This Instant Pot Orange Chicken is gluten free and inexpensive at $1.42 per serving. It is mildly spicy but it’s easy to add more heat by increasing the amount of Sambal Chili paste added to the sauce.
Orange chicken is a beloved dish that combines golden-brown chicken pieces with a tangy and sweet orange sauce. The key to creating an excellent orange chicken is in the sauce—freshly squeezed orange juice, zest, a touch of soy sauce, and a hint of ginger create a bright, flavorful base. Thickening the sauce to just the right consistency ensures it clings to each piece of chicken, delivering that signature sticky texture. Serve it over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Sambal Chili Paste
Sambal chili paste is a versatile and vibrant ingredient that brings a punch of heat and flavor to a wide range of dishes. Originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, sambal is made from ground chilies, garlic, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, creating a balanced blend of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s a staple in many Asian kitchens but has become a favorite among adventurous cooks worldwide. Use it to add depth to stir-fries, marinades, and sauces, or simply as a fiery condiment on the side. A little goes a long way, making it a powerful tool in any cook’s arsenal.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken (Gluten Free)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Sauce
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 4 oranges)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tsp ginger paste
- 3 tbsp gluten free soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Sambal chili paste
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Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot onto sautee and add the oil.
- When the oil gets hot, add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Turn the pot off and add all of the sauce ingredients.
- Mix well, being sure to scrape up any bits stuck on the bottom.
- Put on the lid and set to "sealing." Cook on manual (high pressure) for 5 minutes.
- Use a natural release for 10 minutes. If the pressure is not fully released in that time then use an instant release so that you can open the pot.
- Remove the chicken and cover to keep warm.
- Turn the pot back to sautee and bring the sauce to a boil
- Make a slurry with the cornstarch and water.
- Add the slurry slowly, stirring constantly, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Put the chicken back in the pot to mix it in the sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Gluten Free Orange Chicken Cost per Serving Breakdown
Chicken $5.69
Oil $0.13
Cornstarch $0.10
Oranges (4) $4.00
Ginger $0.37
Soy Sauce $0.60
Rice Vinegar $0.30
Sugar $0.07
Brown Sugar $0.10
Chili Paste $0.06
Total Recipe Cost $11.42
Cost per Serving $1.42
