Description
This Instant Pot Orange Chicken and Rice packs irresistible flavor and simple prep. Perfect for a quick dinner, it’s a delightful homemade meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger, or 2 tsp minced ginger
- 1 1/2 tsp orange zest, fresh
- 2 tbsp orange juice, fresh
- 3 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup dry sherry
- 1/3 cup chicken broth, low sodium
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 1 1/2 cups white rice, rinsed and drained until water runs clear
- 1 1/2 cups water
- sliced green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat high. Add olive oil and sesame oil to the pot. Season chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, and ginger. Brown the chicken in the pot for 2 to 3 minutes then turn off the Instant Pot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, dry sherry, and chicken broth together. Pour this sauce over the browned chicken and stir to coat.
- Place a trivet over the chicken, then combine rinsed rice and 1 1/2 cups of water in an oven-safe dish. Set this dish on top of the trivet, ensuring it’s only half-filled. Seal the Instant Pot lid in the vent-sealed position.
- Press MANUAL and set to HIGH PRESSURE for 4 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes post-cooking before finishing with a quick release.
- Carefully remove the rice and fluff it with a fork.
- Return the Instant Pot to Sauté mode, mix the cornstarch with water, and stir this mixture into the sauce until it thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Serve the chicken over the rice and garnish with green onions, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use fresh ginger instead of ground.
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Make sure to keep an eye on the water level in the Instant Pot for optimal cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg