Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

If you’re craving a quick and flavorful dinner, look no further than this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe. It’s tender, saucy, and bursting with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, all ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or simply love Asian-inspired dishes, this recipe delivers rich, authentic taste without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Efficient: Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious, homemade General Tso’s Chicken ready in less time than traditional methods.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Pressure cooking locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender without drying out.
• Balanced Flavors: The sauce combines sweet, sour, and a hint of heat for a mouthwatering experience that satisfies every craving.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit your preferences, making it approachable for the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a harmonious dish. Each plays an essential role in delivering that iconic flavor and texture we all love.

• Chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicy, tender meat with great flavor and texture.
• Soy sauce: Provides the savory umami base for the sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor profile without overpowering it.
• Brown sugar: Balances out the acidity with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Ginger and garlic: Freshly grated for aromatic, punchy notes that elevate the dish.
• Chili flakes or Sriracha: Adds the signature heat, adjustable to your liking for that classic kick.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it that glossy, irresistible finish.
• Green onions: For garnish, adding a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor.
• Sesame oil: Just a dash for a nutty depth that rounds out the sauce beautifully.

Variations for Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Feel free to get creative or tailor the recipe to your taste buds and dietary preferences. The Instant Pot makes customization super easy!

• Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower florets to enjoy a meat-free twist.
• Spice level swap: Use less chili or substitute with sweet paprika for a milder version.
• Extra veggies: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for crunch and color variety.
• Gluten-free adjustment: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.
• Slow cooker alternative: Turn this into a slow cooker meal by following similar ingredient ratios and cooking on low for 4-5 hours.

How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, then season lightly with salt and pepper. This starting step ensures the chicken is ready to absorb the rich sauce flavors.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add a little oil. Once hot, sauté fresh minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute, releasing their vibrant aromas to build the sauce’s flavor foundation.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to the pot and brown them lightly on all sides. This step locks in juices and adds depth to the dish’s texture. Don’t worry about cooking through completely as pressure cooking will finish the job.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili flakes or Sriracha, and a splash of sesame oil. Pour this sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the Instant Pot, ensuring every piece is coated.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 7 minutes. This method infuses the chicken with flavor and makes it incredibly tender in a fraction of the time.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release and open the pot. Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Set the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ and cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle chopped green onions and a few toasted sesame seeds over the top for freshness and crunch before serving up your stunning Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

• Use dark meat: Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy, outperforming breast in moistness when pressure cooked.
• Don’t skip browning: Searing adds important flavor layers that elevate the dish beyond simple stewing.
• Adjust sweetness last: Test the sauce for sweetness near the end and add extra brown sugar if needed.
• Control thickness: Add cornstarch slurry gradually to achieve your perfect sauce consistency.
• Quick release carefully: Use a kitchen tool or towel when releasing pressure to avoid steam burns safely.

How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Garnishes

A finishing touch of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds a burst of freshness and crunch that complements the tender chicken beautifully, making each bite visually and texturally delightful.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of sauce. For some greens, toss in a quick side of sautéed bok choy or steamed broccoli for balance and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the General Tso’s Chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or stuff it inside lettuce wraps for a lighter, fun twist on traditional presentation that’s perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day meals or packed lunches.

Freezing

Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the dish in a pan over medium heat to restore the saucy texture, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily in the Instant Pot. If you prefer breast, reduce the pressure cooking time slightly and monitor texture closely.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is adjustable. You can add or reduce chili flakes or Sriracha to suit your heat tolerance without losing core flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep all the deliciousness while avoiding gluten.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken evenly, glossy and slightly sticky but not gluey. Adjust cornstarch amounts based on your preference.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling ingredient amounts works well but make sure not to overfill the Instant Pot. You might need to cook in batches depending on your pot size.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved takeout classic with homemade freshness in no time at all. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion where you want a comforting and impressive meal without the wait. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your weeknight dinner favorites!

Related Posts

• Creamed Potatoes and Peas
• Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
• Fiesta Mexican Casserole

Print