Orange chicken in a snap: an effortless pressure cooker recipe for busy weeknights

Introduction:

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Chinese takeout without leaving the comfort of your home! With this exceptional orange chicken recipe pressure cooker, you can recreate the beloved dish in a fraction of the time, delivering a crispy, tangy, and unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Pressure Cook the Chicken:
Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker. Place the chicken mixture in a steamer basket or on a trivet and insert it into the cooker. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

3. Make the Orange Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, whisk together all the orange sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

4. Release Pressure:
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.

5. Crisp the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the pressure cooker and transfer it to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until golden brown and crispy.

6. Combine the Sauce and Chicken:
Add the orange sauce to the skillet with the chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh orange slices or chopped green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

Orange Chicken Variations:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a kick.
• Honey Orange Chicken: Swap out the brown sugar for an extra 1/4 cup of honey for a sweeter flavor.
• Ginger Orange Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger to the orange sauce for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken:

• Use fresh orange juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice rather than store-bought.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: The chicken will continue to cook in the sauce, so it’s important not to overcook it in the pressure cooker.
• Adjust the sauce thickness: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for longer to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a little water or orange juice to thin it out.

Orange Chicken with a Twist:

• Orange Chicken Tacos: Serve the orange chicken in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings.
• Orange Chicken Salad: Toss the orange chicken with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and a light dressing for a refreshing salad.
• Orange Chicken Pizza: Top a pizza crust with orange chicken, mozzarella cheese, and green peppers for a unique and flavorful twist.

In a nutshell:

With this orange chicken recipe pressure cooker, you can easily master the art of this beloved dish. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or want to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Q: Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the orange sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: What should I serve with orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken can be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables.