Introduction

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that combines crispy chicken pieces with a flavorful, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. The chicken is coated in a light batter, fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a rich sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from sugar or honey. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed on its own or served with steamed rice or vegetables. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Party appetizers
Takeout-style meals at home
Chicken lovers
Asian-inspired cuisine enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

Here’s why this recipe will become your new favorite:

Crispy Chicken: The chicken is fried to a crispy golden perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Sweet and Tangy Sauce: The sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, with a touch of spice for added flavor.
Easy to Make: Despite its restaurant-quality taste, this dish can be made at home in under 30 minutes.
Versatile: You can serve it with a variety of sides like rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Customizable: Adjust the level of sweetness or spice to suit your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your this recipe:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying

General Tso’s Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 tablespoon water (to thin the sauce)

Garnish (optional):

2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are used for their tenderness and ability to absorb flavor. Thighs are juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides a salty, umami base for the sauce, contributing to its rich flavor.
Rice Vinegar: The vinegar adds acidity, helping to balance out the sweetness in the sauce.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and savory sauce is a key ingredient in many Chinese dishes, adding complexity to the overall flavor.
Cornstarch: Used to coat the chicken before frying, cornstarch ensures a crisp and crunchy exterior.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe:

Prepare the Chicken:

Cut the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken first in the egg, then coat it thoroughly with the cornstarch mixture.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Make the General Tso’s Sauce:

Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar or honey, sesame oil, and water. In another small bowl, combine the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then set it aside.
Cook the Garlic and Ginger: In the same skillet (without cleaning it), add a small amount of oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.

Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:

Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes over the chicken at this point.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the General Tso’s Chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a touch of color and flavor. Serve immediately.

How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken

This recipe is perfect when served with a variety of sides:

With Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
With Noodles: Pair with lo mein or chow mein noodles for a satisfying and hearty dinner.
With Vegetables: Serve with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or bok choy for a balanced meal.
As an Appetizer: This dish can also be served as an appetizer for your next party or family gathering.
On a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken over a bed of mixed greens for a delicious salad.

Additional Tips for General Tso’s Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe is perfect every time:

Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispiness: The cornstarch coating helps the chicken develop a crispy exterior when fried, making it a key step in this recipe.
Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying the chicken. Frying in batches ensures each piece gets crispy and golden brown.
Adjust the Sauce’s Sweetness or Spice: Feel free to tweak the sauce by adding more sugar for sweetness or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Freshly minced ginger and garlic will give the sauce its vibrant flavor, enhancing the overall dish.
Serve Immediately: General Tso’s Chicken is best enjoyed immediately while the chicken is crispy and the sauce is fresh.

Recipe Variations for General Tso’s Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

Spicy General Tso’s Chicken: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
General Tso’s Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a delicious seafood version of this dish.
Crispy General Tso’s Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use crispy tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based version.
Honey Lemon General Tso’s Chicken: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and an extra tablespoon of honey for a citrusy, sweet twist.
General Tso’s Cauliflower: Replace the chicken with battered and fried cauliflower florets for a vegan-friendly alternative.
Pineapple General Tso’s Chicken: Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce for a sweet, tropical flavor.
Garlic Butter General Tso’s Chicken: Add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce for a rich, buttery finish.
General Tso’s Chicken with Cashews: Toss roasted cashews into the dish for added texture and nutty flavor.
Baked General Tso’s Chicken: Instead of frying, bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a healthier option.
General Tso’s Chicken with Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers to the dish for extra color and flavor.

Freezing and Storage for General Tso’s Chicken

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or reheat in a skillet with the sauce.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Special Equipment for General Tso’s Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing this recipe easier:

Wok or Large Skillet: A wok or large skillet is ideal for frying the chicken and cooking the sauce.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Use tongs or a slotted spoon to fry and remove the chicken pieces without them sticking together.
Small Bowls for Sauce: Use small bowls to mix the sauce ingredients and cornstarch slurry separately

Frequently Asked Questions for General Tso’s Chicken

Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great for this dish, as they are more tender and juicy than chicken breasts.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While the chicken is best served fresh, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce before tossing with the fried chicken.
Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, you can use other neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil for frying the chicken.
Can I make this dish less sweet?
Yes, adjust the amount of sugar or honey in the sauce to suit your taste. You can reduce the sugar for a less sweet flavor.
Can I use gluten-free soy sauce?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

General Tso’s Chicken is a classic and beloved dish that brings together crispy chicken and a flavorful, tangy sauce. With its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, General Tso’s Chicken offers a satisfying and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

This recipe is as simple as it is flavorful, making it perfect for everything from casual family dinners to more elaborate gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy night or serving it to guests, General Tso’s Chicken is a dish that everyone will love.

I’d love to see how your General Tso’s Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!