Name: Instant Pot General Tso Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken thighs cut into 2-3 inch chunks; 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil; 1 tablespoon ginger minced; 6 cloves garlic minced; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes; 6 tablespoons rice vinegar; 6 tablespoons soy sauce low-sodium; 6 teaspoons hoisin sauce; 1/3 cup water; 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons water; red pepper flakes; sesame seeds; green onions chopped

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When it comes to whipping up a cozy dinner, few dishes can compete with the tantalizing aroma of General Tso Chicken wafting through the kitchen. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors brings a delightful experience, reminiscent of your favorite takeout spot but created right in your own home. With that satisfying crunch on the outside and tender chicken inside, this Instant Pot General Tso Chicken is the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight into something special.

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What’s even better? This recipe is straightforward and uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have within reach. In just about 45 minutes, you’ll be serving up this mouthwatering dish, making it a great option for rushed weeknights or meal prepping for lunch. This beginner-friendly recipe ensures you won’t mess it up, and with easy swaps available for dietary preferences, you can tailor it to your liking. Give it a try; it might just become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Instant Pot General Tso Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Instant Pot General Tso Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in under an hour, perfect for any night.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce creates a symphony of taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Deep, rich colors and garnished with green onions make for a stunning presentation.
Flexible Serving: Great over rice with veggies or in wraps; it caters to different meals and occasions.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or healthier choices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound chicken thighs: Cut into 2-3 inch chunks for tender bites; thighs stay juicier than breasts.
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil: Essential for sautéing; can swap for olive oil if preferred.
1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Brings warmth and spice; fresh is best but ground works in a pinch.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Adds robust flavor; feel free to increase for more garlicky goodness.
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes: Gives a kick; adjust based on your heat preference.
6 tablespoons rice vinegar: Balances sweetness with acidity; apple cider vinegar is a substitute if needed.
6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds depth; low-sodium helps control saltiness.
6 teaspoons hoisin sauce: Sweet and savory flavor enhancer unique to Asian dishes; look for gluten-free versions if necessary.
1/3 cup water: Helps the pressure cooker maintain moist heat.
3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey: Sweetness to balance the sauce; honey will add a floral note.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: For thickening the sauce; can use arrowroot as an alternative.
3 tablespoons water: For mixing with cornstarch to prevent clumping.
Red pepper flakes: For garnishing and additional heat, optional.
Sesame seeds: Adds texture and a nutty flavor when sprinkled on top.
Green onions, chopped: Freshness in flavor and garnish, elevating the dish’s presentation.

How to Make Instant Pot General Tso Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-3 inch chunks. Keeping them slightly larger allows the pieces to remain intact after cooking, ensuring a juicy texture.
Heat the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode, then adjust to More for medium-high heat. Wait until the display reads HOT.
Sauté the Chicken: Add the vegetable or canola oil and allow it to heat for about one minute. Add the chicken pieces, sautéing for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to turn golden brown.
Combine Ingredients: Toss in the minced ginger, garlic, red chili flakes, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and 1/3 cup water. Stir thoroughly to combine all these delicious flavors.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid, select the Poultry function, and set the cooking time to 5 minutes.
Natural Release: After the timer goes off, wait 10 minutes for a natural pressure release. Turn off the heat, then carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid. Stir gently to avoid breaking the chicken.
Thicken the Sauce: Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water, whisking until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot and gently stir. Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. For a thicker sauce, more cornstarch mixed with water can be added.
Rest the Dish: Turn off the Instant Pot and let the General Tso Chicken sit for 5-7 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly during this time.
Serve: Spoon the chicken over a bed of rice, perhaps with some steamed broccoli. Garnish with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, the General Tso Chicken can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure to let it cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Though the texture may change slightly after freezing, a quick stir can refresh the dish nicely.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by sticking to the given times; the Instant Pot cooks efficiently.
Let the chicken sit after cooking to allow the sauce to further thicken and enhance flavor.
Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option, ensuring you adjust the cooking because they won’t need as much time.
Tailor the spice level to your liking by adjusting the red chili flakes or adding some sriracha.
If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time to around 10-12 minutes for perfect results.

With its delicious balance of flavors and textures, this Instant Pot General Tso Chicken is a delightful addition to your meal repertoire. It not only provides a satisfying dining experience but also allows room for creativity in the kitchen. Dive into experimenting with side dishes or garnishes, and you’ll discover how versatile this dish really is.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but you should take care to cook them less time, about 3-4 minutes, to prevent dryness since they cook faster than thighs.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or Tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make a gluten-free version of Instant Pot General Tso Chicken.

How can I make the sauce sweeter or spicier?

For more sweetness, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey. To amp up the heat, increase the red chili flakes or add some sriracha.

Can I cook this without an Instant Pot?

You can! Sauté in a pan and then cover it to cook on low heat with enough water until the chicken is tender, constantly stirring to prevent sticking. Just keep an eye on the sauce to ensure it thickens correctly.

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Instant Pot General Tso Chicken