general tso chicken recipe

General Tso’s Chicken is a staple of American-Chinese cuisine for a very good reason. It offers the perfect balance of crispy fried chicken, a sweet and tangy glaze, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Making this classic dish at home is surprisingly simple and much more rewarding than ordering takeout. You get to control the quality of the ingredients and the level of spice to suit your personal preference.

This recipe focuses on getting that iconic crunch while ensuring the sauce is thick and glossy. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a themed party, this General Tso’s Chicken will impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 485 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 950mg

Why Make This general tso chicken recipe

Making your own General Tso’s Chicken allows you to achieve a level of freshness that delivery simply cannot match. By frying the chicken in small batches and tossing it in the sauce immediately before serving, you ensure every bite stays crispy rather than becoming soggy during transit.

It is also a much healthier alternative to the deep-fried versions found in many restaurants. You can use high-quality oils and reduce the sugar content if you prefer a more savory profile. Plus, it is a fun way to practice your stir-fry skills and experiment with traditional Chinese pantry staples like hoisin and rice vinegar.

How to Make general tso chicken recipe

Creating this dish involves two main phases: preparing the ultra-crispy chicken nuggets and whisking together the signature spicy-sweet sauce. Follow these steps carefully to get that professional finish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or dried whole chiles)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk the egg. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. In a separate shallow bowl, place the cornstarch. Dredge each piece of egg-coated chicken in the cornstarch until fully covered. Shake off any excess powder.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of oil in a heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Drain most of the oil from the pan, leaving about one tablespoon. Add the minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5: Thicken and Toss

Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the aromatics. Bring it to a simmer. Once the sauce begins to thicken and bubble, add the fried chicken back into the pan. Toss quickly to coat every piece of chicken in the glossy glaze.

How to Serve general tso chicken recipe

The best way to enjoy General Tso’s Chicken is over a bed of fluffy white jasmine rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up the extra sauce beautifully. For a complete meal, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas. Sprinkle fresh sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top for a professional look and added texture.

How to Store general tso chicken recipe

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispiness when reheating, use an air fryer or an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes. Using a microwave is faster but will result in softer chicken.

Expert Tips for Perfect general tso chicken recipe

To get the ultimate crunch, consider “double frying” the chicken. Fry it once until pale gold, let it rest for a few minutes, then fry it again at a slightly higher temperature for 1 minute until deeply golden. Also, using chicken thighs instead of breasts ensures the meat stays juicy and tender even after frying.

Delicious Variations

If you want to try something different, replace the chicken with firm tofu cubes or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version. You can also increase the heat by adding more dried chiles or a teaspoon of Szechuan peppercorns. For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the sauce mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast. However, be careful not to overcook them, as breast meat can dry out faster than thighs during the frying process.

Q: Is this dish authentic Chinese food?

While named after a Qing Dynasty general, this specific version of the recipe was popularized in New York City and is considered a cornerstone of American-Chinese cuisine.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn’t thickening enough, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a teaspoon of water and stir it into the simmering sauce.

Q: Can I air fry the chicken instead?

Absolutely! Spray the coated chicken with a bit of oil and air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, before tossing in the stovetop sauce.

Q: What makes General Tso’s different from Sesame Chicken?

General Tso’s is typically spicier and less sweet than Sesame Chicken, which usually has a heavier emphasis on honey and toasted sesame oil.

Conclusion

Mastering this general tso chicken recipe is a fantastic way to bring the excitement of a Chinese bistro into your own home. With its crispy texture and bold, savory sauce, it is guaranteed to become a requested favorite in your household. Put on your apron, get that wok hot, and enjoy the process of making this legendary dish from scratch!

Print