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Home > Asian Recipes > Healthier Instant Pot General Tso Chicken Recipe
14 minutes minutes

Healthier Instant Pot General Tso Chicken Recipe

Modified: Oct 19, 2023 · Published: Oct 25, 2019

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instant pot general Tso chicken served over bowl of white rice with text overlay
instant pot general Tso chicken served over bowl of white rice with text overlay
instant pot general tso chicken served over a bed of rice in white bowl with text
instant pot general tso chicken served over a bed of rice in white bowl with text
instant pot General Tso chicken with rice in white bowl with text
instant pot General Tso chicken with rice in white bowl with text
instant pot general Tso chicken served over rice with text
instant pot chicken tso chicken served with rice with text overlay
instant pot general Tso chicken served over bowl of white rice with text overlay

Healthier Instant Pot General Tso Chicken Recipe is lighter version of popular take out. Deep fried chicken is replaced with sauted chicken and half the calories to your take-out order. It’s got the sweet, sticky, spicy perfection without deep frying chicken pieces. You won’t miss a thing. Try it once, you’ll be hooked.

instant pot General Tso chicken in white bowl with chives garnish

  • General Tso chicken recipe is one of the most popular “Chinese” dishes in America. This Americanized Chinese dish is mostly made from dark meat cut and deep fried, then tossed in a wok with sweet and spicy, tangy sauce.
  • It has complex flavors that is garlicky, tangy, intensive, sweet, spicy and salty, all flavors balanced beautifully.
  • Fun Facts : You won’t find General Tso Chicken in China.
  • I know .. I know.. some of you might be getting furious by now reading the recipe, you may even call this ‘this is really not General Tso’s chicken recipe’.
  • Yes, General Tso’s chicken recipe in general is deep fried chicken tossed in General Tso sauce. But we all are allowed to tweak and add twist to a recipe and create your own favorable version.
  • According to me this recipe still qualifies to be called General Tso’s Chicken and we are loving the fact that it’s healthier version, so YAY lesser guilt while eating these on your busy weeknight dinner.

delicious instant pot General Tso chicken over rice in white bowl garnished with chives

This light Instant pot General Tso’s chicken recipe is made with tender juicy chicken.  It’s dump, saute and turn on instant pot recipe. No deep frying.

This healthier homemade instant pot General Tso’s chicken is ready in less than 20 minutes. And so much better than take-out. With the option to add any variation of your choice. SCORE!

If you are looking for authentic General Tso’s chicken recipe simply follow this exact recipe and deep fry the chicken pieces marinated in soy sauce and coated in corn flour until browned.

Saute all ingredients as exactly mentioned in the recipe. You can refer to the recently posted General Tso Tofu recipe to get the idea.

General Tso chicken over a bowl of rice in white bowl

One of the common question I got when I posted General Tso Tofu recipe was

Who is General Tso?

A little help from Wikipedia –

The dish is named after Zuo Zontang (TsoTsung-t’ang) a military leader from Qing’s dynasty.   Eileen Yin-Fei Lo states in her book The Chinese Kitchen that the dish originates from a simple Hunan chicken dish and that the reference to “Zongtang“. Info source – Wikipedia!

delicious General Tso chicken cooked in instant pot with wooden spatula in it

What is General Tso Chicken?

It’s a crispy, deep fried chicken in a flavorful sauce that is not too spicy and not too sweet.  General Tso’s chicken is an American Chinatown invention, definitely not an authentic Chinese dish.

But the dish has definitely gained popularity with the Americans, considering it’s one of the most popular Chinese food take-out.

a bowl of instant pot General Tso chicken over white rice

General Tso Sauce

General Tso’s Chicken has a versatile Asian sauce that has a perfect balance of sweet, spice, salt and tang called General Tso Sauce. We like to call it magic Asian sauce that you will want to pour one everything! General Tso sauce is rich, pungent with a hint of sweet and spice in it.

It’s a versatile sauce and you can adjust ingredient as per your palate. If you love to have the hint of spiciness, just add more dried red chilies and chili sauce to it.

Ginger

Garlic

Dark and light soy sauce

Zhenjiang vinegar or Rice-wine vinegar

Hoisin sauce

Corn starch

Brown sugar or white sugar

And stock (chicken)

Easy Healthier General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

This is healthier version of General Tso’s chicken recipe, so there is not deep frying, rather we just saute chicken cubes for few minutes until it changes it’s color.

Pro-Tip : Alternatively you could just dump chicken cubes along with rest of the sauce ingredients into instant pot, turn on instant pot and walk away until General Tso’s chicken is done. Still tastes good.

Ofcourse with deep fried chicken pieces you’ll get a crunch in your bite, that probably might be the only thing you’ll miss, but otherwise I think the flavors and taste are not compromised with this instant pot General Tso’s chicken recipe.

Add

ginger garlic

Dried red chilies

Scallions

Hoisin sauce

Low sodium light soy sauce

Brown sugar

Zhenjiang vinegar or Chinese wine vinegar

Lemon juice

Chili sauce (optional)

Salt and pepper

Saute all ingredients well.

spicy instant pot General Tso chicken with spatula

Cover lid and select POULTRY setting on instant pot. Adjust timer to 5 minutes.

Note – I tested twice with chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) with for 10 minutes cooking time and I found that the chicken get over cooked and they turned almost like shredded chicken.

5 minutes for chicken thighs or chicken breasts works best for me. Select 5 minutes first when you make this recipe, once cooking time is done, open lid and test a chicken piece but piercing with a fork. If it tears/cut smooth then you chicken is cooked well.

If 5 minutes POULTRY setting ends up with under cooked chicken, select SAUTE mode and let the pot simmer for few more minutes with lid off until chicken is cooked through.

In case you pot turns dry, pour about 5-7 tablespoons chicken stocks and allow chicken to cook.

Pro-Tip : Do not cut chicken pieces too small, keep them atleast 1.5 inch cubes. You don’t want to end up with General Tso shredded chicken.

Once instant pot cycle is complete, wait for 5 minutes for NATURAL release. Then turn valve to VENTING position for QUICK release. Carefully unlock and remove the lid from the instant pot.

Whisk flour with little water. Pour it into pot, instant pot set on SAUTE mode. Let it simmer for few minutes as the sauce thickens.

Garnish with chives and sesame seeds.

Serve hot with white rice or cauliflower rice for low-carb options.

Some more Asian inspired recipes for you-

Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry

Shrimp Stir-Fry with Snow Peas

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

Teriyaki Sheet Pan Chicken

Off late I’ve been trying NOT to make everything in instant pot, but I have been failing miserably. It’s hard to not consider the convenience of instant pot cooking.

Do love love making everything in Instant Pot? I’m pretty sure after using your instant pot once, you’ll be converted to Instant Pot Ninja! LOL.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FAVORITE INSTANT POT RECIPE COLLECTIONS –

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General Tso chicken made in instant pot served over bowl of rice in white bowl garnished with sesame seeds and green onions
5 from 13 votes

Healthier Instant Pot General Tso Chicken Recipe

Jyothi Rajesh
Healthier Instant Pot General Tso Chicken Recipe is lighter version of General Tso chicken. Deep fried chicken is replaced with sauted chicken and half the calories to your take-out order. It’s got the sweet, sticky, spicy perfection without deep frying chicken pieces. You won’t miss a thing. Try it once, you’ll be hooked.
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Prep Time 7 minutes mins
Cook Time 7 minutes mins
Total Time 14 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian
Servings 3 people
Calories 659

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs skin less, bone less cut into 1.5 inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoon canola oil

General Tso Sauce –

  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger minced
  • 1 tablespoon red chili sauce
  • 1 table spoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoon Chinese wine Shaoxing wine or any sherry
  • 2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup chicken stock
  • 2 teaspoon corn starch
  • 5-6 dried red chilies or 3 fresh Thai red chilies
  • ¼ cup scallion
  • Salt and pepper

Garnish

  • Green onions
  • Toasted white sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Set instant pot to SAUTE mode.
  • Add cubes chicken and saute for a minute or until it changes it’s color.
  • Add ginger garlic and continue to saute and cook.
  • Add dried red chilies, scallions, hoisin sauce, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, Zhenjiang vinegar or Chinese wine vinegar, Lemon juice, Chili sauce (optional), Salt and pepper. Give a quick stir.
  • Add 5-7 tablespoons chicken stock. Cover lid.
  • Select POULTRY setting and adjust timer to 5 minutes.
    Note – I tested twice with chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) for 10 minutes cooking time and I found that the chicken get over cooked and they turned almost like shredded chicken.
    5 minutes for chicken thighs or chicken breasts works best for me. Select 5 minutes first when you make this recipe, once cooking time is done, open lid and test a chicken piece but piercing with a fork. If it tears/cut smooth then you chicken is cooked well. If 5 minutes POULTRY setting ends up with under-cooked chicken, select SAUTE mode and let the pot simmer for few more minutes with lid off until chicken is cooked through. In case you pot turns dry, pour about 5-7 tablespoons chicken stocks and allow chicken to cook.
    Pro-Tip : Do not cut chicken pieces too small, keep them atleast 1.5 inch cubes. You don’t want to end up with General Tso shredded chicken.
  • Once instant pot cycle is complete, wait for 5 minutes for NATURAL release. Then turn valve to VENTING position for QUICK release. Carefully unlock and remove the lid from the instant pot.
  • Whisk flour with little water. Pour it into pot, instant pot set on SAUTE mode. Let it simmer for few minutes as the sauce thickens.
  • Garnish with chives and sesame seeds.
    Serve hot with white rice or cauliflower rice for low carb options. 

Video

Notes

  1. I recommend you use chicken thighs over chicken breasts.
  2. The sauce ingredients quantity can be adjusted according to your taste. The number of chilies mentioned in the recipe gives medium spicy sauce (note  - I have a palate for spicy food). Adjust the numbers to suit your spice tolerance level.
  3. Do not cut chicken pieces too small, keep them atleast 1.5 inch cubes. You don’t want to end up with General Tso shredded chicken.
  4. Note – Tested twice with chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) with for 10 minutes cooking time and found that chicken gets over cooked and they turned almost like shredded chicken.
  5. Select 5 minutes first when you make this recipe If 5 minutes POULTRY setting ends up with under cooked chicken, select SAUTE mode, simmer chicken for couple of more minutes until it's cooked through. In case you pot turns dry, pour about 5-7 tablespoons chicken stocks and allow chicken to cook.
 
Nutritional Info – Please keep in mind that nutritional information provided is only a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
Nutritional Info – Please keep in mind that nutritional information provided is only a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition

Serving: 0gCalories: 659kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 39gFat: 47gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 223mgSodium: 626mgPotassium: 563mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 515IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Follow @CurryTrail and tag #CurryTrail to share your creation!

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    5 from 13 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Lb says

    December 15, 2018 at 5:13 pm

    5 stars
    Hi I made this today. It turned out great ..but I skipped the lemon juice as it’s not listed in the ingredients… it — can you fix that pls. As I will definitely be making it again. Son 13 and husband liked it !1

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      December 17, 2018 at 7:59 am

      Thank you for pointing out. Glad you liked it

      Reply
      • Sharon Sowash says

        July 20, 2019 at 12:02 am

        Ingredients in the instructions but not in the list of ingredients are
        Lemon Juice
        Zhenjiang vinegar or Chinese Wine Vinegar.
        Can you tell me how much of each to use?
        Thanks

      • jyothirajesh says

        July 20, 2019 at 10:38 am

        Sorry for the confusion. Chinese wine vinegar is already mentioned under sauce of ingredient list, updated the lemon juice quantity. Thank you for bringing it to notice.

  2. Vic says

    November 02, 2018 at 1:48 am

    5 stars
    Looks so good! I don’t have any Chinese wine Shaoxing wine or sherry, is there a substitute or can I just omit this? Also the recipe calls for cornstarch but you mention using flour to thicken….which should I use?
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      November 02, 2018 at 6:46 am

      You can substitute Japanese rice wine (sake). In case you don’t have either of these too then try using rice wine vinegar + white grape juice in equal parts. Say for 2 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine use 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon of white grape juice.

      Please use corn starch

      Reply
  3. Emily Leary says

    October 16, 2018 at 2:28 am

    5 stars
    This looks great. The sauce seasoning sounds just right. Just another reason why I must get an instant pot!

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 16, 2018 at 8:04 am

      I have been using instant pot for only 3 months and i’m so loving it. Thanks Emily

      Reply
  4. Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

    October 15, 2018 at 9:44 pm

    Wow, this chicken looks amazing!! I need to get my hands on an instant pot asap so that I can try this!

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 15, 2018 at 10:21 pm

      Thank you Sam

      Reply
  5. Aditi Bahl says

    October 15, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    5 stars
    I have been a fan of your recipes. The pictures are just too tempting. Most chinese food is fried ,but this recipe is a pleasant exception. Will surely try this soon.

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 15, 2018 at 8:04 pm

      Thank you Aditi. I’m so happy to hear you like my recipes!

      Reply
  6. Donna says

    October 15, 2018 at 8:30 am

    5 stars
    I love this healthier version! I used to love the deep-fried General Tso’s chicken, but as I get older my tummy just cant handle anything fried anymore, this is a great alternative with just as much flavor!

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 15, 2018 at 9:46 am

      Oh same here. I can’t take deep fried food, because it shows on my tummy and thighs! Thanks Donna

      Reply
  7. Holly says

    October 15, 2018 at 7:57 am

    5 stars
    Oh wow – this looks so good! I’m always looking for new Instant Pot recipes so I’m saving this one for sure!

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 15, 2018 at 9:42 am

      Thank you Holly, i’ve been using Instant pot for 2 months now and I already love it so much

      Reply
  8. Kitty says

    October 15, 2018 at 5:30 am

    Yet another reason to break out my Instant Pot! I love General Tso’s! Thanks Jyothi!

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 15, 2018 at 9:41 am

      Me too, glad you liked it

      Reply
  9. Sri Mallya says

    October 15, 2018 at 3:00 am

    5 stars
    Drooling over pics. These looks so delicious and the color of the dish is just wow! Yummy!

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 15, 2018 at 9:43 am

      Thank you Sri Mallya, happy to hear that

      Reply
  10. Anne Murphy says

    October 15, 2018 at 2:14 am

    5 stars
    I’m doing more and more with my pressure cook,er too – and that just looks delicious. The family misses their Chinese Takeout now that I need to avoid gluten – but it will be easy to adapt this so we can all eat it! Thanks!

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 15, 2018 at 9:44 am

      I cant agree more. pressure cooker is a convenience, saves time. And yes, best part is adapting recipes to once one preference and still get delicious dish!

      Reply
  11. Leslie Haasch says

    October 14, 2018 at 10:02 pm

    I’m totally with you – it doesn’t HAVE to be deep fried to be legit. I totally prefer it this way!

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 14, 2018 at 10:18 pm

      It’s a plus for me if I can eat my favorite food with lesser guilt!

      Reply
  12. Amanda Mason says

    October 14, 2018 at 8:57 am

    5 stars
    I love this healthier version!! And I LOVE that I can substitute tofu! Love the info you provided…super helpful post! I’ll be making this soon!

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 14, 2018 at 9:16 pm

      Thank you Amanda. Glad you liked it and i’m sure you will enjoy some Tso chicken or tofu

      Reply
  13. Gloria says

    October 10, 2018 at 7:03 pm

    5 stars
    I don’t have an instant pot, so I will adapt this for my regular stove top pressure cooker. Love the sound of this delicious recipe.

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 10, 2018 at 7:59 pm

      Thank you Gloria, Can be easily made on stove top as well

      Reply
  14. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    October 09, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    5 stars
    This looks AMAZING!! So much better than take out….plus, I get to stay home in my comfy clothes while I enjoy it 🙂

    Reply
    • jyothirajesh says

      October 09, 2018 at 11:06 pm

      Absolutely right Dawn, the most comforting food and much better than take out

      Reply
  15. Tiffany says

    October 08, 2018 at 5:06 am

    Omg I’m craving for this! This looks so good. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ By any chance you are interested on doing collaborations, you can check out the collaborations portal of Phlanx.com and connect with amazing brands!

    Xoxo,
    Tiffany

    Reply
Newer Comments »

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Jyothi - Author of Curry Trail.

Welcome, I'm Jyothi

My food philosophy is simple, fresh and full of flavors! I love ‘spicy’ food. In fact so much so that I can skip dessert for extra spicy savory food!

More About Me
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