Soy Free Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Total time50 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time25 min

Tender chicken thighs get seared right in the pot until golden, then simmered in a bright, citrusy sauce built from fresh orange juice, zest, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. The pressure cooking locks in juiciness while that sauce reduces down into something glossy and deeply flavorful, with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes keeping things interesting. A quick cornstarch slurry at the end thickens everything into a glaze that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken. Spooned over fluffy white rice and finished with green onions and sesame seeds, it's the kind of takeout-style dinner that comes together fast without any last-minute stress. This one's a great pick for a soy free kitchen, delivering all the sweet-savory citrus flavor you're craving in a single-pot meal.

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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

For the sauce

¾ cup fresh orange juice (from about 3 medium oranges)
Simply Orange Pulp Free 100% Pure Squeezed Orange Juice Tropicana Pure Premium Original No Pulp Orange Juice - 52 fl oz Florida's Natural Orange Juice Some Pulp Chilled - 52 Fl. Oz.Tropicana Pure Premium Some Pulp Homestyle 100% Orange Juice Florida's Natural Orange Juice No Pulp Chilled - 52 Fl. Oz.
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1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
3 tbsp soy sauce
Chef's tip
Coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty; taste and adjust the seasoning.
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
2 tbsp cold water

For serving

2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
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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