Name: Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 2 pounds (900 grams) chicken thighs, cubed into bite-size or 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening sauce); 1 tablespoon water (for thickening sauce); 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons grated ginger; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 4 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; ½ cup water; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 4 tablespoons granulated sugar; Cooked rice; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted; ¼ cup green onion, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 11 reviews

If you crave a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in one dish, then this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This recipe captures the classic Chinese-American takeout taste but cuts down the cooking time drastically thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Tender chicken thighs get coated with a perfectly sticky, tangy sauce infused with ginger, garlic, and just the right hint of heat. The result is a mouthwatering dinner that feels indulgent but comes together with incredible ease. Ready to dive into a homemade version of this beloved comfort food? Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with raw, pale pink chicken pieces placed centrally on a white marbled surface. To the left of the bowl, there is a clear white measuring jug containing a dark brown liquid with a slightly oily surface. In front of the bowl, there is a small white bowl holding a fine white powder. To the right of this bowl, there is a very small clear bowl with red chili flakes. On the far right side of the image, a light brown piece of fresh ginger root and two peeled white garlic cloves rest on the white marbled surface. The overall scene is neat and clean with a bright, natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this irresistible Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table—from texture and color to those signature bold flavors.

Chicken thighs (2 pounds): Perfectly tender and juicy when pressure cooked, they soak up the sauce beautifully.
Cornstarch (4 tablespoons total): Helps achieve that satisfyingly crispy coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing chicken to a perfect golden color and enhancing flavor.
Fresh ginger (2 tablespoons, grated): Adds a fragrant warmth and slight zing that brightens the sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that savory punch that’s crucial in any good General Tso’s sauce.
Red chili flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): Brings a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your spice preference.
General Tso’s sauce (1 cup): Made from a blend of rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin, sugar, sesame oil, and water—this sauce is where all the rich flavor happens.
Water (for mixing and deglazing): Important for dissolving cornstarch and keeping the sauce smooth.
Cooked rice: The classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
Toasted sesame seeds (1 teaspoon): Adds a nutty crunch and eye-catching finish.
Green onion (¼ cup, chopped): Fresh color and mild onion flavor to brighten each bite.

How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken with Cornstarch

First things first, toss your cubed chicken thighs in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until each piece is lightly coated. This simple step creates a wonderful texture when sautéed, giving your chicken that irresistible bite once the sauce clings to it. It lays the foundation for perfectly tender yet slightly crispy chicken.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken in the Instant Pot

Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE on low and add vegetable oil. In batches, brown the chicken to a nice golden color, ensuring it develops flavor and a bit of texture. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside. This searing process truly elevates the dish’s depth.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Pour ¼ cup of water into the pot to deglaze. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are pure gold for your sauce, but discard the cornstarch clumps for a silky finish. Deglazing prevents burning and preps your pot for layering flavors.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Combine Sauce

Return the pot to SAUTE and add minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red chili flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in one cup of your homemade General Tso’s sauce. Stir well and nestle the browned chicken back in, giving everything a good mix to marry flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Seal the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Choose PRESSURE COOK (or MANUAL) at high pressure and set a timer for 4 minutes. The Instant Pot will take approximately 4 minutes to come to pressure before starting the countdown. When cooking finishes, do a quick release of steam carefully, then open the lid.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce to Perfect Glossiness

Right after removing the lid, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it into the sauce. The sauce thickens rapidly to coat every piece of chicken beautifully. If the sauce cools too quickly, hit SAUTE again gently to keep it simmering just right until thickened.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve your glossy, flavorful General Tso’s chicken over steaming cooked rice, then sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This final touch not only adds color but complements the dish’s bold flavor and texture wonderfully.

How to Serve Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Two white bowls sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice. On top, there is a thick layer of golden brown glazed chicken pieces covered in sesame seeds and sprinkled with chopped green onions. One bowl has a pair of light wooden chopsticks resting on its edge, and a grey striped cloth napkin lies nearby. Scattered sesame seeds and small green onion pieces decorate the surface around the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions are more than decoration—they add delightful pops of nuttiness and freshness that balance the sauce’s rich, tangy-sweet notes. Don’t skip these! For an extra touch, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts offers a fantastic crunch upgrade.

Side Dishes

Classic steamed jasmine or basmati rice is the ideal accompaniment to soak up the luscious sauce. For a more colorful meal, serve with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy. These veggies lighten the richness of the dish with their crisp textures and fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, transform the dish into lettuce wraps, spooning the saucy chicken atop crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves. You can also serve the chicken over noodles instead of rice for a hearty alternative. Garnish with thinly sliced red chilies or fresh cilantro to add visual appeal and additional layers of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, retaining its rich flavors and tender chicken. This makes for a perfect quick lunch or dinner on busy days.

Freezing

If you’d like to save this meal for longer, it freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. The dish will keep best quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much after cooling to loosen it up. Stir occasionally to maintain the saucy consistency and to warm the chicken evenly without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but since they are leaner, be careful not to overcook them in the Instant Pot to avoid dryness. You might want to reduce the pressure cooking time by a minute or two for best results.

Is the red chili flakes ingredient necessary?

The red chili flakes add a nice subtle kick to balance the sweetness of the sauce. However, if you prefer a milder dish or are cooking for kids, you can leave them out without compromising too much on flavor.

Can I make the General Tso’s sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This makes the cooking process even faster since you can add it straight to the Instant Pot when you’re ready to cook.

How do I get the sauce really thick?

The key is the cornstarch slurry added after pressure cooking. Whisk it swiftly into the hot sauce and keep the pot on SAUTE mode to simmer gently until thickened. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously as it could thin it back out.

Can I double this recipe for meal prep?

Definitely! The Instant Pot handles doubling the ingredients well. Just ensure not to fill the pot beyond the maximum fill line. Cooking times remain the same, but give the pot a good mix before sealing the lid.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, comforting dish that’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor, the Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings all the nostalgia of takeout favorites right into your kitchen with less fuss and more deliciousness. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple at your table!