This paleo General Tso’s Chicken is made in the Instant Pot in under 30 minutes! Way better than takeout and just as fast, too, it’s gluten-free, grain free, and free of refined sugar and soy. Spicy and sweet, it’s great served over cauliflower rice or with your favorite stir fried veggies!
Be still my heart…the Instant Pot has done it again! How did I ever live without this thing? The options feel endless now that I can make “elaborate” meals that once intimidated me in 30 minutes or less.
This paleo version of general tso’s chicken is a big milestone for me. To start, it’s my first time using the Instant Pot to sear “breaded” chicken (or dredged chicken) and it did a fabulous job. No mess or sticking to the bottom at all – score!
Second, it got me over my “fear” of general tso’s chicken. Trust me – you have no idea what I’m about to say.
You see, when I was little, like possibly 2 or 3 years old little, my parents were obsessed with General Tso’s Chicken and I was obsessed with Superman. I watched all the Superman movies, but, I was particularly obsessed with Superman II, which happens to feature the villain “general Zod”.
Does anyone see where this is going yet? Like, to a 3 year old, how many “generals” even exist in the world? I naturally assumed that general Tso was general Zod, and, naturally, I was very, very afraid of this chicken my parents insisted on eating at least once per week.
Perhaps the spice level instilled fear in me as well – this I cannot remember. All I know is that the bad guy from Superman was making chicken at our local Chinese place and my parents flipping LOVED it. First real existential crisis of my life.
Fast forward a good long time (to adulthood, really) and I still never ate general tso’s chicken. The association apparently ran really deep. It took me 30 years to actually try the dang chicken, I’m not kidding.
The thing is, once you try it, how can you NOT love it?! Sweet, sticky, spicy perfection. Deepest darkest questions from childhood, answered. Well, maybe not entirely (though that would be nice) but at least it left me with a funny anecdote to go with my blog post for this favorite takeout fake-out recipe 🙂
Back to the actual chicken recipe! I decided after making my sweet and sour chicken that general tso’s needed to be next on my list! With the first bite, any “fear” I had for it was of course erased for good.
Just a heads up, I didn’t make this one Whole30 compliant, since I wanted to go for a really sticky sauce as close to the original as possible, that I didn’t think dates could accomplish (however, if you want to test it out, go for it!)
Instead, I used coconut sugar and molasses to sweeten, although you can sub honey for the molasses if you happen to have it on hand, or you’re not a fan of molasses.
The steps are similar to my sweet and sour chicken, with the exception of the additional step of dredging the chicken in egg and arrowroot starch prior to searing.
You can also use tapioca starch in place of arrowroot, and I believe potato starch would work as well if you prefer.
The sauce ingredients are straightforward and similar to other Asian inspired sauces I’ve made – coconut aminos, rice vinegar, a bit of sesame oil, crushed red pepper, garlic, ginger. Also, a bit of arrowroot mixed with broth or water at the end to thicken the sauce to your preference.
As written, the recipe has the perfect spicy/sweet balance in my opinion, but you can always adjust the spice level to suit your preference by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper. I served mine over fried cauliflower rice, but when I had leftovers I served it over sautéed greens and it was delicious that way too!
You can’t go wrong with some stir fried veggies on the side and extra toasted sesame seeds and scallions on top either.
I’m so excited for you to try this one – I know you’re going to love it – let’s get started!
General Tso’s Chicken in the Instant Pot {Paleo}
General Tso's Chicken in the Instant Pot {Paleo}
This paleo general tso's chicken is made in the Instant Pot in under 30 minutes! Way better than takeout and just as fast, too, it's gluten-free, grain free, and free of refined sugar and soy. Spicy and sweet, it's great served over cauliflower rice or with your favorite stir fried veggies!
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp blackstrap molasses or raw honey
- 2 Tbsp coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp crushed red pepper more or less to suit spice preference
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts cut into 2” pieces
- 1/3 cup arrowroot starch or tapioca
- 1 egg whisked
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 inches ginger minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup chicken bone broth
- Thinly sliced scallions for garnish
- Additional sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 tsp arrowroot + 2 Tbsp broth to thicken sauce after chicken cooks
Instructions
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Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
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Coat chicken pieces in whisked egg lightly, then toss in arrowroot starch, shaking off excess.
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Turn on “sauté” wait until Instant Pot reads "hot", then add coconut oil.
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Add dredged chicken pieces in 2 batches to sear on both sides - about 1 minute per side, set chicken aside on a plate.
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If any of the chicken/batter stuck, clean out the pot to remove. Now, add sesame oil and sauté sesame seeds, garlic and ginger in sesame oil.
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Add chicken broth and sauce mixture and whisk to combine, continue to cook on saute for 1 minute until simmering, then press cancel.
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Add browned chicken back to pot, give the sauce a whisk, and coat chicken with sauce. Cover and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
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Quick release the pressure, open instant pot and with tongs, carefully remove just the chicken to a plate.
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Whisk together the 2 tsp arrowroot with 2 tbsp broth and add to sauce. Return pot to “saute” and cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened to preference - about 3 minutes for me.
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Return chicken back to sauce, turn off instant pot and add sliced scallions and extra sesame seeds., let everything sit to cool down.
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Serve over cauliflower rice or with your favorite veggies. Enjoy!
Nutrition
What I Used To Make My General Tso’s Chicken:
Want More Takeout Inspired Paleo Recipes? Try One of These!
Pork Lo Mein With Sweet Potato Noodles {Whole30}
Breakfast Egg Roll in a Bowl {Whole30}
Chicken and Bacon Fried Cauliflower Rice {Whole30}
Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken {Whole30}
Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies and Garlic Sauce {Whole30}
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry {Whole30}
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Sherry says
March 21, 2018 at 8:16 amCan this be made stove top?? I’m super excited about this recipe. Thank you?
Michele says
March 23, 2018 at 7:51 pmYes it can be – I would sear the chicken and then add the sauce to the pan and cook the chicken in the sauce that way, until cooked through, then thicken at the end if you need to.
LISA A BRUCE says
May 31, 2018 at 1:11 pmHi Michelle,
I have IBS as well and I am concerned about a lot of these recipes that have garlic etc., alot of the fodmop foods to avoid.
Do you have any recommendations?
Michele says
June 1, 2018 at 10:18 pmHi! If you’re currently low FODMAP you will have to modify many recipes, or just save them for after you begin to reintroduce FODMAP foods. I currently am able to eat many of them that used to bother me.
Auguste says
March 21, 2018 at 12:12 pmCan this be made in a slow cooker??? Haha
How long you think should I cook it on ‘high’?
My husband loooooves General Tso, it would be a great weekend dinner…
Nancy says
March 22, 2018 at 11:24 pmI made this tonight and it was definitely a dinner I will make again and again, my husband added pineapple and it was delicious over cauliflower rice yum, thank you!
Michele says
March 23, 2018 at 7:41 pmThat sounds perfect! happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Tara says
March 23, 2018 at 7:24 amMade this tonight for the family and it was AMAZING!! I can’t wait to have the leftovers for lunch today, I did find coating the chicken to be a little frustrating. So I ended up just dumping the arrowroot starch in a gallon ziplock bag and sticking the egg coated chicken in there and then shaking it up. Seemed to work well. You are my favorite food blogger. All your recipes have been huge hits! Thank you!
Jennifer says
March 23, 2018 at 12:10 pmGreat idea on coating the chicken. The recipe took me a lot longer with the process outlined. Will try your idea next time!
Michele says
March 23, 2018 at 7:40 pmSo thrilled you liked it! And I’m not sure why I forgot to include that in the instructions, but that’s exactly what I did with the arrowroot and yes it’s the fastest way. Thanks for bringing that up and so happy you’re enjoying the recipes 🙂
Sylvia says
March 24, 2018 at 11:37 pmI did the same thing!! It was taking so long to coat the chicken that I just dumped the arrowroot on it just like you did. Turned out fabulous ??
Jennifer says
March 23, 2018 at 12:09 pmThis meal was absolutely amazing. My husband and I ate 1.45 lbs of chicken ourselves with no leftovers unfortunately! I like Tara’s idea of coating the chicken in a plastic bag as it was a bit tedious and very time consuming.
Michele says
March 23, 2018 at 7:37 pmSo happy you enjoyed! And yes the plastic bag idea is very fast!
Rachel says
March 24, 2018 at 7:33 amWe made this last night and it was delicious.
Sylvia says
March 24, 2018 at 11:39 pmI I think this is the best thing I’ve ever made!! thank you❤❤
Michele says
March 25, 2018 at 3:29 pmOh that’s so great to hear!
Tracey says
March 28, 2018 at 10:23 amTotally fantastic. Could I ask that you start telling us it can be frozen.
Lilly says
April 2, 2018 at 1:46 pmCan this be made in a crockpot? If so, how long do you think it would be cooked on high?
Megan says
April 4, 2018 at 9:39 pmWe loved this recipe! Definitely a new favorite!
Katrina says
April 6, 2018 at 6:53 pmHi there, in Australia we dont have the coconut aminos as stated in your recipe…..what do you suggest instead? I am excited to try the recipe but unsure what to use instead?
Thanks!
Michele says
April 7, 2018 at 10:25 amYou can use gluten-free soy sauce – not technically paleo but will work the same way 🙂
Carbonated Drinks Manufacturers says
April 7, 2018 at 2:58 amHiii MICHELE,
I like your article and i like chicken too much…and After read your article i decided i will eat chicken 2 times in 1 week.. such a informative post for me and now i will be share with my friends.. thank you so much for sharing this article.. keep sharing with us..
Emily says
April 9, 2018 at 1:31 pmCan this be made in a crockpot?
Kristen says
April 11, 2018 at 5:58 pmThis one’s a keeper! Thanks.
My husband also came up with the idea to just make this sauce when we order steamed chinese take out. Then he’s not left out and feeling jealous of the others.
Michele says
April 14, 2018 at 10:45 pmLove that idea! I’ll have to try it myself 🙂 So happy you liked it!
Michelle says
April 11, 2018 at 7:42 pmThis was so delicious! I only had liquid aminos on hand so I used that vs coconut aminos and it was still so good! Thanks for sharing the recipe ?
Michele says
April 14, 2018 at 10:44 pmSounds great, glad you enjoyed!
Brooke Carlock says
April 13, 2018 at 9:45 amMade this last night and it was delicious! I paired mine with sauteed bok choy and some shiritaki noodles. Next time I’ll try the ziploc bag trick (I should have read the comments). I must add that I’ve tried quite a few of your recipes and they have all been excellent. You’ve quickly moved up to the top of my favorite food bloggers, right next to Danielle Walker, Michelle Tam and Juli Bauer. Next on my list is the strawberry banana bread…just waiting on my bananas to brown!
Michele says
April 14, 2018 at 10:42 pmSounds delicious, so happy it worked out so well for you, and wow – what a compliment!
Susan P says
April 25, 2018 at 2:16 pmThis recipe is AMAZING; so delicious. Better than the restaurant version. I served it with Cauliflower Fried “Rice”. YUM!!!
Michele says
April 28, 2018 at 11:45 pmI’m so thrilled you loved it!
Kim says
May 29, 2018 at 12:54 pmI made this last week and it was AMAZING!! I roasted broccoli with some oil and sesame seeds for the side. My husband even loved it enough to have left overs (he never eats left overs!). I love the recipes here. Thanks!!!!
Michele says
June 1, 2018 at 10:24 pmThat sounds incredible, I’m so happy you liked it!
Lisa says
May 30, 2018 at 8:00 amHow many dates would you recommend in place of the molasses? I can’t wait to try this.
Michele says
May 30, 2018 at 12:02 pmIf you’re using medjool I’d day maybe 2? Otherwise a couple more since they’re smaller. It won’t make a huge difference generally speaking!
Katie says
August 7, 2018 at 11:31 amCan I adapt this for Whole30 somehow? Or do I have to include the molasses/honey/coconut sugar to make the sauce right?
Chels says
October 10, 2018 at 11:07 pmThis was delicious! I will definitely be making this dish again. I’ll double up on it though, because the serving size for the recipe says five but I only managed to get three.
Leslie says
October 28, 2018 at 6:59 pmI got the burn notice when I tried to make this. Any suggestions?
Kelly Pietkiewicz says
November 29, 2018 at 8:12 pmSo delicious!! Seriously, I don’t think I’ve made one recipe from you that hasn’t been amazing! We love all of your recipes! Thank you! 🙂
Pamela LaFleur says
March 8, 2019 at 6:35 pmDelicious! My family loved this. The sauce was thick enough right after the quick release!
Clare says
March 25, 2019 at 12:56 pmCan you make this in a slow cooker please
Erika says
March 25, 2019 at 6:05 pmThis looks amazing! I don’t own an instant pot, could this work in a slow cooker? Possibly sauté it before it goes in the slow cooker? Thanks
Anna says
March 26, 2019 at 7:55 amCould corn starch be used instead of arrowroot? Excited to try this recipe!!
Joey says
March 27, 2019 at 2:37 amThis was so, so good. I’d never had general tsos chicken before but my husband loves it. He said the flavor was on point! Will definitely make again!
Jenn says
April 27, 2019 at 6:14 pmSo the flavor was on point, so good! However, the coating on the chicken was gummy. Do you have any idea how to fix that? I used arrowroot as the coating, any recommendations on how to make the coating crunchy (different starch?)?
Nikki Laansma says
May 15, 2019 at 8:11 pmSo I can’t seem to get my instant pot not to say burn. I even tried brown the chicken in a different pan. Any suggestions on other helpful hints you may have to get it not to say that?
Nadine McIntyre says
June 6, 2019 at 8:25 amThank you for giving me back my favorite takeout food that I can now eat!