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Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

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Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is perfect to whip up when you are craving Chinese takeout! It’s so easy and ready in less than 30 minutes-perfect when you are short on time.

Instant Pot General Tso's Chicken in a white serving bowl next to an instant pot.

If you are looking for a homemade takeout swap then this recipe is for you. Not only is this recipe quick, but it is also full of flavor and family-friendly. Here are several other Chinese Chicken Recipes you can check out too!

Instant Pot General Tso Chicken

General Tso Chicken is a Chinese dish of chicken that has been battered and fried before being cooked in an amazing sauce. It was named after the general who helped the Hunan province win a battle against Russia. To give thanks, they created this chicken dish in his honor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I really enjoy this Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe because it is a quick and easy dish that tastes similar to Chinese takeout.

  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Easy to make
  • Perfect for picky eaters

If you love homemade Chinese food recipes, you may also enjoy this Instant Pot Orange Chicken recipe.

Horizontal close up image of Instant Pot General Tso's Chicken in a white serving bowl.

Ingredients

This ingredients list may seem a little long but you should have most of these ingredients on hand already.

  • boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces
  • soy sauce
  • honey
  • brown sugar
  • garlic powder
  • ground ginger
  • rice vinegar
  • red pepper flakes
  • tomato paste
  • hoisin sauce
  • cornstarch
  • water
Ingredients used to make Instant Pot General Tso's Chicken.

Substitutions

Soy Sauce: Coconut Aminos can be used in place of soy sauce.

Honey: Agava can be used in place of honey if you are out.

Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools

You only need a few kitchen tools to help you make this family-friendly recipe.

How to Make Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Making this easy General Tso chicken recipe only requires six simple steps. You will be so glad that you make this easy pressure cooker recipe.

Step 1: Add the ingredients to the Instant Pot

Place all of the ingredients into the electric pressure cooker EXCEPT the cornstarch and water. Stir well to mix.

All ingredients to make a sauce mixed in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Program the electric pressure cooker with the “manual” or “pressure cook” setting for 6 minutes.

The sauce and chicken mixed inside the Instant Pot ready to be cooked.

Step 3: Naturally Release the pressure

After the cooking cycle has been completed, wait for the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release of the remaining pressure.

Step 4: Remove the chicken

Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the electric pressure cooker but keep warm. Press to cancel the “keep warm” setting and program to “saute.”

Step 5: Thicken the sauce

Combine the cornstarch and water. Then, pour the mixture over the sauce and stir. Cook for about 2 minutes or until thickened. Return the chicken to the electric pressure cooker and toss in the sauce.

Cooked Instant Pot General Tso's Chicken in the Instant Pot.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Instant Pot General Tso's Chicken in a white serving bowl next to an instant pot.

Variations / Options / Add-Ins

Do you want to change up this General Tso Chicken recipe? Here are my tried and true swaps for this recipe.

Mild: If you are not a fan of heat feel free to leave out the red pepper flakes.

Spicy: If you like a lot of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

Chicken Thighs: You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead if you want.

Serving Suggestions

Are you wondering what to serve with your General Tso Chicken? Here are a few of my favorite suggestions.

Instant Pot General Tso's Chicken in a white serving bowl next to an instant pot.

Tips

Want to make sure that your recipe turns out well? Here are my best tips for this recipe.

  • Be sure to cut your chicken into even chunks so that it cooks evenly.
  • Chop your green onions ahead of time so that they are ready to go when you need them.
  • If you are making this recipe for kids, halve the amount of red pepper flakes.

FAQs

Do you have questions about General Tso Chicken? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

How to reheat

Place the leftover chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2 minutes. Stir, then heat for another minute or until reheated.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, place the leftovers in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container. Make sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight prior to reheating in a microwave.

Horizontal image of Instant Pot General Tso's Chicken in a white serving bowl next to an instant pot.

More Instant Pot Recipes

If you like Instant Pot recipes, give these recipes a try:

Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Ready to get cooking? Print off the recipe card below or toggle on Cook Mode to keep your screen from going dark while you follow along on your phone or tablet.

📋 Recipe

Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Corinne Schmitt
Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is perfect to whip up when you are craving Chinese takeout!
4.96 from 22 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 355 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions
 

  • Place all of the ingredients into the electric pressure cooker EXCEPT the cornstarch and water. Stir well to mix.
  • Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Program the electric pressure cooker with the “manual” or “pressure cook” setting for 6 minutes.
  • After the cooking cycle has completed, wait for the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release of the remaining pressure.
  • Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the electric pressure cooker but keep warm. Press to cancel the “keep warm” setting and program to “saute.”
  • Combine the cornstarch and water. Then, pour the mixture over the sauce and stir. Cook for about 2 minutes or until thickened.Return the chicken to the electric pressure cooker and toss in the sauce.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 50gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 1239mgPotassium: 944mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 167IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Need to run to the store for a few ingredients first? Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it when you’re ready to cook!

Instant Pot General Tso's Chicken in a white serving bowl with a large text at the upper half of the image saying Quick and Easy Instant Pot General Tso's Chicken.

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