Instant Pot General Tso Chicken

Every time I make Instant Pot General Tso Chicken, I’m transported back to that little Chinese takeout spot near my college. The aroma of sizzling chicken and tangy sauce wafts through the air, and I can almost hear the clinking of takeout containers as students eagerly place their orders. I remember the first time I tried this dish; it felt like a culinary adventure, filled with flavors that danced on my taste buds. Fast forward to today, and I’ve mastered the art of preparing this delightful meal in my own kitchen, thanks to the magic of my Instant Pot. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a comforting reminder of shared meals and laughter with friends. Every bite of this sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy chicken brings me joy, making it a staple in my household. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Instant Pot General Tso Chicken Ingredients

When it comes to the ingredients of Instant Pot General Tso Chicken, each one plays a significant role in crafting the dish. The blend of savory and sweet elements is what makes this dish so special. The key players include chicken, which serves as the flavorful base, and a medley of sauces that enhance its taste. Together, these ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist.

• 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into 2-3 inch chunks: These juicy pieces of chicken hold up well under pressure cooking, ensuring a tender and flavorful main ingredient.
• 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil: This oil is used for sautéing the chicken to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note that brightens the dish.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings depth and aroma, balancing the sweetness of the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, these flakes are essential.
• 6 tablespoons rice vinegar: This ingredient provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the other elements.
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce: A crucial component, soy sauce imparts umami and depth of flavor.
• 6 teaspoons hoisin sauce: This sauce adds a sweet and savory depth that’s characteristic of Chinese cuisine.
• 1/3 cup water: The water helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetness is balanced with the savory elements, making every bite irresistible.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that desirable sticky texture.
• 3 tablespoons water: Additional water for mixing with cornstarch.
• Red pepper flakes: Used for garnish, they bring a pop of color and extra spice.
• Sesame seeds: A lovely finishing touch, adding texture and a nutty flavor.
• Green onions, chopped: These add freshness and crunch, enhancing the overall presentation.

How to Make Instant Pot General Tso Chicken

Preparing Instant Pot General Tso Chicken is a fun and rewarding experience that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout dish right into your kitchen. Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends.

1. Start by cutting the chicken thighs into 2-3 inch chunks. I tend to leave them a bit larger as the pressure cooker tends to make the chicken very moist, which helps to avoid breaking the pieces. This step is crucial for ensuring a satisfying bite.
2. Next, heat up your pressure cooker by pressing the Sauté button. Click on the Adjust button, and select More to activate the Sauté More function. This means the food will be sautéed over medium-high heat. Wait for the Instant Pot indicator to read HOT – this ensures your chicken gets that beautiful golden color.
3. Once hot, add the vegetable or canola oil to the pot. Wait one minute for the oil to heat up, then add in the chunks of chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times. You’ll notice the chicken starting to get golden, which is a sign that it’s on the right track.
4. Now it’s time to add the remaining ingredients to the pot: ginger, garlic, red chili flakes, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Stir well to combine everything. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be tempted to dive right in!
5. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, select the Poultry function, and adjust the time to 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens; the pressure cooker will infuse all those amazing flavors into the chicken.
6. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a 10-minute Natural Release. This means you let the pressure drop naturally for that time before turning off the heat entirely. When you release the remaining pressure, be careful. Open the lid gently, and stir the mixture, being cautious not to crush the chicken.
7. Next, select the Sauté function once again. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the additional water and whisk until it’s all combined with no lumps. Add this mixture to the Instant Pot, gently stirring to combine. This will help thicken your sauce.
8. Cook on Sauté function for another five minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will begin to thicken beautifully during this time. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, feel free to add more cornstarch; just remember that it thickens more as it cools.
9. Finally, turn off the Instant Pot and let the Instant Pot General Tso Chicken stand for about 5-7 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken even more, enhancing the texture.
10. Serve your delicious creation over rice, garnished with fresh chopped green onions, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!

Making Adjustments

There are many ways to adjust this Instant Pot General Tso Chicken recipe to better fit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some helpful tips to consider:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making it taste even better the next day!
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a safe freezer container. It will maintain its quality for about two to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
• Pairing: Serve this dish with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
• Serving Suggestions: Consider serving this dish with a side of egg rolls or wontons for an authentic takeout experience.
• Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili flakes. For more heat, increase them according to your taste.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Add in bell peppers or snap peas during the cooking process for a colorful and nutritious boost.

Serving This Instant Pot General Tso Chicken

When it comes to serving Instant Pot General Tso Chicken, there are several delightful ways to present this dish. Consider these ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:

• Over Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Pair it with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a vibrant and nutritious side.
• Garnish Generously: Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds as a finishing touch. This enhances flavor and adds visual appeal.
• Casual Gatherings: This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, evoking a comforting, homey atmosphere.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Consider making a double batch on Sundays to enjoy throughout the week, ensuring quick lunches and dinners.
• For Special Occasions: This dish can also be a hit at parties or potlucks, impressing guests with its rich flavors.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Instant Pot General Tso Chicken offers a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors that are sure to impress anyone who tries it. Its ease of preparation and quick cooking time make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen!

Instant Pot General Tso Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot General Tso Chicken is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner. Enjoy tender, juicy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that’s simple to prepare. Serve it over rice or with vegetables for a delicious meal that the whole family will love. Make it tonight and treat yourself to a taste of homemade Chinese takeout!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife

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
• 6 teaspoons hoisin sauce
• 1/3 cup water
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water
• red pepper flakes for garnish
• sesame seeds for garnish
• green onions chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Start by cutting the chicken thighs into 2-3 inch chunks. I tend to leave them a bit larger as the pressure cooker tends to make the chicken very moist, which helps to avoid breaking the pieces.
• Heat up your pressure cooker: press Sauté, click on the Adjust button, and select More to activate the Sauté More function. This means that the food will be sautéed over medium-high heat. Wait for the Instant Pot indicator to read HOT.
• Add the oil to the hot IP, wait one minute for the oil to heat up, and add the chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times, until it just starts to get golden.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the pot: ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Stir well to combine.
• Close the lid, select the Poultry function, and adjust the time to 5 minutes.
• Use a 10-minute Natural Release. Turn off the heat. Release the remaining pressure. Open the lid. Gently stir, being careful not to crush the chicken.
• Select the Sauté function again. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the water and whisk until all is combined with no lumps. Add the mixture to the Instant Pot and gently stir to combine. Cook on Sauté function for five more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
• Turn off the Instant Pot and let the Instant Pot General Tso Chicken stand for 5-7 minutes; the sauce will thicken more.
• Serve over rice with broccoli and garnish with fresh chopped green onions, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds.

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making it taste even better the next day!
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a safe freezer container. It will maintain its quality for about two to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
• Pairing: Serve this dish with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
• Serving Suggestions: Consider serving this dish with a side of egg rolls or wontons for an authentic takeout experience.
• Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili flakes. For more heat, increase them according to your taste.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Add in bell peppers or snap peas during the cooking process for a colorful and nutritious boost.

Keyword Chinese takeout at home, easy chicken recipe, General Tso Chicken, Instant Pot Chicken

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Meet Penny Porter

I bring the energy to our cooking sessions. I don’t have a “specialty” because I love it all I’m just as happy kneading dough as I am stirring a spicy curry. My favorite part of being on this team is the variety. One day we’re making pasta from scratch, and the next we’re grilling outdoors. I love the fast-paced creative process and am always the first one to grab an apron when a new idea pops up.