General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the bold flavors of General Tso’s Chicken to transport your taste buds straight to your favorite Chinese takeout spot. With its perfectly crispy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I first discovered the magic of General Tso’s Chicken during a casual dinner out with friends, and I was immediately hooked. Over time, I perfected this homemade version that’s just as flavorful but surprisingly easy to make. Ready to make this classic takeout favorite at home? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and surprisingly simple to make. General Tso’s Chicken combines the perfect balance of crispy, saucy, and savory in one irresistible recipe.

First, it’s easier than you think. While it might seem like something only a restaurant could pull off, this recipe comes together in under an hour. That’s right – from prep to table, you can whip up this dish on even your busiest weeknight.

Second, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish always gets rave reviews. The combination of crispy chicken bites and rich, glossy sauce is universally loved.

Another reason to love it? You can make it healthier. By pan-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying and controlling the sugar in the sauce, you can create a version that’s just as delicious but a bit lighter.

Finally, this recipe is versatile. Serve it over rice for a classic takeout-style meal, or pair it with steamed veggies for a lighter option. Either way, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of General Tso’s Chicken lies in its perfectly balanced ingredients. Here’s what makes this recipe shine:

The chicken is the star of the show. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are best for this recipe, as they stay juicy and tender during cooking. However, chicken breasts work well too if that’s what you have on hand.

Cornstarch plays a dual role. It’s used both for coating the chicken to achieve that signature crispy exterior and for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.

The sauce is where the flavor happens. A mix of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar creates that perfect sweet-savory balance. Add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha if you like a little heat.

Don’t skip the aromatics – garlic and ginger. These fresh ingredients add depth and fragrance to the sauce, making it truly restaurant-worthy.

Finally, you’ll need vegetable oil for frying. A neutral oil like canola or peanut works best, as it lets the chicken’s crispy coating and the sauce’s flavors shine through.

Special equipment? A good-quality wok or a large skillet is ideal for stir-frying the chicken and sauce.

How To Make This General Tso’s Chicken

Making General Tso’s Chicken at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish:

Start by preparing the chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This coating helps create the crispy texture we all love.

Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let them burn – this step builds the flavor base for the sauce.

Next, it’s time to make the sauce. Combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the pan with the garlic and ginger, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve your General Tso’s Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Pair it with steamed rice or your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage Options

General Tso’s Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later. Place any remaining chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For reheating, use the stovetop instead of the microwave for the best results. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and reheat the chicken over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This helps maintain the crispy texture.

If freezing, store the cooked chicken and sauce separately. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy when thawed. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations to try:

• For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for tofu. Use extra-firm tofu, press out the excess water, and fry it just like the chicken.
• Looking to add veggies? Stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas and toss them in the sauce along with the chicken.
• Prefer a spicier version? Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a splash of Sriracha to the sauce.
• To cut back on sugar, use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead.
• Experiment with the protein – shrimp or pork can be delicious alternatives to chicken.

No matter how you customize it, this General Tso’s Chicken is a guaranteed hit. Ready to try it for yourself? Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

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