This Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken is the perfect and healthy homemade dinner in less than 30 minutes. This spicy Chinese takeaway favorite is simple and quick to prepare with the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken
is a favorite, one that everyone loves. If you’re wondering what exactly this dish is, don’t worry, I’ve included a small section below to explain it. For those of you who have ordered this dish before, you know it’s the perfect sweet and sour blend.
I
decided to do a healthier spin on Tso Chicken today using my very useful instant pot. That means I served this dish in less than 30 minutes! Healthy, tasty and fast? Now, who doesn’t like that?
What is General Tso Chicken?
Now, although this dish is one of the most popular orders in Chinese restaurants here at home, it is not exactly authentic. The westernized versions are also known as orange chicken if that’s a little more familiar. It is usually served fried on a mountain of white rice, but today I decided to reduce some of the calories and eliminate frying. So let’s get to it! Break that Instant Pot and let’s cook.
Ingredients In General Tso
Chicken
Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Chicken – I used chicken breast today, but chicken thigh is a tasty alternative, just keep in mind that it will need to be cooked a minute or two longer than the breast.
- Soy sauce – Low in sodium so we can control the sodium level in this dish. I also used some dark soy sauce for that umami flavor.
- Sweet – I used brown sugar and honey to get some rich sweetness and a sticky ooey sauce, you’ll thank me later.
- Aromatic – Garlic and ginger, preferred fresh!
- Rice vinegar – The spicy key to this Tso General chicken recipe. If you don’t have anything on hand, apple cider vinegar is a great substitute!
- We need some heat in this dish and red pepper flakes are the perfect addition
- Tomato paste – The perfect little sour base for our sauce, it will also give the dish a rich and pleasant color.
- Hoisin – If this thick sauce isn’t already a staple in your refrigerator, It should be. Choose a few, as it is so crucial in many Asian dishes!
- Cornstarch – Let’s make a suspension with cornstarch and some water to help our plate thicken.
Red Pepper Flakes –
.
How to make Instant Pot General Tso Chicken
Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the printable prescription card at the bottom of the page.
- Sauté the stir-fries: Turn on your Instant Pot in the stir-fry settings and add the chicken first. Then add the rest of the ingredients (except our cornstarch suspension) and stir well. Close the lid and adjust the pot to the poultry configuration.
- Finish the sauce: Let the pressure release naturally before removing the lid. Transfer only the chicken to a bowl and switch to the stir-fry setting before adding the suspension. Cook this sauce for an additional 2 minutes until thickened and replace the chicken before stirring well.
- Garnish and serve: Serve this dish over a nice mound of warm white rice. I love garnishing this dish with some toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onion!
Other ways to make General Tso
Chicken Slow cooker
This dish is perfect made in your slow cooker! Simply seal the chicken a little on the stove before adding it to the slow cooker. Beat all the sauce ingredients separately (store the cornstarch suspension) and pour over the chicken. Simmer all of this for 3 to 4 hours. Add the suspension in the last 20 minutes of cooking or until thickened and served on rice!
If
you want to do this over the stove, simply sauté your chicken before removing and cooking your aromatics and chili flakes until fragrant. Add all your sauces and grout and let cook for a few minutes until the sauce is thick. Add the chicken and combine well before serving!
How to store chicken leftovers General Tso
In the fridge this chicken recipe will last up to 4 days, as long as its packaging is airtight. It can also freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months, just be sure to thaw completely in the fridge and before reheating over the stove.
Fancy more instant cannabis recipes? Try these dishes:
- Chicken noodle soup
- Shawarma
- Butter
- Pasta E Fagioli
- Swedish meatballs
- Beef
- and broccoli
- Meat stew
- Instant chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken
Chicken Mongolian beef
