If you’re craving that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors all wrapped around tender, crispy chicken, then you absolutely have to try this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. It’s an incredible dish that brings classic Chinese takeout vibes right into your kitchen, but with the ease and speed of an Instant Pot. Crunchy bites of chicken coated in a glossy, lip-smacking sauce make it a standout meal that’s sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, the combination of garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat makes every mouthful burst with flavor, showing just how rewarding cooking at home can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is a breeze, and each component has a special role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors on your plate. From the tender chicken thighs to the punchy aromatics and the silky sauce, every item is essential to this dish turning out just right.
- Chicken thighs (1 pound, boneless skinless): Chosen for their juiciness and tenderness that keep the chicken moist during pressure cooking.
- Egg (1, beaten): Helps the cornstarch adhere evenly, giving the chicken a crispy coating.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon): Used twice for creating that irresistible crispy crust and thickening the sauce.
- Oil (2 tablespoons or more): Needed for sautéing the chicken to a crunchy golden finish.
- Chopped garlic (1 tablespoon) and ginger (1 tablespoon): Bring essential aromatic depth and warmth.
- Chicken stock (1/4 cup): Adds savory richness and is key for deglazing the pot.
- Rice vinegar (3 tablespoons): Offers the bright tang that balances out the sweetness of the sauce.
- Granulated sugar (2 1/2 tablespoons): Sweetens and caramelizes the sauce beautifully.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a deep, slightly sweet and savory taste, creating that classic General Tso flavor.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides salty umami that enriches every bite.
- Shaoxing wine (1 1/2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle fruity depth uncommon in everyday dishes but crucial here.
- Minced garlic (4 cloves) and grated ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Intensify the fragrance for the sauce’s finishing touches.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon or more): Control the heat level, so feel free to adjust based on spice preference.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Used alongside cornstarch to create the lump-free slurry that thickens the sauce.
- Green onions (finely sliced) and sesame seeds: The perfect garnish for an eye-catching presentation and extra flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by mixing the sauce ingredients in a bowl — rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. This combination gives you a perfectly balanced sauce with the right notes of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory. Set it aside while you prep the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Beat the egg in one shallow dish and place the cornstarch in another. Coat each bite-sized chicken piece first in egg, then in cornstarch, ensuring a crispy golden crust after sautéing. This double-step coating seals in moisture during cooking and creates that prized crunch.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Switch your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function and heat the oil. Add the chicken in batches, cooking each piece about two minutes per side until crispy and browned. Removing the chicken after each batch keeps it from stewing and lets the coating stay delightfully crisp.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze
Once the chicken is done, add chopped garlic and ginger to the pot and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then pour in chicken stock and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step builds flavor in the sauce for an even richer result.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Chicken
Pour the prepared sauce into the Instant Pot, then return the browned chicken pieces to coat them beautifully with the sauce. Give everything a good stir so those chicken bites soak in all the goodness.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
Cancel the SAUTE setting, lock the lid in place, and seal the valve. Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL high pressure for 5 minutes. This short cooking time perfectly tenderizes the chicken without overcooking it.
Step 7: Release Pressure and Thicken the Sauce
After cooking, do a quick release by venting the valve and opening the lid carefully. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. The residual heat thickens the sauce to a glossy finish. If needed, turn on SAUTE again and simmer for a few minutes to reach your ideal sauce consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds over the saucy chicken for color, texture, and a fresh pop of flavor. Serve hot, ideally over steamed rice, and prepare to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal made right at home!
How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finely sliced green onions and sesame seeds not only add a beautiful finishing touch but also give a nutty crunch and a burst of freshness that lift the dish. You can also add a few extra red pepper flakes for more heat if that’s your thing!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white or jasmine rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce. For a complete meal, serve with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to add crunch and balance the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the General Tso’s chicken over cauliflower rice or even crispy wonton wrappers for a unique texture contrast. Another great idea is to use it as a filling for lettuce wraps, letting the bold sauce shine while keeping the meal light and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious meal again without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the General Tso’s chicken, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty resealable bag. It will maintain best quality for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the crispness of the chicken coat while warming through. You can also microwave them covered in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, chicken breasts can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Yes, definitely! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a dash of sriracha or chili paste if you want a serious kick. The heat level is easy to adjust to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
For sure! The sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. This is a great time saver if you want to streamline your cooking process.
Do I need an Instant Pot specifically, or can I use another pressure cooker?
Any electric pressure cooker similar to an Instant Pot will work for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust settings based on your model, especially when it comes to sautéing and pressure cooking times.
What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or a splash of mirin makes a good substitute. Alternatively, a little apple cider vinegar mixed with water can mimic the acidity, but the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is truly a game changer when it comes to homemade Asian-inspired comfort food. It combines ease, speed, and incredible flavor in one pot, making it a go-to dinner that always impresses. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it over and over for those times you want something both delicious and fuss-free. So grab your Instant Pot, dive in, and enjoy the magic of homemade General Tso’s chicken!
Print
Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of crispy chicken coated in a flavorful, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. Using the Instant Pot’s sauté and pressure cooking functions, this dish comes together quickly for a delicious Chinese-inspired meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound (227 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup (64 g) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil (more if needed)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more if preferred spicier)
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) chicken stock
Thickening Slurry and Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Finely sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the rice vinegar, granulated sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Chicken: Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. Place the cornstarch in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch. Set the coated chicken pieces aside on a plate.
- Sauté Chicken: Turn the Instant Pot to the SAUTE function and let it heat up. Add oil to the pot insert. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, cooking each side for about 2 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Remove cooked chicken pieces and place them on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze: Add chopped garlic and chopped ginger to the pot and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Pour in the chicken stock and scrape the bottom of the pot with a spatula to deglaze, lifting any browned bits off the surface.
- Add Sauce & Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the Instant Pot insert and add the browned chicken pieces back in. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce evenly.
- Pressure Cook: Cancel the SAUTE function. Secure the lid onto the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to SEALING. Select MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK mode on HIGH PRESSURE and set the timer for 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure: After the pressure cooking cycle finishes, quickly release the pressure by turning the valve from SEALING to VENTING. Carefully open the lid once the pressure is fully released.
- Add Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the hot contents of the pot. The residual heat will thicken the sauce. If the sauce hasn’t thickened to your liking, turn the SAUTE function back on and simmer for a few minutes until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish & Serve: Serve the General Tso’s chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions. Enjoy your flavorful, homemade meal!
Notes
- Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for juicier texture compared to breasts.
- If you prefer spicier chicken, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Cook chicken in batches when sautéing to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
- Shaoxing wine adds authentic flavor but can be substituted with dry sherry if unavailable.
- Use freshly minced garlic and grated ginger for the best aromatic flavor.
- Adjust sugar in the sauce if you want it sweeter or tangier.
