Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved takeout but wanted something homemade, speedy, and wildly satisfying, then Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. This recipe delivers all the sticky, tangy, and bold flavors you love – but with the magical convenience of your Instant Pot and a fraction of the work.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be amazed at how simple, everyday pantry staples blend to create the addictive flavors of Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken. Each ingredient has its moment to shine, building the deep, tangy, just-sweet-enough glaze we all know and love in this iconic dish.

• Chicken breast (2 lbs, skinless & boneless): Lean but tender bites are the perfect canvas for all that sweet-spicy sauce. You can substitute thigh meat for extra juiciness!
• Low sodium soy sauce (¼ cup) & dark soy sauce (1 tsp): These bring depth, saltiness, and rich color, with the dark soy sauce adding that signature mahogany glaze.
• Honey (2 tbsp) & brown sugar (2 tbsp): Double up on sweetness—honey for sticky shine, brown sugar for a little molasses warmth.
• Garlic (2 cloves minced) & fresh ginger (1 tsp, grated): The aromatic power duo—don’t skip these, they layer in major flavor!
• Rice vinegar (3 tbsp): A splash of tang perfectly balances the sauce and stops it from ever feeling too heavy.
• Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp): For that crave-worthy little kick; add more if you’re a heat seeker.
• Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Adds rich body and color to the sauce, making it cling beautifully to the chicken.
• Hoisin sauce (2 tbsp): That essential sweet-salty magic that screams “takeout!”
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp) mixed with water (1 tbsp): Whisked together into a quick slurry for the ultimate glossy sauce finish.
• Optional Garnish – Sesame seeds & green onions: Add extra color, crunch, and a restaurant-style flourish to every serving.

Variations

One of the best things about making Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken at home is that you can tailor it to fit any mood, craving, or dietary need. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe truly your own anytime the urge for something delicious strikes!

• Use Chicken Thighs: Swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even more succulence—just as easy, same cook time!
• Tame the Sweetness: Cut back on the honey and brown sugar if you prefer things less sweet, or crave a bolder, more savory glaze.
• Make it Spicier: Double the red pepper flakes, or toss in a splash of sriracha for extra zing that’ll wake up your taste buds.
• Vegetarian Twist: Sub cubed tofu for chicken and use vegetarian hoisin sauce; the rich Instant Pot sauce works beautifully on plant-based proteins too.
• Switch Up the Vinegar: No rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar is a great stand-in and lends a slightly fruitier tang.

How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Sauté & Layer the Flavors

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté setting—this helps “wake up” your aromatics so they infuse all their goodness into the chicken. Add the bite-size chicken pieces first, then dump in all your sauce ingredients except for the cornstarch and water. A quick stir ensures every piece gets a head start on flavor.

Step 2: Pressure Cook Perfection

Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to the Poultry setting for 5 minutes. The magic of pressure cooking means the chicken stays incredibly tender while soaking up every note of soy, ginger, and hoisin. Relax and let the pot do all the heavy lifting!

Step 3: Natural Release & Sauce Finish

When the timer beeps, let the pot naturally release pressure—this takes about 10 minutes and keeps your chicken juicy. (If you’re in a hurry, switch to quick release at your own discretion.) Unlock the lid and marvel at those saucy, aromatic chicken pieces!

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté (lid off). Gently remove the chicken to a bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving the sauce behind. Whisk the cornstarch and water together in a separate bowl, stir it into the sauce, and cook for a couple of minutes until it’s perfectly thick and glossy—restaurant quality, every time.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Add the chicken back into the thickened sauce, turn off the Instant Pot, and toss everything until every piece glistens. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a pop of color and crunch. Perfection!

How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Garnishes

Top your piping-hot Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken with a shower of toasted sesame seeds and a flurry of freshly chopped green onions. Not only does this add irresistible crunch and color, but it truly makes the whole dish look (and taste) like a restaurant masterpiece.

Side Dishes

This bold, sticky chicken begs for a bed of perfectly steamed rice—white, jasmine, or brown are all fabulous. Pair it with a heap of steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or even a crisp Asian-style slaw to lighten things up and complete the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken family-style on a big platter for a dramatic, shareable spread. Or, spoon it into lettuce cups for a fun party appetizer. For meal prep, pack saucy chicken with your favorite veggies and rice in a lunchbox for the envy of your work week!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and the sauce stays thick and luscious, ready to strike again for lunch or another dinner win.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water if the sauce is extra thick. Stir well and serve hot—your quick homemade takeout is back in business!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into a big, saucy bowl of Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken! This recipe is pure comfort, made even better by how simple and customizable it is. Give it a try—your homemade takeout dreams just got a delicious upgrade.

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