General Tso’s Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

General Tso’s Chicken is the epitome of comfort food, delivering a satisfying crispy texture, a sticky, sweet sauce, and a hint of heat. The chicken is fried to perfection, creating a crunchy coating that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. The sauce itself is a perfect balance of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, with a touch of garlic and ginger to deepen the flavor profile. Making this dish at home means you can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your taste, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at your next dinner party.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/2 cup water

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• 3 tablespoons sugar (or honey)

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

• 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

• 2-3 green onions, sliced (optional)

• Sesame seeds (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg and water to the mixture, stirring until it forms a smooth batter.

• Add the chicken pieces to the batter, tossing to coat the chicken evenly.

• Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered chicken pieces in batches. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Make the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce (if using), cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and water until the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved.

• In a separate skillet or wok, heat a little sesame oil over medium heat. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.

3. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Add the crispy chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce and become even more flavorful.

4. Serve:

• Transfer the General Tso’s Chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicier: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce to kick up the heat.

• Vegetarian version: Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian take. Press and cube the tofu, then coat it in the batter and fry until crispy.

• Add vegetables: Toss in some sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover General Tso’s Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen, the crispy texture will be compromised upon reheating. However, you can freeze the chicken after frying, and when ready to eat, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to crisp it back up before adding the sauce.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a pan over medium heat and cook until heated through. For crispy chicken, reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, then toss it with the warmed sauce.

FAQs

Can I make General Tso’s Chicken without frying it?

Yes, you can! For a healthier version, you can bake the battered chicken pieces in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and fry the chicken, then combine them for the freshest taste.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe! They are juicier and more flavorful than breasts, so they’re an excellent choice for General Tso’s Chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari and use a gluten-free flour blend for the batter. Be sure to check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free if you choose to use it.

Can I adjust the sweetness in the sauce?

Yes, you can modify the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar or honey. For a less sweet version, start with less sugar and taste the sauce, adding more if needed.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch. Simply dissolve an additional 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in water and stir it into the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas is a great way to balance the richness of the dish. You can sauté them separately and mix them in with the chicken and sauce before serving.

Conclusion

General Tso’s Chicken is a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of crispy chicken, a tangy and sweet sauce, and a hint of heat creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Making it at home gives you the flexibility to adjust the flavors to your liking, and it’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or with your favorite vegetables, and you’ll have a meal that rivals any takeout!

General Tso’s Chicken

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• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Comfort Food
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

General Tso’s Chicken is a crispy, sweet, and savory Chinese-American favorite that features golden-fried chicken coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. This homemade version allows you to control the ingredients for a lighter and healthier dish without sacrificing any of the mouthwatering flavors. Serve over rice or with veggies for a perfect meal!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/2 cup water

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• 3 tablespoons sugar (or honey)

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

• 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

• 2-3 green onions, sliced (optional)

• Sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken:

  • In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg and water, stirring to form a smooth batter.

  • Add chicken pieces to the batter and toss to coat evenly.

  • Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the battered chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

• Make the Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce (optional), cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes (optional), and water until sugar and cornstarch are dissolved.

  • In a separate skillet or wok, heat a little sesame oil over medium heat. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.

• Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

  • Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and stir gently to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce.

• Serve:

  • Transfer the General Tso’s Chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with vegetables.

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Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.For a vegetarian option, substitute tofu for the chicken. Press and cube the tofu before coating it and frying.Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas will enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value.