If you have ever craved that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in a comforting Asian-inspired dish, the Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe will become your new best friend. This recipe brings the classic takeout favorite straight to your kitchen with incredible ease, combining tender, juicy chicken thighs with a luscious, glossy sauce that clings to every bite. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you get that deep, mouthwatering flavor and a quick cooking time that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight dinner routine. Get ready for a dish that’s both remarkably authentic and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is key to creating the vibrant flavors and textures that make this dish so unforgettable. Each element plays a special role in building the sauce’s rich taste and the chicken’s crispy coating.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds): Juicy and tender, they hold up beautifully during pressure cooking for maximum flavor.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup plus slurry): Provides a light coating for crispiness and thickens the sauce to that perfect glaze.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Needed for a quick sear to lock in moisture and add subtle richness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of fragrant, savory depth.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Brings a bright, zesty kick that complements the sweet and savory elements.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering the dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Balances saltiness and umami, anchoring the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Hoisin sauce (1/4 cup): Enhances sweetness and depth, giving that classic General Tso’s richness.
- Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Provides a subtle tang to brighten the sauce and balance the sweetness.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and caramelizes slightly for that irresistible glaze.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps to meld all the flavors while keeping the sauce luscious.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Fresh, crunchy garnish that adds color and texture.
How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat and Sear the Chicken
Begin by tossing the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces in cornstarch until they are evenly coated in a fine layer. This step is vital because it creates that lightly crispy exterior once seared. Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and heat the vegetable oil. Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes just until golden—no need to cook through here, just get that beautiful crust.
Step 2: Build Aromatic Flavors
Once all the chicken is browned and resting on the side, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes right into the hot oil. Stir them around for about a minute so they release their fragrances and infuse the pot with that signature Asian zest. This will create a fragrant base that elevates the whole dish.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water in a small bowl until everything is well blended. Pour this savory-sweet mixture over the chicken in your Instant Pot, stirring gently just to coat the pieces evenly in that beautiful, thick sauce base.
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the Sealing position. Choose the Manual High Pressure setting and cook for 5 minutes. This short yet intense cooking tenderizes the chicken fully while locking in all those rich flavors. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes—it’s a little patience with a big payoff—then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Keep stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce thickens up to a glossy, sticky finish that clings beautifully to every morsel of chicken. This step is the magic that turns simple ingredients into a luscious masterpiece.
How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a garnish to elevate your presentation and flavor. A sprinkle of sliced green onions brings a fresh and slightly sharp crunch, while toasted sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and gentle texture contrast. Together, they brighten both the look and the bite of this dish.
Side Dishes
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up every last bit of sauce. For a veggie boost, serve alongside sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or snap peas for crispness and color that balance the rich chicken. A simple cucumber salad can also offer a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the chicken stylishly in a shallow bowl with a mound of rice shaped with a ramekin. Drizzle extra sauce on top, and add a few sprigs of cilantro or even a wedge of lime on the side for an extra layer of brightness. Alternatively, make lettuce wraps by spooning the chicken into butter lettuce cups—a fun, hands-on way to enjoy this classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover General Tso’s Chicken to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier. Just be sure to keep the chicken and sauce combined to maintain that signature sauciness.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish for up to 2 months if you want to prep ahead or save some for a quick meal later. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, to maintain the right texture and avoid drying out the chicken. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the sauce luscious and prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them as breasts tend to dry out more quickly under pressure. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes as an optional ingredient, so you can control the heat level. For a mild dish, skip the flakes altogether. If you love spice, feel free to increase the amount or add a dash of chili sauce to amp things up.
Can I make the sauce without hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce adds a distinctive sweetness and depth, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with a combination of plum sauce or a little extra brown sugar and soy sauce. The flavor won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
Do I need to thaw frozen chicken before cooking?
For this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe, it’s best to start with fresh or fully thawed chicken. Cooking frozen chicken pieces will require longer pressure times and may result in uneven cooking or texture differences.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure the hoisin sauce you choose is gluten-free. This switch keeps the flavors intact while making the dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the magic of the Instant Pot to turn a beloved takeout craving into a home-cooked delight that’s ready fast and tastes incredible. This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, combined with tender chicken coated in a glossy, irresistible sauce. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and add it to your lineup of weeknight favorites — once you do, it might just become the go-to dish everyone asks for again and again!
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 offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy the classic Asian-inspired dish at home. Tender, bite-sized chicken thighs are coated, seared, and then pressure cooked in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce made with soy, hoisin, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Finished by thickening the sauce right in the pot, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal hands-on time, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce and Aromatics
- 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)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Coat Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in 1/4 cup cornstarch until they are evenly coated, which helps create a crispy exterior after searing.
- Sear Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the vegetable oil. Add the coated chicken pieces, working in batches if needed, and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a light golden-brown color.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes to the pot with the chicken, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant, then cancel Sauté mode.
- Combine Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Pour this sauce mixture over the seared chicken and stir gently to coat all pieces.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Thicken Sauce: Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cooking and stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the General Tso’s chicken hot over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, though thighs remain juicier.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your desired spice level.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
