If you have ever craved that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in a comforting Chinese takeout classic, you are going to fall head over heels for this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. It delivers tender, crispy chicken embraced by a glossy sauce that’s bursting with garlic, ginger, and just the right kick of heat. Plus, using the Instant Pot means you get all the deep, developed flavors in less time and with less fuss, making it a total game changer for busy weeknights or whenever that General Tso’s craving hits hard.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple ingredients that you might already have on hand, yet each plays a key role in building that rich, mouthwatering flavor and perfect texture you expect from General Tso’s chicken. Every element matters, from the chicken thighs that stay juicy to the combination of sauces that create that signature tangy-sweet glaze.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender pieces that stay moist through pressure cooking.
- Egg: Used to help the cornstarch stick to the chicken for a crispy outer layer.
- Cornstarch: Essential for coating the chicken and thickening the sauce later.
- Oil: Needed for sautéing and getting that golden crust on the chicken.
- Chopped garlic and ginger: Aromatics that infuse the dish with its characteristic warm, fragrant notes.
- Chicken stock: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce while deglazing the pan.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a bright tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze.
- Hoisin sauce: Offers a rich, slightly sweet, and savory depth.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone of the sauce.
- Shaoxing wine: Adds complexity and a subtle aromatic note unique to Chinese cooking.
- Minced garlic and grated ginger: Freshly added for extra pungency and a hint of spice.
- Red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your taste.
- Water: Used to make the cornstarch slurry for sauce thickening.
- Finely sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Classic garnishes that add freshness and texture.
How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the rice vinegar, granulated sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This mixture is the heart of your recipe, blending sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy into one harmonious sauce. Set it aside while you get the chicken ready.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Beat the egg in a shallow bowl and place cornstarch in another shallow dish. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then thoroughly coat it with cornstarch. This double layer is key to achieving that crave-worthy crispy exterior once sautéed.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Using your Instant Pot’s SAUTE function, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches so they don’t overcrowd, cooking each side for about 2 minutes until golden and crispy. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and repeat until all pieces are done. This step sets the base for tender but crispy chicken ready to soak up the sauce.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze
With the remaining oil, toss in the chopped garlic and ginger, cooking until their fragrance fills the pot—about one minute. Pour in the chicken stock, and use a spatula to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This deglazing step ensures no flavor is lost and your sauce will have that deep savory richness.
Step 5: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Pour your prepared sauce into the Instant Pot insert, adding back the crispy chicken pieces. Stir gently to coat every morsel with the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
Cancel the SAUTE mode, secure the lid, and make sure the valve is on SEALING. Select MANUAL mode at HIGH PRESSURE and set the timer for 5 minutes. This quick pressure cooking locks in all the flavors and makes the chicken irresistibly tender.
Step 7: Quick Release and Thicken the Sauce
Once the cooking time ends, carefully switch the valve to VENTING for a quick pressure release. Open the lid with caution. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the pot. The residual heat will naturally thicken your sauce into that glossy, sticky perfection. If it needs a little more time, use SAUTE mode to simmer gently until just right.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle your homemade General Tso’s chicken with freshly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve it hot over cooked rice and watch your family or friends delight in every bite.
How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The simple addition of finely sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds fresh color, crunch, and that nutty aroma to complement the dish’s rich sauce. These garnishes give it that authentic restaurant feel right on your plate.
Side Dishes
Serving this dish over fluffy steamed white rice is a classic for a reason — it soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables or steamed broccoli to add a crisp, healthy contrast and vibrant color to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your General Tso’s chicken in lettuce wraps or atop crispy noodles. Using colorful plates or bowls and adding a wedge of lime on the side can elevate the presentation, making it feel like a special occasion anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken keeps brilliantly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You’ll find the flavors often taste even better after resting a day, giving you a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just cool it completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your General Tso’s chicken in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring occasionally to preserve moisture and keep the sauce glossy. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps revive the sauciness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but tend to be leaner and can dry out faster. If you choose breasts, be sure to cut them into uniform pieces and avoid overcooking during pressure cooking to keep them tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier or milder?
Definitely. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference — add more for extra kick or omit for a gentler flavor. You can also serve extra chili sauce on the side for spice lovers.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or other gluten-free soy sauce alternatives instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free or substitute with a gluten-free alternative or extra hoisin-style sauce.
What is the purpose of Shaoxing wine in this recipe?
Shaoxing wine adds depth and a subtle complexity that enhances the overall flavor profile. If you do not have it, dry sherry can be a fair substitute, but it’s best to use the authentic ingredient for that classic taste.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, though the Instant Pot speeds things up and helps develop richer flavors. You can sauté the chicken in a pan and simmer the sauce on the stovetop, but be mindful you may need extra time and attention to achieve the same tender-crisp balance.
Final Thoughts
If you want a truly satisfying, fuss-free way to enjoy one of your favorite takeout dishes, you have to try this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. It’s quick, flavorful, and fills your kitchen with those irresistible aromas that make cooking from home so rewarding. Once you taste it, you’ll see why this recipe has become a beloved staple that’s perfect for sharing with everyone you love.
Print
Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of crispy chicken coated in a flavorful, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. Using the Instant Pot allows for a quick, hands-off cooking process while achieving tender chicken with a thick, glossy sauce. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice for an authentic and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound (227 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup (64 g) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil (more if needed)
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more if preferred spicier)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
- Finely sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine rice vinegar, granulated sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and set aside to develop flavors.
- Prepare the Chicken: Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. Place cornstarch in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten egg, then evenly coat it with cornstarch. Arrange coated pieces on a plate for easy handling.
- Sauté Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to the SAUTE function and allow it to heat. Add oil to the pot insert. Working in batches if necessary, add the coated chicken pieces and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze: Add chopped garlic and ginger to the pot and cook until fragrant, roughly 1 minute. Pour in chicken stock, using a spatula to deglaze the bottom of the pot by scraping up any browned bits to infuse flavor and prevent burning.
- Add Sauce & Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the Instant Pot insert and return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Pressure Cook: Cancel the SAUTE function. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to SEALING, and select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK mode on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure: When cooking is complete, perform a quick release by carefully switching the valve from SEALING to VENTING. Open the lid once all pressure is released.
- Add Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the hot sauce in the pot. The residual heat will thicken the sauce. If needed, turn on SAUTE mode and simmer gently until desired thickness is reached.
- Garnish & Serve: Serve the General Tso’s chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Ensure to work in batches when sautéing the chicken to avoid overcrowding, which prevents crispiness.
- If a spicier dish is desired, increase the amount of red pepper flakes gradually.
- Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry if unavailable.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce; do not skip this step.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for best results.
