Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a takeout classic that combines crispy chicken with a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce, you are going to love this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to get that deep, satisfying flavor while saving time and effort in the kitchen. By using the Instant Pot, this dish develops an incredible balance of textures and tastes that make every bite unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to meals for weeknights and special dinners alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the magic behind this dish. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect crispy coating on the chicken to building layers of flavor in the sauce that coat every piece with a glossy finish.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These tender pieces stay juicy and have the perfect texture for frying and pressure cooking.
• Egg: Helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken for a crispy outer layer.
• Cornstarch: Essential for that light, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the sauce.
• Oil: Needed for sautéing the chicken until golden and delicious.
• Chopped garlic and ginger: Aromatics that infuse the dish with warmth and a zesty kick.
• Chicken stock: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that balances the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce for that signature taste.
• Hoisin sauce: Adds a luscious, slightly smoky flavor to the mix.
• Soy sauce: Contributes savory umami notes essential to Asian-inspired cooking.
• Shaoxing wine: A traditional Chinese cooking wine that enriches the sauce’s complexity.
• Minced garlic and grated ginger: For the sauce, these add fresh and punchy layers of flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Give just the right amount of heat to wake up your palate.
• Cornstarch and water slurry: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Green onions and sesame seeds: Perfect garnishes that bring freshness and crunch.

How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Start by mixing rice vinegar, granulated sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This sauce is your flavor powerhouse, bringing sweet, tangy, and spicy elements all in one delicious blend. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while you prep the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Beat the egg in a shallow bowl, and place the cornstarch in another. Dip each piece of chicken first in the egg, which helps the cornstarch stick, then coat thoroughly in cornstarch. This double step creates a beautifully crisp exterior once sautéed.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken

Switch your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function and warm the oil. Add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer cooked pieces to a plate while you finish the rest. This browning step locks in flavor and texture.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze

Throw in the chopped garlic and ginger to the hot pot and sauté for about a minute, letting their fragrance fill your kitchen. Pour in the chicken stock and use a spatula to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pot bottom, which adds incredible depth to your sauce.

Step 5: Add Sauce & Chicken

Pour the prepared sauce into the pot and add back the browned chicken. Stir well to coat every piece with those irresistible flavors before pressure cooking.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Cancel the SAUTE setting, lock the lid in place, and set the valve to SEALING. Choose MANUAL mode on HIGH PRESSURE and cook for 5 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with all the saucy goodness in no time.

Step 7: Release Pressure

When the cooking cycle finishes, carefully switch the valve to VENTING to release the pressure quickly. Take off the lid with care—you’re almost there!

Step 8: Add Cornstarch Slurry

Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir it into the pot. The residual heat will thicken the sauce into a glossy, clingy coating. If it’s not quite thick enough, use the SAUTE mode to simmer for a few minutes until you reach your perfect consistency.

Step 9: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with finely sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. This last step adds bright color and a lovely crunch to every bite.

How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly sliced green onions add a pop of vibrant color and a mild onion flavor, while toasted sesame seeds bring a delightful nutty crunch. These simple touches transform the dish from everyday to spectacular and make it feel restaurant-quality right at your table.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the luscious sauce. Lightly stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add freshness and balance, making the meal hearty but never heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken atop a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or pile it into steamed bao buns for an irresistible handheld treat. You can also scatter some crushed peanuts or sliced fresh chili over the top if you want to elevate the texture and heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover General Tso’s chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain the dish’s signature flavor and moisture.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, this recipe freezes well. Store cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or chicken stock can help loosen the sauce and restore that freshly made sheen and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used. However, thighs remain juicier and more flavorful after pressure cooking, so keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid dryness.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

You can substitute the chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as these ingredients will cook faster in the Instant Pot.

How spicy is this dish?

This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe has a mild spice level from the red pepper flakes. Feel free to increase the amount for a more intense kick or reduce it if you prefer less heat.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The sauce can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making your cooking process even quicker.

Do I need an Instant Pot specifically to make this?

While this recipe is designed for the Instant Pot to save time and infuse flavor quickly, you can adapt it for stovetop by frying the chicken and simmering the sauce separately, but it won’t quite have the same tender result.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is a brilliant way to enjoy a legendary takeout favorite with ease and incredible flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers crispy, saucy, and perfectly balanced chicken that’s sure to brighten your mealtime. Give it a whirl and prepare to delight your taste buds — you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

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