Instapot Easy Orange Chicken: A Takeout Copycat Recipe

Introduction: Recreating Takeout at Home

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a truly fantastic takeout meal – the aroma, the vibrant flavors, and that feeling of treating yourself without the hassle of cooking. But let’s be honest, takeout can be expensive and often leaves you feeling sluggish. What if you could capture that same deliciousness, that authentic ‘takeout’ experience, but with a fraction of the cost and significantly less guilt? That’s exactly what we’re aiming for with this Instapot Easy Orange Chicken recipe. It’s a surprisingly simple way to achieve restaurant-quality orange chicken at home, leveraging the speed and convenience of an Instant Pot to create a dish that’s bursting with tangy sweetness and tender chicken. This isn’t about complicated techniques or hours of simmering; it’s about streamlining the process, utilizing smart shortcuts, and delivering a flavorful, satisfying meal in a remarkably short amount of time. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite takeout flavors without sacrificing your health or your budget. Plus, the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability – you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs, making it a truly personal take on a classic dish. The whole experience is designed to make replicating that authentic takeout feeling effortless, allowing you to indulge your cravings whenever the mood strikes. Imagine the satisfaction of serving up a vibrant orange chicken dish to friends and family, all while knowing you created it yourself, and it tastes just as good – or even better – than what you’d get from a restaurant. It’s a win-win! We’ve focused on minimizing prep time and maximizing flavor, creating a recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply don’t have the energy to cook a full meal. This recipe aims to bring the joy and convenience of takeout straight to your kitchen. You’ll quickly discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying, proving that you don’t need to be a professional chef to enjoy incredible flavors. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinners and enjoy that ‘takeout’ feeling in the comfort of your own home. Ultimately, this recipe is about reclaiming the joy of eating delicious food without the added expense and effort. Effortless Flavor is what we’re all about here.

Recipe Overview: The Speed & Simplicity of Instapot Orange Chicken

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t crave that takeout orange chicken, but doesn’t want the hassle of actually ordering it? This Instapot recipe is designed to deliver that same delicious flavor and satisfying experience, but with a dramatically reduced time commitment. It’s a total game-changer – a genuine shortcut to your favorite restaurant-quality meal. The Instapot truly shines here, drastically shortening the cooking time while still achieving a remarkably authentic result. It’s one of those incredibly clever kitchen hacks that elevates a simple weeknight dinner to something truly special. The beauty of this recipe lies in its impressive speed; you’re talking about a total cook time of roughly 15-20 minutes, including prep. This means you can have a flavorful, vibrant orange chicken on the table in under half an hour, perfect for those busy evenings. The pressure cooking method is key—it locks in the juicy tenderness of the chicken and intensifies the sauce’s rich, orange notes. It’s a perfect solution for anyone who loves takeout but wants to feel a bit healthier and more in control of their ingredients. Dinner in a pot is here to stay, and this Instapot recipe is a fantastic starting point. Don’t be intimidated by the Instapot – it’s remarkably intuitive, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at its versatility. You can easily adapt this recipe to create other flavorful dishes too. Explore more Instapot recipes here

Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Deliciousness

Let’s dive into the ingredients needed to recreate that crave-worthy takeout orange chicken experience, right in your Instant Pot! This recipe focuses on bringing the vibrant flavors of a restaurant-quality orange chicken to your kitchen without the fuss. It’s truly a delightful way to enjoy a treat without the guilt—and without the long wait times.

Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need. Don’t be intimidated; it’s surprisingly straightforward.

• Chicken Tenderloins: We’re using 16 ounces of chicken tenderloins. They cook quickly and evenly, making them perfect for this recipe. You could also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, for a similar result. Chicken Tenderloins – I always find the best quality at Amazon. (Note: this link is to Amazon and is not a core ingredient).
• Rice: 1 cup of rice is essential. I personally recommend using Basmati rice – it adds a lovely fragrance and texture. Basmati Rice – Trader Joe’s offers a fantastic value and flavor. (Note: this link is to Trader Joe’s and is not a core ingredient).
• Water: 1.25 cups of water – crucial for the rice to cook properly in the Instant Pot. Water – A simple necessity!
• Sugar-Free Orange Marmalade: 3.5 tablespoons – This is where the signature orange flavor truly shines. I recommend Smucker’s brand, which you can easily find at Publix or your local grocery store. (Note: this link is to Publix and is not a core ingredient).
• Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce: 2 tablespoons – G Hughes makes a consistently amazing BBQ sauce that pairs perfectly with the orange flavor. You can grab it on Amazon G Hughes Sweet Chili Sauce – I have been loyal to this brand for years.
• Sugar-Free Sweet Chili Sauce: 2 tablespoons – Seriously, this sauce is incredible. Again, G Hughes is the way to go. G Hughes Sweet Chili Sauce – It’s so intense and flavorful!
• Brown Sugar Replacement: 2 tablespoons – Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener is my go-to. It has zero calories and mimics the sweetness of brown sugar beautifully. Lakanto – You can often find it on sale at HomeGoods, but any zero-calorie sweetener will work. (Note: this link is to Lakanto and is not a core ingredient).

That’s everything! Don’t feel overwhelmed; this list is manageable and designed to ensure you have all the components for a fantastic meal. The beauty of this recipe is that you’ll quickly become familiar with the ingredients and their impact on the overall flavor. Now, let’s move on to the equipment you’ll need to bring this entire delicious experience to life!

Equipment: The Essentials for Success

Let’s be honest, recreating that perfect takeout experience at home often hinges on having the right tools. For this Instapot Easy Orange Chicken, you’ll want a reliable pressure cooker – and we’ve got a highly recommended one for you pressure cooker! This isn’t just any pressure cooker; it’s designed for consistent and efficient cooking, ensuring your chicken is incredibly tender and your rice perfectly fluffy. Choosing the right pressure cooker is a fundamental step for achieving this incredible dish, and the one we’ve linked is consistently praised for its performance and ease of use. It’s a worthwhile investment for any serious home cook who wants to consistently deliver restaurant-quality takeout flavors.

Beyond the pressure cooker itself, a few additional accessories will really elevate your cooking experience. You’ll need a good set of measuring cups and spoons – precision is key when it comes to balancing the sweet and savory flavors in this recipe. A whisk is absolutely essential for creating a smooth and emulsified sauce, ensuring that every bite is bursting with that signature orange chicken goodness. A silicone spatula will be your best friend for gently stirring the ingredients and scraping down the sides of the pot, preventing any sticking or burning. A non-stick insert is also beneficial for easy cleanup, preventing any messy residue from adhering to the pot’s surface. While not strictly essential, a trivet can be helpful for preventing boil-overs and ensuring even cooking. If you’re using a non-stick insert non-stick insert, it’s crucial to use it on a burner with sufficient space to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation. Consider also having a small bowl available for whisking the sauce together – a ceramic or glass bowl is ideal for accurate measurement and prevents any metallic reactions that could impact the flavor.

Finally, a digital thermometer is a fantastic addition, though not required. It allows you to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken, guaranteeing it’s cooked through to a safe and delicious standard. This ensures your orange chicken isn’t just flavorful, but also completely safe to eat. These tools aren’t just about making the recipe easier; they’re about transforming your home cooking into a genuinely satisfying and successful replicate of your favorite takeout experience – and it all starts with investing in the right equipment. Don’t skimp on quality – it really does make a difference!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Instapot Orange Chicken

Let’s get cooking! This Instapot orange chicken recipe is designed to mimic that delicious takeout flavor, but with a fraction of the effort and far fewer calories. It’s seriously a weeknight miracle. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – truly a ‘dump and start’ kind of meal. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you nail that authentic orange chicken taste.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by chopping your 16 ounces of chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces – roughly 1.5 to 2 inches by 1.5 to 2 inches. You want them to be manageable for quick cooking, and to ensure even flavor absorption. Set these aside in a bowl. Don’t worry about precise sizing; consistency is key, but a little variation won’t hurt. Chicken tenderloins are a fantastic choice here, offering a good balance of flavor and tenderness.

2. Build the Rice Base: Add 1 cup of rice – preferably Basmati rice from Trader Joe’s (they’re fantastic!) but extra-long grain rice from Publix works perfectly well too – to the bottom of your Instapot. Then, carefully pour 1.25 cups of water over the rice. This is crucial – you want the rice to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Avoid splashing!

3. Layer the Chicken: Carefully place the chopped chicken tenderloins on top of the rice. Again, be gentle to avoid disturbing the rice layer. You want the chicken nestled nicely on top, ready to absorb the wonderful orange sauce. Rice is a cornerstone of this recipe.

4. Mix the Magic (Don’t Mix!): Now, in a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: 3.5 tablespoons of sugar-free orange marmalade Sugar-free orange marmalade, 2 tablespoons of sugar-free BBQ sauce Sugar-free BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar-free sweet chili sauce Sugar-free sweet chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar replacement (Lakanto). This is a key step – don’t mix this sauce directly into the pot; we’re keeping it separate to ensure the rice and chicken are fully coated when we pressure cook. Lakanto is a great alternative to sugar.

5. Pressure Cook to Perfection: Cover the Instapot, ensuring the valve is set to ‘Sealing.’ Set the pressure cook button to 5 minutes. This 5-minute setting is a good starting point – we’ll let it stand for a few extra minutes to fully develop the flavors. Start the pressure cook.

6. The Stand & Release: Once the timer goes off, let the pressure cooker stand for 5-6 minutes. This allows the remaining steam to fully cook the rice and tenderize the chicken even further. Then, carefully depressurize the Instapot according to your model’s instructions. Pressure Cooker is a crucial piece of equipment.

7. Mix and Serve: Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. You can either serve it as is or gently mix everything together. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds would also be lovely! Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, healthier take-out copycat meal! You can find more great Instapot recipes here Instapot Recipes.

Yields: Approximately 4 servings. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total time: 20 minutes. Calories per serving: Approximately 175 (depending on precise ingredients and portions).

Sauce Details: The Key to Authentic Flavor

Let’s be honest, a truly fantastic takeout orange chicken hinges on its sauce – and achieving that complex, sweet, and tangy flavor profile at home is absolutely achievable with the right ingredients and technique. This isn’t just about dumping a jar of orange marmalade into your pot; it’s about layering flavors to mimic the magic of a professional kitchen. The cornerstone of this sauce is, of course, the sugar-free orange marmalade – Guckers brand is a consistently solid choice. However, that marmalade, while flavorful, needs to be elevated. That’s where the other components come in, and it’s a delicate balance.

First, we’re utilizing sugar-free BBQ sauce from G Hughes, specifically their version. This adds a subtle smoky depth and richness, a crucial element often missing in simpler orange chicken recipes. It’s not overpowering; the goal is an enhancement, not a replacement for the orange notes. G Hughes provides a remarkably complex flavor here, which many users consistently praise. It’s worth noting this particular sauce is something they’ve been making for approximately two years and is a favorite for many.

Then, there’s the sugar-free sweet chili sauce, and this is where things get truly interesting. The addition of this sauce isn’t just for sweetness; it provides a subtle, but noticeable, kick of heat. A little goes a long way, but just a tablespoon or two dramatically elevates the complexity of the sauce. It’s a key element to this recipe, and many users find themselves adding more than the suggested amount—a testament to its addictive quality. It provides a slight, but delicious, warmth that complements the citrus notes perfectly.

Finally, to round out the flavor, we’re using brown sugar replacement, Lakanto, specifically their Monk Fruit sweetener. Now, using a sugar replacement is a common practice for many seeking to reduce their sugar intake, and Lakanto’s version is a popular choice. While [Swerve](https://www.swerve sweetener.com/) is a well-known alternative, Lakanto’s Monk Fruit sweetener offers a distinct flavor profile. It’s crucial to note that while Swerve, Lakanto, and other sugar substitutes can provide a sweet taste, they don’t always deliver the same nuanced caramelization and depth of flavor that brown sugar contributes. It’s a subtle difference, but one that impacts the overall richness of the sauce. Using brown sugar replacement is a great way to enjoy the flavor with significantly reduced calories and carbohydrates.

The amount of each ingredient is carefully calibrated to achieve this balanced flavor – 3.5 tablespoons of marmalade, 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons of Lakanto. Don’t be afraid to experiment slightly to tailor the sauce to your personal taste, but this is a solid foundation for an outstanding orange chicken. Using this blend of ingredients and the careful attention to proportion, you’ll be well on your way to replicating that authentic, crave-worthy takeout experience right in your own kitchen – a seriously delicious and healthier alternative. You can find the G Hughes Sweet Chili Sauce on Amazon.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Let’s be honest, once you’ve perfected a takeout copycat recipe like this Instapot Easy Orange Chicken, you’ll naturally want to experiment, right? This recipe is a fantastic base, but there are tons of ways to customize it to your own preferences and what you have on hand. It’s a hugely versatile dish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even entertaining.

Spice It Up: The level of spice is entirely adjustable. If you like things a little fiery, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could even incorporate a finely diced jalapeño – just be sure to remove the seeds and membranes for less heat. For a more intense kick, a dash of sriracha adds a fantastic depth of flavor. You can even experiment with a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Rice Variations: While basmati rice is recommended for a fluffy texture, don’t feel limited! Brown rice would work beautifully for a heartier meal. Adjust the water ratio according to the grain’s instructions, naturally. Quinoa is another fantastic swap, offering a boost of protein. Even jasmine rice would complement the orange flavor incredibly well. Just remember to adjust cooking times according to the grain.

Protein Boost: This recipe is great with chicken, but you can easily adapt it to other proteins. Shrimp cooks up incredibly quickly in the Instapot and would be delicious. Sliced pork tenderloin would also be a fantastic addition. Tofu, pressed and cubed, is a great vegetarian option – ensure you sear it briefly before adding it to the pot for a slightly browned flavor.

Sauce Tweaks: Don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce to your liking. For a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup. A splash of rice vinegar can brighten the flavors. If you prefer a richer sauce, incorporate a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to create a slurry and thicken it at the end. Experimenting with different citrus fruits – a little mandarin orange zest or even grapefruit juice – could add new dimensions to the flavour profile. Citrus Fruits

Toppings Galore: The beauty of this dish is that it’s perfect for piling on toppings! Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, for a vibrant pop of color and freshness. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch. A drizzle of hoisin sauce offers a sweet and savory element. Crushed peanuts or cashews deliver a satisfying textural contrast. Even a sprinkle of shredded coconut would be a surprising, but delightful, addition. Topping Ideas

Meal Prep & Leftovers: This Instapot Easy Orange Chicken is perfect for meal prepping! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet. Freezing the sauce separately will help maintain the integrity. Freezing food

Ultimately, this recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Let’s break down the nutritional aspects of this incredibly satisfying Instapot Easy Orange Chicken. This recipe is designed to mimic the flavor of takeout without the guilt – aiming for a healthier, more controllable version. It’s important to remember that nutritional information can vary slightly depending on specific brands used and portion sizes, but here’s an approximate breakdown based on the ingredient quantities listed. These values are calculated using online nutritional databases and are intended as a guide.

Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 4 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 175 calories. This is primarily due to the rice and small amounts of sauce ingredients. Using Lakanto brown sugar replacement significantly lowers the sugar content compared to traditional sugar.
• Protein: Roughly 30 grams. The chicken tenderloins contribute the majority of the protein, offering around 28 grams. This makes it a great source of lean protein for a satisfying meal.
• Fat: Approximately 8 grams. The fat content comes mainly from the chicken and a small amount from the sauces. Choosing leaner chicken tenderloins is key to minimizing the fat.
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 32 grams. This figure is primarily attributed to the rice (approximately 20 grams) and a small amount from the sauces. The use of brown rice, as mentioned earlier, adds fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Sugar: Approximately 5 grams. This is considerably lower than most takeout orange chicken, thanks to the use of sugar-free marmalade, sugar-free BBQ sauce, and the Lakanto brown sugar replacement. These alternatives drastically reduce the sugar content while still providing a rich, balanced sweetness.
• Fiber: Approximately 3 grams. This helps to promote digestive health and satiety.

Detailed Breakdown by Ingredient (Approximate):

• Chicken Tenderloins (28 oz): Approximately 150 calories, 28g protein, 6g fat, 0g carbs.
• Basmati Rice (1 cup): Approximately 200 calories, 4g protein, 0.5g fat, 45g carbs (including 3g fiber).
• Sugar-Free Orange Marmalade (3.5 tbsp): Approximately 30 calories, 0g protein, 2g fat, 4g carbs.
• Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce (2 tbsp): Approximately 20 calories, 0g protein, 0g fat, 2g carbs.
• Sugar-Free Sweet Chili Sauce (2 tbsp): Approximately 10 calories, 0g protein, 0g fat, 1g carbs.
• Lakanto Brown Sugar Replacement (2 tbsp): Approximately 20 calories, 0g protein, 0g fat, 3g carbs.

Important Note: These calculations are estimations. For precise values, we highly recommend using a nutrition tracking app and entering the specific brands and quantities used in your recipe. Remember to account for any added seasonings or oils. Enjoy this healthier take on a takeout favorite! Explore the nutritional benefits of brown rice and learn more about Lakanto.

Print, Pin & Share Your Creations!

Ready to impress your friends and family with a takeout-worthy meal without the takeout price tag? There are plenty of ways to share your culinary masterpiece and connect with other food lovers. First, you can easily print the full recipe to keep handy in the kitchen – perfect for those days when you’re short on screen time. Then, if you’re loving this recipe as much as we do, be sure to pin it to your Pinterest boards so you can easily find it later, and also share it with your followers! You can instantly create a beautiful pin by clicking on the ‘Pin Recipe’ button at the bottom of the page. It’s a fantastic way to save time and effort when searching for new recipes.

Beyond pinning, we’d absolutely love to see your Instapot Orange Chicken creations! Connect with us on Instagram @Allie.Carte.Dishes and tag your photos with #alliecartedishes – we’ll be sure to give you a shoutout! Sharing your food photos is a wonderful way to build a community of fellow foodies. You can also share your recipes on other social media platforms – Twitter, Facebook – using the hashtag.

We’ve created a dedicated page for more takeout recipes here: more takeout recipes here – so you can explore even more delicious and convenient meal options. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on the page itself – your feedback helps us improve and allows other users to find the most helpful recipe. And finally, if you have any questions or need help with the recipe, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re always happy to assist. You can also check out our blog for more delicious recipes: https://alliecarte.com/blog/. We’ve also compiled a list of related Instapot recipes here: more instapot recipes here. We value your input and enjoy seeing your photos – so join the community and share your love for delicious, easy meals!

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