general zhou chicken recipe

The Best general zhou chicken recipe

I’ve been making General Zhou’s chicken for years, and it’s one of those recipes that just never gets old. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that hits every note, and the crispy coating on the chicken makes it feel like a treat without being overly heavy. My kids absolutely love it—it’s one of the few dishes they’ll all agree on, which is saying something when you’ve got picky eaters at the table. I usually serve it with steamed rice and some quick stir-fried veggies, and it’s a meal that comes together fast enough for a weeknight but still feels special enough for when we have friends over.

What I really appreciate about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can dial up the heat if you like things spicier, or tone it down for the kids by reducing the chili flakes. The sauce is made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey, so it’s not loaded with preservatives or weird additives. Plus, chicken is a great lean protein, and when you pair it with veggies, it’s a well-rounded meal that keeps everyone full without leaving you feeling sluggish. I’ve even made it with tofu for a vegetarian version, and it works just as well. It’s one of those recipes I always come back to because it’s reliable, delicious, and just makes dinner feel a little easier.

General Zhou’s Chicken (General Tso’s Chicken)

4.6 from 1801 votes

A classic Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. This version balances heat and sweetness for a crowd-pleasing meal served over steamed rice.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 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
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups)

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For Garnish (Optional)

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• Steamed white rice, for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 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.
2. 2 Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken.
3. 3 In a wok or large skillet, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, sriracha, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. 4 Stir the cornstarch slurry and slowly add it to the sauce while whisking continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
5. 5 Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chicken is fully glazed.
6. 6 Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately with steamed 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
• Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 160mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken by frying once at 325°F (160°C) for 3 minutes, then increasing the heat to 375°F (190°C) for 1-2 minutes. To make this dish less spicy, reduce the sriracha to 1 tsp. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

General Tso’s chicken is one of those recipes that just works every time—crispy, sweet, and a little spicy, it’s the kind of dish that pleases kids and adults alike. It’s easy to scale up for a crowd, reheats well, and always feels like a treat, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends. I keep this one in my back pocket because it’s simple, reliable, and never fails to make the table feel a little more special.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About General Zhou’s Chicken (General Tso’s Chicken)

1. What is General Zhou Chicken?

General Zhou Chicken (often mistakenly called “General Tso’s Chicken”) is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s named after a Qing dynasty military leader, though the dish itself was created in modern times by Chinese chefs in the U.S.

2. What ingredients are needed for General Zhou Chicken?

The key ingredients typically include: – Chicken: Boneless thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. – Batter: Cornstarch, flour, egg, and sometimes baking powder for crispiness. – Sauce: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, dried red chilies, and hoisin sauce. – Aromatics: Green onions, garlic, and ginger for flavor. – Optional: Sesame seeds or chili flakes for garnish.

3. How do you make the chicken extra crispy?

For maximum crispiness: – Use a mix of cornstarch and flour in the batter (cornstarch creates a lighter, crunchier texture). – Double-fry the chicken: First at a lower temperature (325°F/160°C) to cook through, then at a higher temperature (375°F/190°C) to crisp. – Let the battered chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere. – Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.

4. Can General Zhou Chicken be made less spicy?

Yes! To reduce the heat: – Use fewer or omit dried red chilies in the sauce. – Replace chili paste with a milder alternative like sweet chili sauce. – Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or Sichuan peppercorns if included. – Balance the spice with extra sugar or honey in the sauce.

5. What are the best side dishes to serve with General Zhou Chicken?

Popular pairings include: – Steamed rice or fried rice to soak up the sauce. – Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or bok choy. – Egg rolls or spring rolls for extra crunch. – Light soups like egg drop or hot and sour soup to balance the richness. – Pickled vegetables (e.g., cucumbers or radishes) for a refreshing contrast.