If you are craving a rich, tangy, and irresistibly crispy dish that comes together in a flash, this Easy Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. This version transforms the classic Chinese takeout favorite into a fuss-free, weeknight dinner sensation with tender chicken, a perfectly sticky sauce, and just the right balance of sweet and spicy flavors—all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Whether you’re a busy parent or someone who loves fast homemade meals, this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: This recipe uses the Instant Pot to cut down cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
- Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The sauce strikes a perfect harmony between sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh components for a wholesome meal.
- Kid-Friendly Twist: Mild spice level means everyone at the table can enjoy it.
- Easy Cleanup: One-pot cooking keeps your kitchen mess to a minimum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet impactful ingredients makes this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken both easy and flavorful. Each item adds a unique layer—from the velvety sauce to the crispiness of the chicken.
- Chicken thighs: Using boneless skinless thighs ensures juicy, tender bites that stay moist under pressure cooking.
- Cornstarch: For coating the chicken to achieve a crispy texture once finished.
- Soy sauce: The base of the sauce providing essential umami depth.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy kick that balances sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce naturally with a rich caramel undertone.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that bring warmth and depth to every bite.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
- Chicken broth or water: Necessary for pressure cooking and to develop the sauce consistency.
- Green onions: Fresh garnish to add color and mild onion flavor.
- Sesame oil: For that authentic nutty finish that ties the flavors together.
Variations for Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken
This recipe is versatile, meaning you can easily customize it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make the dish your own.
- Vegetable Boost: Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Spice it up: Use fresh chili peppers or increase red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Protein Swap: Try replacing chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different texture.
- Low-Sugar Version: Reduce brown sugar and add a splash of natural sweetener like honey if desired.
How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and tossing them in cornstarch to coat evenly. This step ensures the chicken gets a light crispy coating after cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, then add a splash of oil. Cook minced garlic and freshly grated ginger until fragrant—this forms the flavorful base of your sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
In batches, lightly brown the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces in the Instant Pot to develop texture and color before pressure cooking.
Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the browned chicken in the Instant Pot, making sure everything is well coated.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for just 5 minutes. This quick burst of pressure cooking perfectly cooks the chicken while melding the flavors.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
After releasing the pressure naturally, switch back to sauté mode and stir in a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to thicken the sauce until glossy and clingy.
Step 7: Final Touches
Drizzle with a few drops of toasted sesame oil, stir gently, and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for freshness and color.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken
- Coat evenly: Make sure chicken pieces are fully coated in cornstarch to get a nice texture after cooking.
- Brown in batches: Avoid overcrowding while sautéing chicken to ensure even browning.
- Use fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger make a noticeable difference in flavor richness.
- Adjust spice level: Start with less red pepper flakes and add more to taste after cooking.
- Don’t skip natural pressure release: Letting the Instant Pot release pressure naturally keeps the chicken tender.
How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken
Garnishes
Finish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch, aroma, and a lovely pop of color.
Side Dishes
Serve over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Pairing with simple stir-fried vegetables rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this into a wrap using lettuce leaves or serve alongside noodles tossed in sesame oil and scallions for a different texture and flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
This dish freezes well; store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave covered to retain moisture, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works fine though it tends to be leaner and may dry out slightly faster; adjust cooking times and be careful not to overcook.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe features a mild to moderate level of heat thanks to red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice to your liking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by swapping soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use firm tofu instead of chicken and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegan version.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
The secret is a simple cornstarch slurry added at the end on sauté mode, which creates a shiny, clingy sauce perfect for coating the chicken.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Easy Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it. The combination of speedy cooking, layered flavors, and simple ingredients makes it a standout recipe to add to your weeknight dinner lineup. So grab your Instant Pot and get ready for a delicious journey into homemade comfort Chinese food that’s both quick and unforgettable.