Turn off the Instant Pot and serve your delicious orange chicken immediately over a bed of rice.

Video

A video demonstration for this recipe would typically be embedded here, showing the step-by-step process of making Instant Pot Orange Chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz, Calories: 442kcal, Carbohydrates: 74g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 2366mg, Potassium: 788mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 60g, Vitamin A: 355IU, Vitamin C: 3.7mg, Calcium: 63mg, Iron: 1.7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Entree, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Japanese

Tried this recipe? Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!

What to Serve With Your Instant Pot Orange Chicken

This versatile Instant Pot orange chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of our top recommendations:

• Jasmine Rice: Our absolute favorite way to serve this dish is over fragrant Jasmine Ninja Foodi rice. Its delicate aroma and fluffy texture perfectly complement the rich, tangy chicken sauce, soaking up every drop of flavor.
• Cauliflower Rice: For those looking for a low-carb, grain-free, or gluten-free option, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice. It provides a similar base to traditional rice without the carbohydrates, making your meal even healthier.
• Brown Rice: A healthier alternative to white rice, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a boost of fiber. Its slightly chewier texture offers a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or green beans for a fresh, vibrant crunch and extra nutrients.
• Asian Slaw: A light, crisp Asian-inspired slaw can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the savory-sweet chicken.

Other Instant Pot Meals You’ll Love From Our Kitchen

If you’ve enjoyed the convenience and deliciousness of this orange chicken, you’ll be thrilled to explore many more Instant Pot recipes on our site. Simply navigate to the Instant Pot tab at the top of our main page for a treasure trove of quick and easy meals. Below are a few more fantastic Instant Pot chicken recipes that we highly recommend:

• Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Casserole: This is a truly satisfying one-pot wonder, where pasta, tender chicken, and rich sauce all cook together simultaneously, simplifying both preparation and cleanup.
• Pressure Cooker Chicken and Rice: A perennial favorite on The Typical Mom, this comforting classic delivers perfectly cooked chicken and rice in one go, making it a beloved family dinner.
  • Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole: This variation on the classic is elevated with the addition of rich heavy cream, offering an even more indulgent and comforting twist to the traditional chicken and rice.
• Instant Pot Butter Chicken: An Indian-inspired favorite, this rich and aromatic dish is incredibly easy to make in the Instant Pot and pairs beautifully with warm naan bread.

For those who adore the vibrant flavors of orange chicken but prefer to skip the extra calories and heaviness from breading, this recipe is an outstanding choice. It offers all the taste you love in a lighter, healthier format. And if you’re curious about other cooking methods, we also have excellent directions for air fryer orange chicken available here, perfect for achieving a slightly crispy exterior without deep frying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Here are some common questions about making orange chicken, especially our healthy Instant Pot version: