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Who wouldn't crave a dinner that's exotic, quick to prepare, and incredibly tasty? I'm sharing my favorite instant pot General Tso chicken recipe. Sink your teeth into tender chicken chunks draped in a tangy sauce, all done in the flash of an instant pot. This flavor-packed dish is more than just a meal. It’s a ticket to a dinner time voyage, right in the comfort of your home, no take-out needed. Trust me, once you've tried this recipe, you'll be hooked! Are you ready to be the weeknight chef hero? Let's dive in!
Ingredients for General Tso's Chicken
- Chicken thighs: Tender and flavorful dark meat that absorbs the bold flavors of the sauce, providing a juicy and succulent texture.
- Soy sauce: Infuses the dish with a rich umami flavor, adding depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce: Sweet and savory sauce that enhances the overall taste profile, contributing a complex and robust flavor to the dish.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
- Brown sugar: Provides sweetness to the sauce, caramelizing during cooking to create a sticky glaze and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall savory profile with its earthy notes.
- Ginger: Offers a fresh and zesty kick to the dish, complementing the sweetness and adding a warm, spicy undertone.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a nutty and aromatic flavor into the dish, enhancing the overall Asian-inspired taste with its distinctive essence.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, creating a glossy and velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Green onions: Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor to the dish, providing a pop of color and a subtle crunch.
Read more: Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe
Essential Tools for Making This Instant Pot Recipe
- Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking time and infuses flavors efficiently.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting chicken and vegetables safely.
- Knife: Essential for cutting chicken thighs and chopping garlic, ginger, and green onions precisely.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurements of sauces, sugar, and vinegar for balanced flavors.
Instant Pot General Tso Chicken Recipe
This Instant Pot General Tso Chicken Recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic Chinese-American dish at home. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Serve it over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a delicious meal.
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Small Bowl
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup hoisin sauce
- 0.25 cup rice vinegar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Read more: Instant Pot Chicken Casserole Recipe
Instructions:
- In the Instant Pot, combine chicken, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once done, quick release the pressure and open the lid.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the chicken mixture in the Instant Pot.
- Select the sauté function and cook until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
- Serve the General Tso chicken over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes:
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 36gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Read more: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo Recipe
Tips for Making General Tso's Chicken Ahead of Time
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook the General Tso Chicken as directed in the recipe.
- Allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Store the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Cook the General Tso Chicken according to the recipe.
- Cool the chicken completely.
- Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label the container with the date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
General Tso Chicken is named after a Qing dynasty military leader, General Tso Tsung-tang, but the dish itself is not traditionally found in Hunan cuisine, his birthplace.
Common Questions About This Instant Pot Chicken Recipe
FAQ:
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs, but be cautious as chicken breast tends to cook faster and can become dry in the Instant Pot. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is this General Tso chicken recipe?
This recipe is not very spicy as it aims to be more on the milder side to suit a wider range of tastes. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to amp up the heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this General Tso chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Is hoisin sauce necessary for this recipe?
Hoisin sauce adds a distinct flavor to the dish, but if you don't have it on hand, you can substitute with oyster sauce or a combination of soy sauce and honey for a similar taste profile.
Can I freeze the leftovers of this General Tso chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
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