Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is the ultimate shortcut to a weeknight dinner that tastes better than takeout—tender bites of chicken in a sweet, sticky, spicy sauce all made in under 30 minutes! This recipe combines velvety poultry, fragrant aromatics, and that crave-worthy kick you love, all with a simple set-and-forget method in your trusty Instant Pot. If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering this Asian-inspired classic at home, now’s your chance.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in layering flavor, texture, and that irresistible glossy, mahogany finish that makes this dish such a star.

• Chicken breast (skinless, boneless): Tender bite-sized pieces cook perfectly under pressure and soak up all the flavor.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Adds savory umami notes without making things too salty.
• Dark soy sauce: Just a splash provides depth of color and an extra rich, caramel edge.
• Honey & brown sugar: This sweet duo gives the sauce its signature sticky gloss and offsets the heat.
• Fresh garlic & ginger: Don’t skip these fresh aromatics—they’re what make the sauce taste restaurant-quality.
• Rice vinegar: Brightens and balances, preventing everything from tasting heavy or cloying.
• Red pepper flakes: A dash for that General Tso’s signature kick, easily adjusted to your spice level.
• Tomato paste: Adds body and a gentle tang—helps the sauce cling to every bite.
• Hoisin sauce: The secret weapon for deep, sweet-savory flavor. Don’t leave it out!
• Cornstarch & water: For thickening the sauce at the end, creating that silky finish you crave.
• Optional—sesame seeds & green onions: A sprinkle on top for crunch, color, and an extra pop of freshness.

Variations

One of the best things about Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is how easy it is to customize! Whether you’re working with what you have or you want to tailor it for your family’s taste and dietary needs, these twists will keep things fun and delicious.

• Swap chicken thighs: For extra-juicy, richer meat, use boneless skinless chicken thighs with the same cook time.
• Make it gluten-free: Opt for tamari in place of soy sauce, and check your hoisin label for gluten content.
• Adjust the sweetness: Use all honey, all brown sugar, or reduce both for a less-sweet sauce that still shines.
• Control the heat: Dial the red pepper flakes up or down—or use cayenne for a different kind of fiery kick.
• Veggie-packed version: Add chopped bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli when you thicken the sauce for a complete meal.

How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Sauté and Combine Everything

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and let it heat up for a minute. Add the chicken pieces directly into the pot, then pour in all the remaining ingredients—except for the cornstarch and water. Give everything a good stir so the chicken is well coated in the aromatic, glossy sauce. This step gives the chicken a head start on absorbing flavor and ensures nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 2: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Close the Instant Pot lid securely (double-check your model for safety), set it to the Poultry function, and cook for 5 minutes. The pressure will lock everything in, creating super-tender chicken while the sauce infuses with all that flavor. Once it beeps, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes—this helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Open the lid carefully. Switch back to the sauté setting, but don’t put the lid on. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the chicken into a bowl so it doesn’t overcook. Meanwhile, whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl, then pour this slurry into the simmering sauce. Stir for about 2 minutes, watching as the sauce transforms into a gorgeous, thick glaze.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Put the chicken back into the Instant Pot and toss to coat every piece in the thickened sauce. Hit “Cancel” to turn your Instant Pot off. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions—it’s ready to serve, piping hot and full of flavor!

How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and vibrant green onions. These garnishes add crunch, freshness, and gorgeous color—making every bite as visually exciting as it is delicious!

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely shines over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice. For something extra, serve it with quick-stirred broccoli, tender bok choy, or a crisp cucumber salad to add freshness and balance out the bold flavors of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, spoon the chicken into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held version or tuck it inside steamed bao buns for party appetizers. Or go full “takeout night” by pairing Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken with homemade spring rolls or egg drop soup for a feast that rivals any delivery!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let everything cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. This dish will last up to two months in the freezer—thaw overnight in the fridge whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir well and garnish with fresh green onion and sesame seeds to revive all that classic flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving classic takeout flavor with homemade flair, give Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken a try. It’s fast, easy, and makes any night feel a little more special. I hope your family loves it as much as mine does—don’t forget the green onions and a big bowl of fluffy rice!

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