General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Get ready to fall in love at first bite with this General Tso’s Chicken! Perfectly tender pieces of chicken are cooked to golden, crispy perfection, then tossed in a lusciously sticky, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re recreating your favorite takeout classic at home or serving friends and family something special, this dish strikes the ideal balance between comfort and excitement. Homemade General Tso’s Chicken is not only deeply satisfying, but it’s also easy enough for any night of the week—and totally irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on humble pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a unique role in creating that signature flavor and unforgettable texture. From the juicy chicken thighs to the zippy sauce components, every item brings something essential to the table.
- Chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless thighs for ultra-tender, juicy bites—the extra fat keeps things succulent and flavorful.
- Cornstarch (½ cup and 1 tablespoon): Provides that shatteringly crisp exterior during frying and helps the sauce thicken to silky perfection.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons for chicken, ¼ cup for sauce): Adds a deep umami base to both the chicken marinade and the luscious glaze.
- Egg: Helps bind the cornstarch to the chicken and gives an extra layer of crisp when fried.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat frying without imparting strong flavor.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that balances the sweet and savory notes of the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce: A touch of this sweet-salty condiment infuses the sauce with complexity and shine.
- Sugar: Caramelizes ever so slightly in the hot pan, rounding out the sauce with essential sweetness.
- Water: Helps bring the sauce together without becoming overly salty or rich.
- Garlic: Adds punchy aroma and depth to the sauce—don’t skip it!
- Fresh ginger: Lends warmth and a subtle zing, balancing out the sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes: Adjust these to control your perfect level of spicy heat.
- Green onions: A fresh finishing touch to bring color and a mild oniony crunch.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for visual pop and a gentle nutty note.
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken
Step 1: Marinate and Coat the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken pieces in a large bowl with soy sauce and your beaten egg. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Then, slowly add in the cornstarch, stirring well until every piece is cloaked in a light, even layer—this is the secret to achieving that crave-worthy, crispy shell when fried.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning so each piece turns deeply golden and is cooked through. Once done, set the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil—you’ll be amazed by how crunchy it stays!
Step 3: Mix Up the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water. This brilliant mixture will transform in the pan into the glossy, luscious sauce that defines General Tso’s Chicken. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thin at this stage—it magically thickens once heated.
Step 4: Build Flavor and Simmer the Sauce
Pour off all but about a tablespoon of oil from your pan, then add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds—your kitchen will smell heavenly—then pour in your premixed sauce. Keep stirring as it bubbles and thickens gorgeously, which should take just 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Add your crispy chicken pieces back into the pan. Toss everything enthusiastically, making sure each bite is well covered in sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and irresistibly glossy—it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished General Tso’s Chicken with chopped green onions and (if you like) a joyful handful of sesame seeds. These garnishes add pops of color, a touch of crunch, and a fresh bite that beautifully compliments the sauce’s richness.
Side Dishes
This dish craves a classic partner: serve it over fluffy steamed white rice or nutty brown rice to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter meal, pair it alongside simple stir-fried veggies such as bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas for added crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking for something different? Try serving General Tso’s Chicken in lettuce wraps for a crunchy, hand-held twist, or pile it onto steamed bao buns for an appetizer that will have everyone buzzing. For parties, arrange the chicken on a platter with toothpicks as finger food—no one can resist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
General Tso’s Chicken saves beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container—just know that the chicken will lose some crispness as it soaks in that delicious sauce, but the flavors get even richer.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, let the chicken cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to two months. Freezing the sauce and chicken separately helps preserve texture, but you can also freeze them together for grab-and-go convenience.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through; a splash of water will help loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven or air fryer restores a bit more of that signature crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for General Tso’s Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work in this recipe, but keep in mind that thighs offer juicier, more flavorful bites thanks to their higher fat content. If using chicken breast, just pay extra attention to not overcook.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Definitely! For a lighter version, try air-frying or baking the chicken at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get plenty of crisp and flavor with much less oil.
How spicy is General Tso’s Chicken?
It’s just the right amount of mild heat, though the spice level is easy to adjust. If you love fiery dishes, simply add more red pepper flakes. For a gentle kick, stick to the original amount or use even less.
What’s the best oil for frying the chicken?
A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil is perfect for frying as they handle high heat and won’t overpower the flavors of the dish. Olive oil or butter isn’t recommended here.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can whisk together the sauce ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to two days before cooking. Just give it a good stir before adding it to the pan, since the cornstarch may settle.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that irresistible combination of crispy chicken and sweet, tangy, just-spicy-enough sauce, give this homemade General Tso’s Chicken a try—it’s comfort food with a little kick and a lot of personality! Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people over, and get ready to share some smiles over every sticky, delicious bite.
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General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the classic flavors of Chinese-American cuisine with this homemade General Tso’s Chicken recipe. Crispy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and beaten egg. Add cornstarch and toss until well-coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
- Cook the Sauce: Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add the sauce, cook until thickened.
- Combine and Garnish: Add fried chicken to the sauce, toss to coat. Cook briefly, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Enjoy your General Tso’s Chicken hot with rice or veggies.
Notes
- For a lighter version, air-fry or bake the chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- You can use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the dish’s spiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
