If you’ve ever found yourself craving the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory all in one bite, then you absolutely must try this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. It brings the classic takeout favorite straight into your kitchen with ease, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Tender chicken thighs coated in a luscious, sticky sauce make every mouthful irresistibly good, while the quick cooking keeps things simple and mess-free. This recipe delivers that authentic flavor and texture you love but with a fresh home-cooked comfort that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each plays a vital role in bringing the dish to life. From the velvety chicken thighs to the bold flavors of soy and hoisin, every element builds layers of taste, texture, and color that make this recipe sing.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The perfect cut for juicy, tender chicken that soaks up sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken when seared.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For sautéing and searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Introduces a fresh, zesty kick that balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone that ties all flavors together.
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce: Brings a rich, slightly sweet umami boost to the dish.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten and lift the sauce.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce naturally, balancing savory and acidity.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps create the right sauce consistency while cooking.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: Adds color, texture, and a fresh finish.
How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat and Sear the Chicken
Start by tossing those bite-sized chicken thighs in cornstarch, making sure every piece is lightly dusted. This step is key to getting that slightly crispy texture once seared. Heat your Instant Pot on Sauté mode, add the vegetable oil, and sear the chicken in batches if needed. You want that beautiful golden brown color on each piece, which takes about 2–3 minutes per batch.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Once your chicken is nicely browned, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let these ingredients sauté together for a minute until their fragrances fill the air — this is where your sauce starts building those incredible layers of flavor.
Step 3: Mix and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Pour this mixture directly over the chicken in the Instant Pot and give everything a good stir so the flavors surround every piece of chicken.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Seal the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and soak up the sauce. Once finished, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before doing a quick release of any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode and slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into that perfect sticky glaze that clings to every bite of chicken.
How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of garnishes! A sprinkle of sliced green onions offers a fresh crunch and beautiful pop of green. Toasted sesame seeds add subtle nuttiness and a touch of elegance, making your dish as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish over steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For veggies, lightly steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas complement the savory richness beautifully, providing color and a crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Mix things up by serving the chicken wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that’s fresh and hand-friendly. Or arrange it over cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is so versatile, you can easily make it your own with simple presentation swaps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover General Tso’s chicken holds up wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep the chicken moist and the sauce flavorful. It’s perfect for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep the goodness longer, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick. This method keeps the chicken tender and the sauce shiny and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine in this recipe, but thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving under pressure cooking, resulting in a richer flavor and tender bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, you can enjoy this dish gluten-free without sacrificing any of the flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can be easily adjusted by the amount of red pepper flakes you add. If you prefer mild, skip them or use less, and for more heat, add a sprinkle or two more depending on your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?
While the Instant Pot makes the process quicker and more hands-off, you can cook the chicken on the stovetop, searing and simmering the sauce until thickened. Just note that cooking times will be longer and require more attention.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch slurry added at the end is perfect for thickening the sauce to the characteristic glossy finish. Make sure to stir constantly while cooking to avoid lumps and get that smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality flavors with home-cooked heart. It’s straightforward, fast, and utterly delicious, making it an ideal weeknight favorite or a special dish to share with friends. I can’t wait for you to try it out and experience how the Instant Pot can elevate your Asian-inspired dinners in the best way possible.
Print
Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying Asian-inspired main course with tender chicken thighs coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Using the Instant Pot makes the dish quick and easy to prepare while ensuring juicy chicken and a perfectly thickened sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce and Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
For Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in 1/4 cup cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This helps give the chicken a slightly crispy texture and thickens the sauce later.
- Sear the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the vegetable oil. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches if necessary, and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned on the outside. This step locks in flavor and texture.
- Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Sauté everything together for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant. Then, cancel the Sauté mode.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken in the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Thicken the Sauce: Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
- Serve: Serve the hot General Tso’s Chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a delightful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, though thighs remain moister and more flavorful.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to tweak the dish’s spice level to your liking.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
