General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

There's something magical about the irresistible aroma of General Tso’s Chicken sizzling in your kitchen. The combination of crispy chicken coated in a perfectly balanced sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce never fails to bring everyone to the table with eager appetites.

this Recipe

The first time I made General Tso’s Chicken at home, I couldn’t believe how quickly it became a family favorite. It's the perfect mix of bold flavors and crunchy texture, making even the pickiest eaters fall in love. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, whether it’s for a weekend treat or a quick weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into what makes this dish truly unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

Get ready to savor a restaurant-quality meal right in the comfort of your home. This General Tso’s Chicken is more than just delicious – it’s a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons.

First, the crispy chicken bites are absolutely addictive. Each piece is coated in a light, crunchy crust that soaks up just the right amount of sauce without going soggy. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll find it hard to stop!

The sauce is another standout feature. Made with a perfect blend of sweetness, a hint of tanginess, and just enough heat, it hits all the right notes. You won’t believe how easy it is to achieve this flavor-packed, glossy sauce in just a few minutes.

Another reason to love this recipe is how family-friendly it is. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste or that of younger eaters, making it as mild or as bold as you like. It’s ideal for sharing and gets everyone excited about dinner.

Lastly, it’s a budget-friendly recipe that uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients. With a few smart swaps, you can create an amazing meal without breaking the bank. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients for a delicious dinner.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s walk through the ingredients that make this dish truly special.

Ingredients Notes

The key to the best General Tso’s Chicken is using simple, yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one contributes to the flavor and texture, creating that signature balance of crispiness and umami-rich sauce.

Chicken thighs are your best bet for tender, juicy bites. They hold up well to frying and stay flavorful even after being coated in the sauce. If you prefer, you can use chicken breast, but it may not be quite as succulent as thighs.

Cornstarch is a must for that extra crispy coating. It creates a beautifully light crust that makes each bite irresistible. When mixed with a touch of egg, it adheres perfectly to the chicken, ensuring every piece fries up golden and crunchy.

The sauce is where the magic happens. Soy sauce provides a savory, umami base, while hoisin sauce adds depth and a hint of sweetness. Sugar balances the flavors, and rice vinegar lends a gentle tang. To round it all out, garlic and ginger infuse the sauce with aromatic goodness.

For a touch of heat, dried red chili flakes or whole dried chilies bring that signature spicy kick. You can adjust the amount depending on your preference or leave it out for a milder version. Finally, a touch of sesame oil adds a nutty fragrance that makes this dish irresistible.

You’ll also need a few basic kitchen tools, like a large skillet or wok, a slotted spoon for frying, and a few bowls for dredging the chicken.

How To Make This General Tso’s Chicken

Creating this mouthwatering dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have an irresistible meal in no time.

Start by preparing your chicken. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and an egg. Whisk everything together until smooth, then toss in the chicken pieces, ensuring each one is fully coated.

Next, heat up a generous amount of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s time to fry the chicken. Add the pieces in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.

While the chicken rests, make the sauce. In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and a dash of water. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. In the same skillet, discard most of the oil, leaving just a tablespoon. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and let it come to a simmer. Add the dried chili flakes or whole dried chilies, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Finally, toss the fried chicken into the skillet, stirring well to coat every piece in that glossy, mouthwatering sauce.

Serve your General Tso’s Chicken hot over steamed rice, and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The whole process, from prep to plating, takes less than 40 minutes!

Storage Options

If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), this dish stores well. Place the cooled General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so you can add a splash of water when reheating.

To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps maintain the chicken’s crispiness better than microwaving. Stir frequently to warm everything evenly. Alternatively, the microwave can be used if you’re short on time, but the texture might soften a bit.

Freezing is also an option. Lay the fried, un-sauced chicken pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze the sauce separately. When you’re ready to eat, thaw everything in the fridge, then warm and toss together.

Variations and Substitutions

This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for making little tweaks to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

For a lighter version, try baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying. Coat the pieces in a light mist of cooking spray, then bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy. The texture will differ slightly, but it’s a great alternative if you’re avoiding fried food.

Want to add some veggies? Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas make great additions. Simply stir-fry them before making the sauce, then toss everything together for a more colorful, veggie-packed meal.

If you’re in the mood for a different protein, swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp. For tofu, press out excess moisture, cube it, and coat it in cornstarch before frying. Shrimp only need a quick dredge before cooking – keep an eye on them, as they cook fast!

For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Make sure to check the labels of your hoisin sauce and other ingredients for any hidden gluten.

The best part of making General Tso’s Chicken at home is experimenting. Feel free to play around with the ingredients, and don’t be afraid to put your own twist on this classic dish. Enjoy!

Print