Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving the irresistible flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout but want something easier and lighter, this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is about to become a regular in your kitchen lineup. Imagine delightfully tender chicken tossed in a glossy, sweet-and-spicy sauce—all made from scratch in under 30 minutes thanks to your trusty Instant Pot! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping ahead for quick weeknight meals, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss and cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients come together to create such a bold, memorable dish. Each ingredient in this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe adds a unique layer to the overall flavor, helping you achieve that signature balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of heat.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy boneless, skinless thighs are perfect for soaking up all that rich sauce and staying tender in the Instant Pot.
- Salt: Just enough to season the chicken and bring out natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a warm undertone that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Coats the chicken for a light crispness and helps thicken the sauce at the end for the perfect glossy finish.
- Vegetable Oil: Ensures even browning and gives the chicken a gorgeous golden color.
- Garlic: A key aromatic, garlic infuses both the oil and sauce with savory goodness.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a subtle zing and warmth, making the flavors pop.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Bring optional, customizable heat for either a kid-friendly or spicy grown-up version.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Delivers that beloved umami base without sending the sodium through the roof.
- Hoisin Sauce: Supplies a complex, sweet tang and a touch of smokiness, essential to General Tso’s character.
- Rice Vinegar: Lends gentle acidity to brighten the sauce and balance the sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Rounds out the flavor with caramel notes that tie everything together.
- Water: Helps everything meld and gives the sauce its perfect consistency.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce right at the end for that signature silky texture.
- Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: The classic finishing touch for freshness, color, and a little crunch.
How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thigh pieces with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of cornstarch. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. This not only flavors each bite but also gives the chicken a slight crisp when browned—a crucial detail in any good Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode, heat up some vegetable oil, and brown the chicken in batches for just a couple of minutes per side. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage; the goal is to develop color and maximize flavor. Set the browned chicken aside while you move on to the aromatics.
Step 3: Sauté Flavor Base
In the same pot, add the remaining oil (if needed), then toss in your minced garlic, fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes. Give them a quick 30-second sauté to release their fragrance, filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of a true takeout favorite.
Step 4: Build the Sauce & Pressure Cook
Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Stir everything until well combined, making sure to scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor. Return the chicken and its collected juices to the pot, lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for just 5 minutes. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting here, infusing each piece of chicken with rich, bold flavors.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
After a 5-minute natural release (and a quick release for any remaining pressure), switch back to sauté mode. Stir in a cornstarch slurry and let the sauce simmer for an extra 2–3 minutes until it transforms into that gorgeously thick, glossy coating you expect from the best Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Dish up the chicken over fluffy white rice, and don’t forget a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These simple garnishes are the crowning touch, adding freshness and an irresistible hint of crunch to every bite.
How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a flourish by scattering bright green onions and nutty sesame seeds on top. Not only do these garnishes add beautiful color and visual appeal, but they also deliver a fresh, aromatic layer that perfectly complements the rich sauce. For a little extra pizzazz, you could also toss on some finely diced red chili or a twist of lime zest.
Side Dishes
A steaming bowl of white jasmine or brown rice is a classic pairing for the Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe, soaking up every drop of savory-sweet sauce. To round out your meal, serve it alongside crisp steamed broccoli, snow peas, or a simple Asian-style slaw. For added crunch, a handful of fried wonton strips or pickled veggies can bring your whole meal together.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun family nights or quick lunches, serve the chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held twist. If you’re entertaining, set up a “takeout at home” spread with bowls of rice, vegetables, and extra garnishes so everyone can build their own plate. The vivid colors and glossy sauce make this dish a showstopper no matter how you present it—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe keeps perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container, and you’ll have ready-to-heat lunches or speedy weeknight dinners at your fingertips. The sauce will thicken slightly as it sits, which only amps up the flavor!
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, this chicken freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—the sauce may separate slightly but will come back together with a quick stir.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the chicken and sauce in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until heated through. The chicken stays wonderfully tender, and the sauce regains its lovely shine.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe if you prefer a leaner protein. Just take care not to overcook, as breasts are a bit less forgiving than thighs when it comes to staying juicy.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe is very easy to customize for spice. The red pepper flakes lend a subtle kick, but you can leave them out for a mild version or double them for extra heat. It’s perfect for families or spice-lovers alike!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set for a safe, delicious meal.
What other vegetables can I add to the pot?
Broccoli, red bell pepper, or snap peas are delicious additions! Just stir them in after pressure cooking and let them steam while the sauce thickens on sauté mode, so they stay crisp and bright.
How do I avoid a burn notice when pressure cooking?
After browning the chicken, make sure to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the Instant Pot when adding the sauce ingredients. This keeps the pot clean and prevents any burn warning, allowing your Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe to cook flawlessly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like homemade takeout, especially when it’s this quick, comforting, and delicious. Your Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe will bring smiles to the dinner table, whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or as part of a festive spread. Give it a try soon—once you do, you may never crave the restaurant version again!
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Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of a popular takeout favorite made easily at home with this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe. Tender chunks of chicken in a sweet and savory sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Coat evenly.
- Sauté Chicken: Brown chicken in Instant Pot with oil. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper. Add soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, sugar, and water. Return chicken to pot.
- Cook: Pressure cook for 5 minutes. Release pressure naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Thicken Sauce: Simmer with cornstarch slurry until thickened.
- Serve: Enjoy over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Chicken thighs yield juicier results, but can use chicken breast.
- Adjust red pepper for spice preference.
- Great for meal prep and pairs well with veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
