Waterless Instant Pot Scallion Oil Chicken

Waterless Instant Pot scallion oil chicken is a simple Chinese recipe that delivers ultra juicy chicken using its own natural juices. This no-water cooking method intensifies flavor while keeping the meat tender and aromatic.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• This waterless Instant Pot scallion oil chicken is the ultimate clean comfort food, using gentle pressure cooking to preserve the natural sweetness of the chicken.
• The scallion oil sauce acts as a powerful flavor booster that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
• It’s a low-effort, high-reward dish that feels light, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.

Key Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Using bone-in thighs is crucial here, as the bone releases collagen into the steaming liquid for a richer taste.
• Ginger & Scallion (Steaming): These act as a natural deodorizer, infusing the steam with a mild, fresh aroma.
• Hot Oil: Essential for “blooming” the raw garlic and scallions, removing their bite and replacing it with sweetness.

✅Quick Tips: Place a small ceramic bowl in the center of the steaming plate to keep the chicken elevated and out of the excess liquid.

Key Steps

• #1: Use hot water to tighten the chicken skin at first

• #2: Sizzle the scallion and garlic with smoking-hot oil to create a vibrant, aromatic dressing.

Waterless Instant Pot Scallion Oil Chicken

This waterless Instant Pot scallion oil chicken features tender, flavorful chicken cooked in its own juices and finished with a fragrant hot scallion oil sauce—an easy and comforting Chinese recipe perfect for any day.

Author: Aila Lin Cooking Method: Chicken Courses: Main Dishes Recipe Keys: I Instant Pot O One-Pot Meals Q Quick & Easy

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Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 35 mins Servings: 2

Ingredients:

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 chicken thigh
• 6 slices ginger
• 2 stalk of scallion
• A splash of cooking oil

• 1 Onion

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Marination Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
• A pinch of salt
• 6 slice ginger
• 1 stalk scallion

Instructions

1. Pour hot water over the chicken thigh to tighten the skin

2. Marinate the chicken with the marination sauce and let it sit for at least an hour, overnight is even better. 

3. Bed the instant pot with onion and scallion, and place the chicken thigh on top. Pour any remaining marination sauce over the chicken. Cook in Manual mode for 8 minutes. Once done release the heat immediately to avoid overcooking the chicken meat.

4. When ready, place extra scallion on top of the chicken and pour hot oil over the chicken and enjoy!

Keywords: Steamed, Chicken, Authentic