Chinese General TSO's Chicken

If you love Chinese takeout, you'll love these homemade General Tso's Chicken recipes! From crispy chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce to rich homemade General Tso's Sauce, you'll find everything you need to recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. These easy recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, and anyone craving bold Chinese-inspired flavors at home.

Cook Time

Servings

Difficulty

20 minutes

Easy

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Ingredients

☐4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

☐ 1/4 cup soy sauce

☐ 2 tablespoons honey

☐ 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

☐ 2 tablespoons sesame oil

☐ 2 cloves garlic, minced

☐ 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

☐ 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)

☐ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

☐ Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

☐ Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

1. Make the Sauce & Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Reserve half of the mixture for the cooking sauce.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken, turning to coat all sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for the best flavor.

3. Sear the Chicken (Optional)

Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and add the vegetable oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used marinade) and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.

4. Pressure Cook

Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water) into the Instant Pot. Place the chicken inside and pour the reserved sauce over the top. Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure (Manual) for 8 minutes for average-sized chicken breasts or 10 minutes for large chicken breasts.

5. Release the Pressure

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a Quick Release to release any remaining pressure.

6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté. If you'd like a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.

7. Slice & Serve

Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and drizzle with the sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

RECIPE TIPS

● Serve your General Tso's Chicken over steamed white rice or with stir-fried vegetables for an easy homemade Chinese-inspired meal. For even more flavor, spoon plenty of the extra sauce over the rice.

🥶 STORAGE

Allow the General Tso's Chicken to cool completely before storing. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For the best flavor and texture, store any cooked rice separately. If freezing, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Directions

Connie Perry Recipes- General TSO Chicken

🔥 Reheating Instructions

For the best flavor, reheat General Tso's Chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
To reheat in the microwave, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
If serving with rice, reheat the rice separately with a tablespoon of water to help restore its moisture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and stay extra juicy. Cook them for the same amount of time.
Do I have to marinate the chicken?
No, but marinating for at least 30 minutes gives the chicken much more flavor. If you're short on time, you can skip this step.
Is General Tso's Chicken spicy?
This recipe has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes. Add more for extra heat or leave them out for a milder version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to cook.
Can I freeze General Tso's Chicken?
Absolutely. Store the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What should I serve with General Tso's Chicken?
Steamed white rice, fried rice, lo mein noodles, or stir-fried vegetables all pair perfectly with this dish.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes. Stir together 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water, then mix it into the sauce while using the Sauté function. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened