Instant Pot General Tso Chicken

Savor the flavors of Instant Pot General Tso Chicken! Recipe This quick and delicious dish features tender crispy chicken and a sweet-spicy sauce, all made in a snap with your Instant Pot. Enjoy Chinese food at home, it’s better than fried chicken!

Contents

Why Make General Tso Chicken

This general tso’s chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Not only is this amazing recipe incredibly easy to make, but the results are absolutely delicious. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:

Quick And Convenient: With just 30 minutes of cooking time, the cooked chicken is perfect for those nights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Healthier Option: This great recipe uses lean chicken breasts and minimizes the use of oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional Chinese takeout.
Made To Taste: You can adjust the seasoning and sauce to your liking, making it easier to cook chicken that everyone will love.

Recipe Ingredients

Chicken Breast: Cubed chicken pieces are the main element for this tasty dish.
Eggs (Beaten): Act as a binding agent for the flour and cornflour, creating a golden, crispy coating on the chicken when cooked.
Flour and Corn Flour: Work together to create a perfectly light and crispy batter for the chicken, which adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing, it ensures the chicken cooks evenly while also helping to infuse the flavors of the other aromatic ingredients.
Fresh Ginger and Minced Garlic: Are key flavor boosters, adding a zesty, spicy kick that’s fundamental to the dish’s distinct Asian profile.
Red Chili Flakes: Give the dish its signature heat, adding a spicy punch that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet and tangy sauce.
Rice Wine Vinegar: Introduces a tangy twist, balancing out the sweetness and saltiness in the dish for that perfect sweet-and-sour note.
Dark Soy Sauce: A staple in Asian cuisine, soy sauce lends a deep, savory, umami flavor that enhances the taste of the dish.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and slightly spicy sauce adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, making the dish even more delicious.
Water or Chicken Broth: Used to thin out the sauce, ensuring that all the flavors are distributed evenly throughout the dish.
Brown Sugar: Brings a lovely caramel-like sweetness, balancing out the heat from the chili flakes and the tanginess from the vinegar.

Cornstarch Slurry

Cornstarch: Corn starch is a thickening agent that helps give the General Tso’s sauce its signature glossy, rich texture.
Water: Is mixed with the cornstarch to make a slurry, which is then added to the sauce to thicken it.

How to Make Instant Pot General Tso Chicken

Step One: Start by cutting the chicken into 3-4 inch chunks.

Step Two: In a small bowl add your flour and corn flour mix to combine.

Step Three: In another small bowl add your beaten eggs.

Step Four: Take your chicken 5-6 pieces at a time, dip them in the egg mixture
first then into the flour mixture. Place on a baking pan top with parchment paper and set to the side. Repeat the steps until all the chicken has been coated.

Step Five: Press Sauté on your Instant Pot and click on high. Wait for the Instant Pot to read HOT.

Step Six: Add the oil to the Instant Pot, wait one minute for the oil to heat up, and add the chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, turning your chicken over to ensure even cooking. Continue until it just starts to get golden.There’s no deep to deep fry, just saute until golden brown.

Step Seven: Add the rest of the ingredients to the Instant pot: garlic and ginger, red pepper flakes, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar and water. Stir well to combine.

Step Eight: Close the lid, select the Poultry function, and adjust the time to 5 minutes. Then use a 10-minute Natural Release.

Step Nine: Turn off the heat, open the lid, and gently stir to combine.

Step Ten: Select Sauté on the Instant Pot and add your cornstarch Slurry. Cook for 5 minutes.

Step Eleven: Turn your Instant Pot off, and let the General Tso Chicken stand for 5-7 minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion.

Making the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl combine the Cornstarch with the water, whisk until all combined with no lumps.

Variations

Sesame Oil: We use vegetable oil, however feel free to use olive oil or sesame oil if that’s what you have in the pantry.
Chicken Thighs: We use Chicken breast in this recipe but feel free to switch for boneless skinless chicken thighs.

Best Storage Options for This Recipe

Fridge: Let Tso Chicken cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing: Tso Chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat General Tso Chicken in the Instant Pot, microwave, or stovetop. Stir occasionally for even heating and to maintain the original texture.

What to Serve With Spicy Sour Chicken?

While the Instant Pot General Tso recipe is delicious on its own, it’s even better when served with some tasty sides. Here are a few ideas to pair with this dish:

White or Brown Rice: A classic and simple option that pairs well with the flavorful sauce of the chicken. You could also add the chicken to fried rice too.
Vegetables: Stir in some steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to add some extra nutrients and texture to the dish. You can also serve them on the side for a more well-rounded meal.
Noodles: If you’re craving something other than rice, try pairing this dish with some noodles like lo mein or chow mein for a delicious twist.
Salad: For a lighter option, serve this General Tso chicken over a bed of greens or alongside a simple salad.

FAQ’S

How To Use Leftovers?

One of the best things about this Instant Pot General Tso recipe is that it makes for great leftovers. Here are a few ideas to get creative with your leftovers:

Make a wrap: Simply wrap the leftover chicken, rice, and vegetables in a tortilla for an easy and delicious lunch option.

Stir-fry: Chop up the leftover chicken and veggies and stir-fry them with some noodles or rice for a quick and tasty meal.

Use as a topping: Add the leftover General Tso chicken to your favorite pizza or flatbread for a unique and flavorful twist.

Is Water Or Chicken Stock Better?

We use water in this recipe. You can add a splash of chicken stock or broth in place of the water, however this may give the recipe a stronger flavor.

Instant Pot General Tso Chicken Is a tasty and simple dish that the whole family can enjoy

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Serving Size Servings