General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor of General Tso’s Chicken. With its crispy, golden coating and sticky glaze, this dish transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up at home.

this Recipe

I first tried General Tso’s Chicken at a local Chinese takeout, and it was love at first bite. After countless attempts to recreate that magic, I finally perfected a version that's just as delicious, but even better because it’s homemade.

Ready to bring this iconic dish to your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

Get ready to make a dish that will knock your socks off! This General Tso’s Chicken is the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and convenience.

First, the flavor is unbeatable. The sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory with just the right kick of heat. It's like a flavor party in every bite.

Second, it's easier to make than you think. You don’t need fancy tools or obscure ingredients – this dish comes together with staples you might already have in your pantry.

Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a party, or meal prepping for the week, this dish disappears fast. Even picky eaters can’t resist those crispy bites smothered in glossy sauce.

Finally, homemade means healthier. You can control the amount of sugar, spice, and salt, making it a lighter alternative to takeout without compromising on taste.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again!

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this incredible General Tso’s Chicken lies in its balance of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.

• Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star here. They stay tender and juicy, even after frying. If you prefer, you can use chicken breast, but thighs provide more flavor.
• Cornstarch: This is key to achieving that light, crispy coating. It also helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Soy sauce: A mix of light and dark soy sauce creates the dish’s rich, umami base. If you only have one type, light soy sauce works just fine.
• Rice vinegar: Adds the tangy component that balances the sweetness of the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
• Hoisin sauce: A must-have for its slightly sweet, earthy flavor. It ties the sauce together beautifully.
• Red chili flakes: These bring the heat! You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
• Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger infuse the sauce with bold, aromatic flavors.

For equipment, all you need is a large frying pan or wok, a mixing bowl, and a whisk for the sauce.

How To Make This General Tso’s Chicken

Making General Tso’s Chicken at home might seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by prepping your chicken. Cut 1 pound of chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl with cornstarch until well coated. This is what gives the chicken its irresistible crispiness.

Heat a generous amount of oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each piece until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.

While the chicken rests, make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and ½ teaspoon red chili flakes.

Next, drain most of the oil from the pan, leaving about a tablespoon. Add the sauce mixture to the pan and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.

Return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until fully coated. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to ensure the flavors meld perfectly.

Serve immediately over steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (good luck with that!), General Tso’s Chicken stores beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Store the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
• Freezer: You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
• Reheating tip: Avoid microwaving to retain the crispiness of the chicken. Instead, reheat in a skillet or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about General Tso’s Chicken is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas to customize the dish to your liking.

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets. Both hold up beautifully to the sauce.
• Adjust the spice level: Love spice? Add more red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha. For a milder version, skip the chili flakes entirely.
• Use different proteins: Shrimp, pork, or even beef strips can take the place of chicken for a fun twist.
• Lower the sugar: For a lighter version, reduce the sugar in the sauce or replace it with honey.
• Go gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own. Experimenting is half the fun!

With its crispy chicken and bold, addictive sauce, General Tso’s Chicken is a dish you'll want to make again and again. Whether it's for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe has you covered. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below – I’d love to hear your feedback!

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