general tso’s chicken recipe
The Best general tso’s chicken recipe
I’ve made General Tso’s chicken more times than I can count, and it’s still one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. My kids ask for it at least once a week, and honestly, I don’t blame them—it’s crispy, slightly sweet, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. The best part? It comes together faster than you’d think, especially if you prep the sauce ahead of time. I usually double the batch so we have leftovers for lunch the next day, because let’s be real, it’s even better reheated.
What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when I don’t have the energy to make something complicated, but it also feels special enough for a casual family dinner or even a potluck. The balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, and a little heat—makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the crispy coating on the chicken gives it that takeout-style texture without all the grease. Plus, I can tweak it to be a little healthier by using less sugar in the sauce or baking the chicken instead of frying it, which is a win in my book. It’s one of those recipes that never gets old, no matter how many times I make it.
General Tso’s Chicken
A classic Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. This version balances bold flavors with a satisfying crunch, perfect for a weeknight dinner or takeout-style meal at home.
🥘Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed white rice (for serving)
👨🍳Directions
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1 In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Add beaten eggs and mix until the chicken is fully coated in the batter.
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2 Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, carefully add the chicken pieces and fry for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken.
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3 In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp of the frying oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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4 Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, sesame oil, and chicken broth to the skillet. Whisk to combine and bring to a simmer.
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5 Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
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6 Add the fried chicken to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
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7 Transfer the General Tso’s chicken to a serving platter, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately with steamed white rice.
🔧Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels
- Large skillet or wok
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How General Tso’s Chicken Works
General Tso’s chicken is one of those recipes that just works every time—crispy, sweet, and a little spicy, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a big family gathering, this dish is easy to scale up and always gets people excited. I love that it’s familiar enough for picky eaters but still feels special, making it a go-to for any occasion.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About General Tso’s Chicken
1. What is General Tso’s Chicken and where did it originate?
General Tso’s Chicken is a sweet, spicy, and tangy deep-fried chicken dish that’s a staple in American Chinese cuisine. Despite its popularity in the U.S., it was actually invented in Taiwan by Chef Peng Chang-kuei in the 1950s. The dish is named after Zuo Zongtang (Tso Tsung-t’ang), a Qing dynasty military leader, though the original version was less sweet and not deep-fried. The Americanized version, which is sweeter and crispier, was later popularized in New York City.
2. What are the key ingredients in General Tso’s Chicken?
The main ingredients include: – Chicken: Typically boneless thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. – Batter: A mix of cornstarch, flour, egg, and sometimes soy sauce or rice wine for coating. – Sauce: A combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and dried red chili peppers (or chili flakes). – Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and scallions for flavor. – Cornstarch slurry: Used to thicken the sauce. – Oil: For deep-frying the chicken (peanut or vegetable oil is common).
3. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For extra-crispy General Tso’s Chicken, try these tips: – Double-fry the chicken: Fry once at a lower temperature (around 325°F/160°C) to cook through, then fry again at a higher temperature (375°F/190°C) for crispiness. – Use cornstarch: A higher ratio of cornstarch to flour in the batter creates a lighter, crunchier texture. – Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before battering to remove excess moisture. – Let it rest: After the first fry, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before the second fry to enhance crispiness. – Drain well: Place fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.
4. Can I make General Tso’s Chicken healthier?
Yes! Here are some healthier modifications: – Bake instead of fry: Toss chicken pieces in a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, flipping halfway. – Use less sugar: Reduce the sugar in the sauce or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. – Air-fry: Coat the chicken lightly in oil and air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway. – Add veggies: Stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas into the sauce for extra nutrients. – Use lean protein: Opt for chicken breast instead of thighs, though thighs stay juicier.
5. What can I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken pairs well with: – Steamed rice: White or brown rice to soak up the sauce. – Fried rice: A side of vegetable or egg fried rice complements the dish. – Stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or green beans add freshness. – Egg rolls or dumplings: For a full Chinese takeout experience. – Soup: Hot and sour soup or egg drop soup balances the meal. – Noodles: Lo mein or chow mein for a heartier option.
