Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is everything you love about your favorite Chinese takeout—tender chicken bites glazed in a sweet, sticky, tangy sauce with just the right kick of heat—all made at home with surprising speed and ease. With ingredients you probably already have, your Instant Pot transforms simple chicken into a crave-worthy, weeknight dinner that’ll win over everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is that it relies on accessible, unpretentious ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each item plays a role in nailing that classic balance of sweet, savory, sticky, and spicy that makes this dish such a standout.

• Chicken breast, skinless and boneless (2 pounds): This lean protein soaks up the sauce and stays nice and tender under pressure—cut into bite-size pieces for maximum saucy coverage.
• Soy sauce (¼ cup, low sodium): Brings the umami depth and classic Chinese flavor; low sodium keeps things in check so the sauce isn’t too salty.
• Dark soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Just a splash adds a hint of sweetness and gives the glaze its rich, appetizing color.
• Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds shine and sticky-sweet flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Teams up with the honey for that signature sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic means deeper flavor—don’t skip it!
• Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Bright and gently spicy, ginger wakes up the sauce with a zingy warmth.
• Rice vinegar (3 tablespoons): This is your secret to achieving the tang that keeps the sauce from being cloying—cider vinegar works in a pinch.
• Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): For heat; totally adjustable according to your spice preference.
• Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Helps with a deep, savory undertone and gorgeous reddish hue.
• Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Think sweet, salty, and a little smoky—a must for big, authentic flavor.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Mixed with water, this gives the sauce its irresistible, glossy thick texture.
• Water (1 tablespoon): Blends with cornstarch for the thickening slurry.
• Optional: Sesame seeds & green onions: For bright pops of color, crunch, and legit takeout vibes.

Variations

The beauty of Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is how endlessly adaptable it is. Whether you’re working with what’s in your pantry or tailoring for allergies and taste, there are so many easy ways to make this recipe your own.

• Use Chicken Thighs: Prefer more juiciness? Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs—they’re extra tender and just as quick to cook.
• Swap Out Hoisin: If you’re out of hoisin, try a mix of sweet BBQ sauce, a dash of sriracha, and five-spice powder for a similar sweet-salty flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: For a less sweet version, feel free to reduce the honey and brown sugar—add gradually and taste as you go!
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a certified gluten-free hoisin to keep things wheat-free without losing flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers or snap peas after thickening the sauce for a one-pot meal.

How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function—this helps develop savory flavors from the get-go. Add your chicken pieces and, while you don’t need to brown them fully, giving the meat a little direct heat helps lock in juiciness and ensures every bite gets coated in all the aromatic goodness yet to come.

Step 2: Add Sauce Ingredients & Mix

Next, pour in the soy sauces, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and hoisin sauce directly into the pot—just hold off on the cornstarch and water for now. Stir everything gently to coat the chicken evenly, making sure those seasonings don’t clump at the bottom.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid, select the Poultry setting, and cook for just 5 minutes. This is all it takes for the chicken to become terrifically tender and for the sauce flavors to meld. If you’d rather learn as you go, follow your Instant Pot’s guide for proper sealing and venting—safety first!

Step 4: Natural Release & Remove Chicken

Once cooking finishes, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes (set a timer so you don’t forget!). This gentle cooldown keeps the chicken pieces extra juicy. Carefully remove the lid, and use a slotted spoon to lift the chicken into a bowl—time to work on the sauce.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Stir together the cornstarch and water in a separate bowl to make a slurry, then pour that into the simmering sauce (with the Instant Pot returned to sauté mode). In just a couple of minutes, the sauce goes from thin to lusciously thick and glossy. Stir while it thickens so nothing scorches.

Step 6: Toss Chicken & Serve

Add the chicken back to the pot, gently folding to fully coat each piece in that beautiful sticky sauce. Cancel the sauté function and you’re ready for the fun part: garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve right away over hot rice.

How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a shower of thinly sliced green onions take this dish straight into “takeout at home” territory—adding texture, color, and a gentle nuttiness that really brings Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken to life. For extra freshness, try a dash of cilantro or a light grate of fresh lime zest!

Side Dishes

Every saucy bite is even better alongside a fluffy bowl of jasmine or basmati rice, but you don’t need to stop there. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried baby bok choy pair perfectly—the extra veg soaks up that glossy sauce in all the best ways. If you want more crunch, try serving it over lightly browned cauliflower rice or zoodles for a lighter spin.

Creative Ways to Present

General Tso’s Chicken isn’t just for bowls! For a party or lunchboxes, tuck the saucy chicken into lettuce cups with shredded carrots, or top a fresh grain bowl with a handful of chopped salad greens. You can also layer it inside a warm bao bun for a playful, fusion-style treat that’s guaranteed to draw smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce keeps the chicken juicy and the flavors develop even more delicious depth overnight—it’s a meal prep dream come true!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well—just cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems thick. The microwave also works in a pinch—use short bursts, stirring after each, to keep the meat tender and the sauce glossy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the bold, satisfying flavors of your go-to takeout dish at home—without the hassle or the wait—this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is the recipe you need. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and just the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Give it a try and see how easy homemade “takeout” can be!

Print