If you’re craving that irresistible sweet, tangy, and just-the-right-amount-of-spicy takeout experience but want to skip the extra oil or delivery fees, look no further than this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. Bursting with bold flavors from soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, and brown sugar, this version gives you everything you adore about the classic dish in under half an hour—using just one pot! Perfectly tender chicken, a glossy, crave-worthy sauce, and a topping of crisp green onions make this recipe the ultimate weeknight winner for anyone who loves a fast yet totally satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe uses a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Every item earns its spot in the pot, contributing to the dish’s signature sticky sauce, deep color, and juicy, flavorful chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds): The secret to ultra-tender chicken, thighs add rich, meaty flavor and won’t dry out in the Instant Pot.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon): For coating and thickening; it gives the chicken a velvety texture and helps the sauce cling beautifully.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sear adds extra flavor and color to the chicken pieces.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings a punch of aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Essential for that warm, zesty note that makes Chinese-inspired dishes pop.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Add a subtle kick of heat but are easy to adjust or omit.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): The backbone of the sauce’s savory foundation—using low-sodium keeps things balanced.
- Hoisin sauce (1/4 cup): Delivers a sweet, tangy, and salty boost that tastes authentically restaurant-style.
- Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds acidity for brightness and helps balance the sweetness in the sauce.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings out the sticky-sweet yumminess you expect from General Tso’s chicken.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps the sauce ingredients blend and the Instant Pot come to pressure smoothly.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Classic garnishes that add color, crunch, and fresh flavor to finish the dish.
How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken thigh pieces with 1/4 cup of cornstarch until each glosses over with a light, even powder. This simple move guarantees tender bites and that signature sticky exterior once the sauce thickens up later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and pour in the vegetable oil. When it’s hot and shimmering, add the chicken—don’t crowd the pot, so work in batches if needed. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes until some sides are golden. You’re not looking to cook it through yet, just to lock in extra flavor.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Sauté everything together for about a minute. This step fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and helps the flavors bloom in the finished sauce.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Cancel Sauté mode so nothing gets scorched, then whisk up a quick sauce: Combine low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken, stirring gently to coat every piece and scrape up any brown bits for even more flavor.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Pop on the lid, set that valve to Sealing, and cook on Manual High Pressure for just 5 minutes! Once the time’s up, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes (it keeps everything so juicy!), then finish with a quick release for any leftovers.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Return your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Stir together the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with an equal amount of water to make a slurry, then mix it into the bubbling sauce. Keep stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce turns glossy and thick, clinging dreamily to every piece of chicken.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Spoon the Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe over fluffy rice, then shower with a generous handful of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect takeout-style finish.
How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! For this dish, sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds offer a gorgeous contrast of flavor and crunch. Not only do they freshen up the plate, but they’ll also make your bowl look just like your favorite takeout spot.
Side Dishes
The best thing about the Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is how easily it pairs with almost anything. Classic steamed white rice is always a winner, but feel free to get creative with brown rice, fried rice, or even cauliflower rice. For color and crunch, serve with steamed broccoli, snow peas, or a quick cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your meal into something memorable by serving in shallow bowls or on a family-style platter. For parties, use lettuce cups or mini steamed bao buns for a crowd-pleasing twist. You can even top each serving with extra chili flakes or drizzle with chili oil for a spicy kick!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce will thicken even more, making reheated portions extra luscious.
Freezing
Freezing is an easy option! Let the chicken cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to two months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. You can also use the microwave in quick 1-minute bursts, stirring every so often until piping hot throughout. The flavor stays as bold and comforting as ever!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs deliver the juiciest results, chicken breasts work just fine—just be careful not to overcook, as they’re a bit leaner and can dry out more quickly in the Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s all up to you! The base recipe uses a small amount of red pepper flakes for mild heat, but you can increase, reduce, or omit them to suit your spice preference. For extra fire, toss in a little sriracha or add more chili flakes to taste.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely—just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari works great) and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free as well. Everything else in the Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If you’re out of hoisin, try adding a splash of extra soy sauce, a spoonful of peanut butter, and a bit more brown sugar. This creates a similar sweet-salty complexity that still plays well in the dish.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—this is a fantastic recipe to double if you’re feeding a crowd! Just make sure your Instant Pot isn’t filled past the max line, and add a few extra minutes to the browning time for the chicken so nothing overlaps too much.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again—savory, sticky, and stunningly simple, it brings takeout magic right to your table. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with how easy and delicious homemade can really be!
Print
Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful twist on the classic takeout favorite. Tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce, perfect for serving over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Coating:
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in 1/4 cup cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode, heat the oil, and sear the chicken until lightly browned.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Pour over the chicken.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid, set to Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes. Allow natural pressure release.
- Thicken the Sauce: Switch back to Sauté mode, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and cook until thickened.
- Serve: Enjoy hot over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
