Irresistible Homemade General Tso’s Chicken: Better Than Takeout!
Elevate your dinner with a tantalizing General Tso's Chicken, a standout among Chinese food recipes. This Asian chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Whether you're seeking chicken dinner ideas or exploring new chicken breast dinner ideas, this General Tso's chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Unlock the secrets to an easy Tso chicken with this simple and delicious recipe, making it a go-to choice for a memorable and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons honey
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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2 tablespoons sesame oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
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Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
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Chinese Recipes
Instructions for making General TSO's Chicken Asian Recipe Instant Pot
Stove Top Directions Below
Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Soy sauce
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Honey
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Rice vinegar
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Sesame oil
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Minced garlic
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Grated ginger
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Red pepper flakes (if using).
Marinate the Chicken:
Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated. Reserve the other half for the sauce.
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours for better flavor.
Sauté (Optional for Extra Flavor):
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Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and add vegetable oil.
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Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (discard used marinade) and sear each side for 1-2 minutes. This step is optional but adds flavor.
Pressure Cook:
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Add 1/2 cup water or chicken broth to the Instant Pot to prevent burning.
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Place the chicken in the pot and pour the reserved marinade over the top.
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Secure the lid, ensuring the vent is set to Sealing.
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Set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 8 minutes (for medium chicken breasts) or 10 minutes (for larger chicken breasts).
Release Pressure:
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Once the cooking time is complete, allow a Natural Release for 5 minutes, then perform a Quick Release to release any remaining pressure.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
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Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.
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Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. If the sauce is thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Serve:
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Slice the chicken into thin strips.
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Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
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Instructions for making General TSO's Chicken Recipe Stove Top
Prepare the Marinade:
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In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:
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Soy sauce: for the base of the marinade.
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Honey: to add sweetness.
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Rice vinegar: for a tangy kick.
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Sesame oil: for depth of flavor.
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Minced garlic: for aromatic richness.
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Grated ginger: for a fresh, zesty touch.
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Red pepper flakes: to add a subtle heat (optional).
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Whisk everything together until well combined. This mixture will act as both your marinade and sauce.
Marinate the Chicken:
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Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
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Pour half of the marinade over the chicken.
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Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the marinade.
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Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate for a few hours.
Cook the Chicken:
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Discard the used marinade.
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Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
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Prepare the Sauce:
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While the chicken is cooking, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan.
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Bring the marinade to a boil over medium heat to ensure it’s safe to consume.
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Reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Optional: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the sauce. Continue to simmer until the desired consistency is achieved.
Assemble and Serve:
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Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
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Slice the chicken into thin strips.
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Drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve the sliced chicken with:
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Steamed rice or fried rice.
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Your favorite stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
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Tips for making General TSO's Asian Chicken Recipe
Marinating Time:
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Marinating the chicken for a longer time (several hours or overnight) in the refrigerator will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish. If you're short on time, even 30 minutes of marinating can make a difference.
Adjust Spice Level:
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The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness. Add more for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
Searing the Chicken:
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If you have extra time and want to enhance the flavor and texture of the chicken, you can sear it in a hot skillet with a little oil before or after pressure cooking in the Instant Pot. Searing creates a nice crust and adds depth to the dish.
Use a Meat Thermometer:
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To ensure that the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This is the safe temperature for poultry.
Thicken the Sauce:
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If the sauce is not thick enough after cooking, you can use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to simmer and reduce it until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it further.
Garnish:
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Don't forget to garnish your dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or other ingredients like cilantro or chopped peanuts for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serve with Accompaniments:
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Consider serving your Asian Chicken with a side of rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables to complete the meal. The sauce from the dish will work wonderfully with these side dishes.
Taste and Adjust:
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Taste the sauce and the final dish before serving. You can always adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce, honey, or other ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and perfectly balanced Asian Chicken dish that your family and guests will love.
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