general tao chicken recipe
The Best general tao chicken recipe
I’ve been making General Tso’s chicken for years, and it’s one of those recipes that just never gets old. My kids request it at least once a month, and honestly, I don’t blame them—it’s crispy, slightly sweet, and packed with that perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavors.
What I love most is how easy it is to throw together on a busy weeknight, but it also feels special enough for when we have friends over. The best part? It’s way healthier than takeout. I use less oil, skip the deep-frying for a lighter pan-fry, and load it up with fresh veggies like broccoli and bell peppers. Plus, the protein keeps everyone full, and the ginger and garlic give it a little immune boost.
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This dish has become a staple in our house because it’s one of those rare meals that pleases everyone. My husband loves the heat, my youngest picks around the spice but devours the crispy chicken, and I appreciate that it’s a complete meal in one pan.
It’s also a great way to sneak in extra veggies without anyone complaining. I usually serve it over brown rice or quinoa to make it even more filling, and the leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, flavorful, and actually good for you, this is the one to try.
General Tso’s Chicken
A classic Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. This version is quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
🥘Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700g) 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 cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Dip chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the cornstarch mixture. Set aside.
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2 Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
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3 In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté 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. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
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5 Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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6 Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
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7 Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed white rice.
🔧Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels
- Wok or large skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How General Tso’s Chicken Works
This General Tso’s chicken recipe is always a winner because it’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and pleases just about everyone at the table. The crispy, tangy-sweet coating hits all the right notes, whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a bigger family get-together. It’s one of those dishes that feels special without being fussy, so it’s perfect for any occasion where you want something delicious with minimal stress.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions About General Tso’s Chicken
1. What is General Tao Chicken?
General Tao Chicken is a popular Chinese-Canadian dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s named after a Chinese general but is not a traditional Chinese recipe—it was adapted for Western tastes, particularly in North America.
2. What ingredients are needed for the sauce?
The sauce typically includes soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar (or honey), garlic, ginger, ketchup, hoisin sauce, and chili paste or red pepper flakes for heat. Some recipes also add cornstarch to thicken it. Adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your preference.
3. Can I make General Tao Chicken healthier?
Yes! For a healthier version, try baking the chicken instead of frying it—toss the pieces in a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy. Use less sugar in the sauce or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli, to the dish.
4. How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?
To keep the chicken crispy, fry or bake it until golden brown and drain excess oil on a wire rack or paper towels. Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving, rather than letting it sit, to maintain its crunch. If making ahead, store the chicken and sauce separately and combine them when ready to eat.
5. What sides pair well with General Tao Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed or fried rice, stir-fried vegetables (like bok choy or snap peas), or a simple cucumber salad. For a full meal, serve it with egg rolls, wontons, or a light soup like egg drop or hot and sour soup.
