Name: General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 large eggs, beaten; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Vegetable oil, for frying; 4 dried red chilies (or more to taste); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 3 green onions, chopped; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 3 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp water; 1 tbsp cornstarch

There's nothing quite like the satisfying combination of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat that comes from a perfectly cooked plate of General Tso’s Chicken. Crispy, golden chicken pieces are coated in a sticky sauce that bursts with flavor, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser for any dinner table.

I still remember the first time I made this dish at home. My whole family gathered around, eagerly waiting as the tempting aromas of garlic, ginger, and caramelized sauce filled the air. The first bite was all it took for this to become a regular request, and it’s since become a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

Get ready to transform your kitchen into a takeout-style haven with this easy-to-follow recipe that hits all the right notes.

Why You'll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite homemade Chinese-inspired dish. This General Tso’s Chicken isn’t just packed with bold flavors – it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation.

First of all, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Despite its complex flavor profile, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With a few essential pantry ingredients and a wok or skillet, you’ll have a dinner that looks and tastes restaurant-quality.

The crispy texture is something you just can’t beat. Each bite of chicken is coated in a light, crunchy crust that holds up beautifully under the rich, sticky sauce. No soggy pieces here – just the perfect blend of crispy and saucy in every forkful.

Healthier than takeout, this recipe allows you to control the quality and freshness of your ingredients. It’s made with simple, wholesome elements and cooked in healthier oils, so you can feel good about serving it to your family.

Lastly, the balance of flavors is unmatched. Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of spice come together to create a sauce that will have everyone licking their plates clean. It’s so good, you might find yourself making it twice in one week!

Ingredients Notes

The key to a delicious General Tso’s Chicken is using high-quality, fresh ingredients that bring out the best in every flavor. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish shine.

The chicken forms the heart of the recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for maximum flavor and tenderness. Their higher fat content keeps the chicken juicy, even after frying, and provides a richer taste compared to chicken breasts.

For the batter, a combination of cornstarch and flour creates that signature crispy coating. Cornstarch is the secret weapon for achieving a light, crunchy crust that stays crispy even after being tossed in the sauce. A dash of baking powder gives an extra boost of crispiness.

The sauce is where all the magic happens. It’s made from a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. This combination strikes the perfect balance between salty, sweet, and tangy. Fresh minced garlic and ginger add a burst of aromatic flavor, while a touch of chili flakes brings a subtle heat.

Finally, don’t forget the vegetable oil for frying. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without burning. You’ll also need some green onions and sesame seeds for garnish, adding color and a hint of nuttiness to the dish.

How To Make This General Tso’s Chicken

Creating this mouthwatering General Tso’s Chicken is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by preparing your chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, making sure they’re all similar in size for even cooking. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of water to create a thick, even coating.

Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per batch until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, setting aside.

While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and a bit of water. In a separate pan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and a pinch of chili flakes. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in the sauce mixture.

Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the crispy chicken to the pan, tossing well to ensure every piece is coated in that sticky, flavorful sauce. The sauce should cling to the chicken, creating a glossy, irresistible finish.

Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that will impress even the toughest critics.

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s a rare occurrence!), storing General Tso’s Chicken is easy. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Make sure it’s fully cooled, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, use the stovetop method for the best results. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken, stirring frequently until it’s heated through and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. Here are some ideas for customizing your General Tso’s Chicken.

Want to add more vegetables? Try tossing in some chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snow peas. Sauté them before adding the chicken back into the pan for a burst of color and added nutrition.

If you prefer a milder version, reduce or omit the chili flakes. Alternatively, for more heat, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

You can also experiment with different proteins. While chicken thighs are traditional, feel free to use chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, use firm tofu. Simply coat it the same way as the chicken and fry until crispy.

Lastly, if you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying. Spray the coated chicken pieces with a light mist of oil and cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Get creative and have fun in the kitchen. This General Tso’s Chicken is a flexible recipe that invites you to make it your own. Enjoy every sweet and savory bite!