Instant Pot Ginger-Orange Chicken Delight
Savor the incredible flavors of this Instant Pot Ginger-Orange Chicken Delight, a dish that beautifully marries sweet and savory elements into tender, juicy chicken thighs. The bright essence of freshly squeezed orange juice and the warmth of ginger elevate this crowd-pleasing meal to new heights. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe allows you to whip up a gourmet-style dinner in no time, complete with vibrant sugar snap peas and served over a bed of fluffy white rice. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish promises a burst of flavor that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
bone-in skinless chicken thighs
2 pounds (8 pieces)
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
grapeseed or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
red onion
1 large (thinly sliced)
freshly squeezed orange juice
3/4 cup (from about 3 oranges)
finely grated orange zest
2 teaspoons (from oranges)
unseasoned rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup
soy sauce
1/4 cup
low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup
garlic cloves
6 (finely chopped)
finely chopped ginger
1 tablespoon
honey
2 tablespoons
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
cornstarch
2 teaspoons
sugar snap peas
6 ounces (trimmed)
white rice
for serving
toasted sesame seeds
for serving (optional)
thinly sliced scallion
for serving (optional)
orange slice
for serving (optional)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Instant Pot Ginger-Orange Chicken Delight?
It is a savory and sweet pressure cooker dish featuring chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, ginger, and garlic served with sugar snap peas.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of bone-in skinless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are recommended as they remain more tender during the pressure cooking process.
How many pieces of chicken do I need?
You will need approximately 8 pieces of bone-in skinless chicken thighs.
How is the orange flavor achieved?
The flavor comes from 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice and 2 teaspoons of finely grated orange zest.
Is fresh orange juice necessary?
While fresh juice from about 3 oranges is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
How much ginger is used in the dish?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh ginger.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
You can use 3 tablespoons of either grapeseed or vegetable oil.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe suggests one large red onion, but yellow or white onions can be substituted.
What provides the sweetness in the sauce?
The sweetness comes from a combination of 2 tablespoons of honey and the natural sugars in the orange juice.
Is this chicken dish spicy?
It has a mild warmth from 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What kind of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of unseasoned rice wine vinegar.
Should I use low sodium chicken broth?
Yes, 1/2 cup of low sodium chicken broth is recommended to better control the saltiness of the dish.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
2 teaspoons of cornstarch are used to thicken the sauce into a savory glaze.
When do I add the sugar snap peas?
The 6 ounces of trimmed sugar snap peas are typically added at the end of cooking to maintain their crisp texture.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 6 finely chopped garlic cloves.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as an easy weeknight dinner that can be prepared quickly in an Instant Pot.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written it contains soy sauce; to make it gluten-free, substitute with tamari or coconut aminos.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
It is traditionally served over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can, but you will need to increase the pressure cooking time and ensure the pieces are not frozen together.
How do I garnish this dish?
Suggested garnishes include toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced scallions, and fresh orange slices.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The ginger should be peeled and then finely chopped before being added to the sauce.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes, this dish reheats well and is excellent for meal prepping throughout the week.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can the cooked chicken be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What if I do not have rice wine vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Are the chicken thighs skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for skinless chicken thighs to prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Fresh is preferred for the 'bite' it provides, but you can use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger if necessary.
What type of rice is best for serving?
Long-grain white rice, Jasmine rice, or Basmati rice all work beautifully with the orange sauce.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and savory flavor profile is generally a big hit with both children and adults.