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!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 egg, beaten
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1/2 cup water
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
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1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
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1/4 cup rice vinegar
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3 tablespoons sugar (or honey)
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 teaspoons sesame oil
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
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2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
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2-3 green onions, sliced (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
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In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg and water, stirring to form a smooth batter.
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Add chicken pieces to the batter and toss to coat evenly.
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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.
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Make the Sauce:
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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.
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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.
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Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
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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.
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Serve:
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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.
