Sunday, January 28, 2018

Instant Pot Orange Chicken & Rice

Source: https://iwashyoudry.com/instant-pot-orange-chicken-rice/ 

  • 2 lbs. chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2"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)
Sauce

  • 1 1/2 tsp. fresh orange zest
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh orange juice
  • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup dry sherry (or chicken broth)
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp. water
  • 2 Tbsp. corn starch
Rice
  • 1 1/2 cups white rice (I use Jasmine), rinsed until the water runs clear, drained
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • sliced green onions for garnish, optional
  1. Set the Instant Pot to saute´funtion and increase to high heat.
  2. Add olive oil and sesame oil to the inner pot to heat up.
  3. Season the chicken with salt, garlic powder and ginger. 
  4. Add chicken to the inner pot once hot and cook 2 to 3 minutes, browning on all sides. Turn the Instant Pot to the off position.
  5. Meanwhile, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce: orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, saugar, sherry, and broth. Pour over chicken and stir to coat.
  6. Place trivet over the chicken in the Instant Pot.  Combine the rinsed rice and water in an oven-safe  dish (Make sure it is only half way filled as the rice will expand.) 
  7. Place the rice filled dish on top of the trivet and close the Instant Pot lid, making sure the vent on top is in the sealed position.
  8. Press MANUAL & HIGH PRESSURE for 4 minutes.  Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes after cooking (Do not release pressure immediately after cooking, do not turn off IP.)
  9. Once 10 minutes is up, quick release of pressure.
  10. Carefully remove the rice and fluff with a fork.
  11. Meanwhile whisk together the 2 Tbsp. water with 2 Tbsp. cornstarch and turn IP to saute´ mode again.
  12. Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until sauce thickens (about 3 to 4 minutes).  
  13. Serve over chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.  Enjoy!
Notes:
  • If you want to make the sauce spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a tablespoon of Siracha sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Janet's notes: Made exactly as written, except subbed water + Better Than Bouillon for the broth and sherry.  Here are some tweaks to try:
  1.  Marinate chicken in cornstarch and egg white, then saute´.  Probably could omit the final slurry...
  2. Use fresh ginger and garlic and increase amounts for more flavor.
  3. Add some cayenne pepper