Instant Pot General Tso Chicken Recipe

Craving takeout-style General Tso Chicken but want to make it at home? This Instant Pot recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors of this beloved dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just a fraction of the time.

What Is General Tso Chicken?

General Tso Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish known for its crispy chicken coated in a bold, flavorful sauce. This recipe simplifies the process using an Instant Pot while retaining the signature combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Tender chicken thighs are pressure-cooked to perfection in a savory sauce, then finished with a glossy, thickened coating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup required.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels and sweetness to your preference.
• Family favorite: A hit with kids and adults alike.
• Healthier than takeout: Made with fresh ingredients and no deep frying.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Coating: 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Cooking oil: 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Aromatics: 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• Sauce ingredients:
  • ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) hoisin sauce
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) rice vinegar
  • ⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water
• Thickener: 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
• Garnish: Sesame seeds and sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Toss the chicken pieces in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated.

Searing the Chicken

2. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
3. Sear the chicken in batches until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Making the Sauce

4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and water. Mix well.

Pressure Cooking

6. Return the chicken to the pot, ensuring it’s well-coated in the sauce.
7. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 5 minutes.
8. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release.

Thickening the Sauce

9. Set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode.
10. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Serving

11. Serve the chicken hot over steamed rice.
12. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a balanced meal.
• Complement the dish with a refreshing cucumber salad or spring rolls.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe Variations

• Spicier version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
• Low-sugar: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative or honey.
• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based alternative.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs remain juicier during pressure cooking. Adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking chicken breast.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar or add a splash of extra rice vinegar for more tanginess.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?
While optional, searing enhances the flavor and helps the chicken maintain its texture during cooking.

This Instant Pot General Tso Chicken recipe is a simple and delicious way to recreate a takeout favorite at home. With its bold flavors and effortless preparation, it’s bound to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

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