If you have a craving for something sweet, tangy, and satisfyingly crispy, then you’re in for a real treat with this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. This beloved takeout classic gets an easy, fuss-free makeover using the Instant Pot, delivering juicy chicken chunks coated in a perfectly balanced sauce that hits every note. Whether you’re a busy home cook or someone who simply loves bold flavors, this dish combines the magic of speedy cooking with that incredible homemade touch you can’t resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe relies on simple, readily available ingredients, each playing a starring role in flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken thighs to the vibrant sauce components, these essentials come together to create that perfect taste and irresistible crunchy coating.
- Chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds, cut into 2-3 inch chunks): Juicy, tender, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Eggs (2-3, beaten): Helps the flour and corn flour mixture stick to the chicken, ensuring a crispy finish.
- Flour (1 cup): Adds structure to the coating for a light crunch.
- Corn flour (1 cup): Contributes a crispier texture and golden color when fried.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Essential for sautéing and getting that lovely sear on the chicken.
- Minced ginger (1 tbsp): Adds a warm, aromatic spice that brightens the dish.
- Minced garlic (1 tbsp): Gives a pungent, savory backbone to the sauce.
- Red chili flakes (1/2 tsp): Just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- Rice vinegar (6 tbsp): Offers tangy acidity that balances the sweetness.
- Soy sauce (6 tbsp): Brings deep umami flavor and saltiness.
- Hoisin sauce (6 tsp): Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Water (1/3 cup plus 3 tbsp for slurry): Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Brown sugar (3 tbsp): Delivers that signature sweet hit that makes General Tso’s so indulgent.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Mixed with water to thicken the sauce to glossy perfection.
How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken thighs into uniform 2-3 inch chunks. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy inside with a nice crisp on the outside.
Step 2: Set Up Your Coatings
Mix the flour and corn flour together in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, beat your eggs thoroughly. These will create the magic coating that crisps up beautifully.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Working in small batches of about 5-6 pieces, dip the chicken chunks into the beaten egg first to moisten them, then dredge them fully in the flour and corn flour mixture. Place the coated pieces on a parchment-lined baking pan as you go so they don’t stick together.
Step 4: Sauté the Chicken
Select the Sauté mode on your Instant Pot and set it to high. When you see the word HOT, pour in the vegetable oil and wait about a minute to heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally to get an even golden crust. You want them just starting to brown at this point.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Once the chicken is lightly golden, add minced ginger, garlic, red chili flakes, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and 1/3 cup water directly to the pot. Give everything a good stir, making sure all the flavors meld beautifully before moving to the next step.
Step 6: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Close the Instant Pot lid, select the Poultry function, and set the timer for 5 minutes. After cooking, allow it to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully open the lid. This ensures the chicken soaks up all those wonderful flavors while staying tender.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water until smooth, then add this slurry to the pot. Stir the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens to a shiny, sticky consistency that clings to every piece of chicken.
Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve
Once thickened, turn off the Instant Pot and let the General Tso’s Chicken sit for 5-7 minutes. This resting step helps the sauce set just right, giving you that perfect bite.
How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brightening this dish with fresh garnishes makes it even more irresistible. A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds crunch and a pop of color, while toasted sesame seeds lend a subtle nutty aroma. They’re quick touches that elevate your presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe with fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. For a fresh contrast, lightly sautéed broccoli or snap peas offer crisp vegetable goodness and a welcome color burst on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish over fluffy cauliflower rice or quinoa to add a wholesome element. You can also pile your chicken on top of crispy lettuce cups for a low-carb, hand-held treat that’s perfect for parties or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, store any leftover Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly sealed, the chicken will stay flavorful and moist for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to label it with the date; it will last well for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to preserve its crispy coating as much as possible. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage, and heat until warmed through and delicious once again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are juicier, chicken breast can be used for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook it in the Instant Pot to keep it tender and juicy.
How spicy is this dish?
The red chili flakes add a gentle heat that complements the sweetness and tanginess perfectly. If you prefer more spice, feel free to increase the amount slightly or add fresh sliced chilies.
Do I have to use the Instant Pot to make this recipe?
While the Instant Pot speeds things up and helps develop deep flavors, you can make a similar version on the stove with some extra attention to timing and temperature. The key is getting the chicken crispy and the sauce rich and sticky.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free as well. Substitute any standard flours with gluten-free alternatives that work for frying to keep the texture right.
What other sauces can I try with this chicken?
This method is versatile. Try swapping the General Tso’s sauce with orange sauce or a honey garlic glaze for a different but equally delicious experience!
Final Thoughts
If you’re as excited about bold, saucy, crispy chicken as I am, I really encourage you to try making this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. It’s comfort food made simple, full of flavors that feel like a warm hug. Cooking this dish at home means you get to customize the spice, savor that fresh homemade taste, and enjoy a beautiful meal any night of the week. Dive in and treat yourself—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful Chinese-American classic using an easy pressure cooking method. Tender chicken thighs are battered and sautéed, then simmered in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce made with ginger, garlic, soy, hoisin, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. The entire dish comes together quickly for a family-friendly dinner that’s perfect served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 2–3 inch chunks
- 2–3 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup corn flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 6 tbsp rice vinegar
- 6 tbsp soy sauce
- 6 tsp hoisin sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-3 inch chunks, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Mix Flours: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and corn flour thoroughly.
- Beat Eggs: In another bowl, beat 2-3 eggs until smooth for coating the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Working in batches of 5-6 pieces, dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs first, then dredge into the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Set Aside Coated Chicken: Place coated chicken pieces on a baking pan lined with parchment paper, repeat until all chicken is coated.
- Preheat Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot and press the ‘Sauté’ function, setting it to high. Wait until the display reads HOT.
- Cook Chicken: Add the vegetable oil to the Instant Pot and let it heat for one minute. Add the coated chicken pieces and sauté for 2-3 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly. Continue until chicken pieces start to turn golden brown.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Add minced ginger, minced garlic, red chili flakes, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and 1/3 cup water to the pot. Stir well to combine the sauce with the chicken.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid securely and select the ‘Poultry’ function. Adjust the cooking time to 5 minutes.
- Natural Release: Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release once cooking is complete to let the flavors meld and chicken finish cooking gently.
- Open Lid and Stir: Carefully open the lid and gently stir the chicken and sauce together to combine.
- Thicken Sauce: Press ‘Sauté’ on the Instant Pot again. Add the cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water) to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the Instant Pot and allow the General Tso’s Chicken to stand for 5-7 minutes to let the sauce set slightly. Serve hot over steamed rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes depending on desired spice level.
- The natural release helps maintain moisture and tenderness in the chicken.
- If preferred, the chicken can be fried in a skillet instead of sautéed in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking, but this adds extra oil and time.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
