Easy Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold, tangy flavors and rich, crispy chicken, look no further than this Easy Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe. This version combines the classic Chinese takeout favorite with the convenience of the Instant Pot, delivering a mouthwatering dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or want a fuss-free meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is a fantastic choice that will quickly become a household staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: The Instant Pot cooks the chicken perfectly in a fraction of the usual time without losing any flavor.
• Perfectly Sauced: The tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy General Tso’s sauce clings beautifully to every bite.
• Minimal Cleanup: Using just one pot means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe pleases kids and adults alike with its balanced flavor profile.
• Healthy Twist: Using lean chicken breast and fresh ingredients keeps this dish lighter than its takeout counterpart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making a delicious Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken. Each component plays a vital role, from creating a glossy sauce to ensuring the chicken stays tender and flavorful.

• Chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender texture.
• Soy sauce: Adds deep umami flavor that’s essential to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy balance to the sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to complement the savory elements.
• Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced to enhance the aromatic profile.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and adds depth to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into that signature glossy finish.
• Red chili flakes: For a gentle kick of heat that wakes up the taste buds.
• Vegetable oil: For sautéing and helping the chicken get light golden edges.
• Green onions and sesame seeds: For garnish and a pop of freshness and crunch.

Variations for Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs—it’s incredibly adaptable and forgiving. Here are some tasty twists you can try at home.

• Spicy Upgrade: Add fresh chopped chilies or increase the red chili flakes for more heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce for tamari and use cornstarch alternatives like arrowroot starch.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with crispy fried tofu or cauliflower florets for a plant-based delight.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color and nutrients.
• Healthier Swap: Use coconut sugar or honey instead of brown sugar for natural sweetness.

How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. This will help them cook quickly and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce later on.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic, Ginger, and Chicken

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add vegetable oil, then toss in minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they turn opaque and begin to get a light golden color. This locks in flavor and texture.

Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients

Next, mix in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, and red chili flakes, stirring well to combine and coat the chicken evenly.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This tenderizes the chicken while infusing the sauce deeply.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Once cooking is complete, release the pressure and switch back to sauté mode. Stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water) to the pot and cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that classic touch before serving immediately.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

• Use fresh ginger and garlic: They provide a more vibrant flavor than powdered versions.
• Don’t skip the sauté step: Browning the chicken adds essential depth to the dish’s flavor.
• Make the sauce separately: Blend sauce ingredients before adding to avoid uneven seasoning.
• Adjust sweetness and heat: Taste the sauce before thickening and tweak sugar or chili levels to your liking.
• Let pressure release naturally: This helps meat stay juicy and tender instead of drying out.

How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds not only brightens the dish but adds fresh crunch and a burst of nutty aroma that makes this meal irresistible.

Side Dishes

Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. For more veggies, a side of stir-fried bok choy or roasted broccoli balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive twist, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb version. You can also build a vibrant bowl with noodles, fresh shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and a drizzle of extra sauce to create a meal that’s both colorful and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep or lunch the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure it’s well sealed to avoid freezer burn. This dish freezes well for up to 3 months and can be defrosted overnight when ready to use.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage to revive that perfect saucy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and bring a richer flavor, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is mild by default to suit most tastes but feel free to increase the red chili flakes or add fresh chilies if you like more heat.

Can I make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and ensure your cornstarch is pure or substitute with tapioca starch to keep it gluten-free.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking, but if you use frozen, increase the pressure cooking time by a few minutes and ensure it’s safe to eat before serving.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces smoothly without being runny, resulting in that signature glossy, clingy texture that makes General Tso’s Chicken so irresistible.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about bringing a restaurant favorite like General Tso’s Chicken into your kitchen with the ease of an Instant Pot. This Easy Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe delivers big flavors, quick prep, and a satisfying meal that fits perfectly into any busy lifestyle. Give it a try—you might just find your newest go-to comfort food that everyone at the table will love!

Related Posts

• Easy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe to Try
• Why Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna Is a Must-Try
• Why Melty Mozzarella Chicken Bake Is Irresistible

Print