Mediterranean Diet Friendly Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Total time50 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time25 min

Mediterranean Diet Friendly Instant Pot Orange Chicken

This one-pot orange chicken leans on bright, fresh flavors that fit right into a Mediterranean-style kitchen: a vibrant sauce built from real orange juice and zest, garlic, ginger, honey, and a touch of red pepper flakes for warmth. The chicken thighs sear until golden, then finish cooking in that citrusy, savory sauce under pressure, so every piece turns out tender and deeply flavored in a fraction of the usual time. A quick cornstarch slurry pulls the sauce together into a glossy, spoon-coating glaze that clings to the chicken beautifully. Finished with sliced green onions and a scatter of sesame seeds, it's a colorful, produce-forward dinner that comes together fast without sacrificing flavor. It's a great option to add into a Mediterranean-friendly weeknight rotation, especially served alongside a simple grain and a green salad.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the chicken

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil, 16.9 fl oz La Tourangelle Avocado Oil Spectrum Naturals Avocado Oil La Tourangelle Avocado Oil Artisan Delicate - 8.45 Fl. Oz.Olivado Avocado Oil Extra Virgin - 8.45 Fl. Oz.
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Chef's tip
Avocado oil is neutral and handles high heat, making it a good all-purpose swap.

For the sauce

¾ cup fresh orange juice (from about 3 medium oranges)
1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
½ tsp red pepper flakes

For the slurry

2 tbsp cornstarch
Chef's tip
For thickening, use about 1 1/3 times as much tapioca flour, stirred into a spoonful of cold water first; take the pan off the heat soon after it thickens.
2 tbsp cold water

For serving

2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
Chef's tip
Already-cooked brown rice swaps in 1:1 with no other changes to the recipe.
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Select the Sauté function on the Instant Pot and heat the vegetable oil until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in two batches if needed to avoid crowding) and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden on the outside — the chicken will not be cooked through at this stage. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
2
Add the garlic and ginger to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Watch closely, as they can burn quickly.

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