General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the irresistible sweet-and-savory flavor of General Tso’s Chicken. This iconic dish combines crispy, golden chicken with a bold, tangy sauce that delivers the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

I first discovered this recipe on a quest to recreate my favorite takeout order at home. After a few experiments, I nailed the perfect combination of crispiness and sauce, and now it’s a go-to for impressing family and friends. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

Prepare to fall in love with this homemade take on a takeout classic! General Tso’s Chicken is not just delicious; it’s a fun and rewarding recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make.

First off, it’s all about that sauce. The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from hoisin and sugar creates an umami-packed glaze that clings perfectly to the crispy chicken.

Second, it’s crispy perfection. Coating the chicken in cornstarch and frying it until golden brown ensures each bite has a satisfying crunch that doesn’t get soggy under the sauce.

Finally, it’s totally customizable. Whether you prefer it spicier or with more sweetness, this recipe can adapt to your taste buds. Add some steamed rice and a side of broccoli, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Let’s get started with the ingredients you’ll need!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of General Tso’s Chicken lies in its combination of pantry staples and a few key ingredients. Each one contributes to the dish’s bold, addictive flavors.

Chicken thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Their natural juiciness holds up beautifully to frying and pairs well with the sauce. If you prefer, chicken breast works too, though it may be slightly drier.

Cornstarch: The secret to that signature crispiness! Cornstarch creates a light coating that fries up beautifully. For an extra-crispy texture, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in cornstarch, then an egg wash, and back into cornstarch.

Soy sauce: Both the light soy sauce for seasoning and dark soy sauce for color give the sauce its depth. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.

Hoisin sauce: This thick, slightly sweet sauce adds richness to the glaze. If you don’t have hoisin, oyster sauce makes a good substitute.

Dried red chilies: These bring the heat! Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance or leave them out for a milder dish.

No special equipment is needed, just a large skillet or wok for frying and tossing everything together.

How To Make This General Tso’s Chicken

Creating General Tso’s Chicken at home is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Start by prepping your chicken. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated. This step ensures each piece fries up perfectly crispy.

Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Each batch should take 3-4 minutes to cook through and develop a golden crust. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth. Stir in a touch of cornstarch to help the sauce thicken when cooked.

In the same skillet or wok, add a bit of oil and toss in the dried red chilies, followed by minced garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then pour in the sauce mixture. Let it simmer until thickened.

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until every piece is well coated. Serve immediately with steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.

This entire process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick craving fix.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? General Tso’s Chicken stores beautifully and tastes just as delicious the next day.

• Refrigerator: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately to maintain the crispiness. Reheat them together when ready to eat.

To reheat, use a skillet or oven to bring the chicken back to life without sacrificing its crunch. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun ways to make it your own:

• Spicier version: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or fresh chili flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Gluten-free: Substitute tamari for soy sauce and use gluten-free cornstarch.
• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower. Both work wonderfully as a base for the sauce.
• Less sweet: Dial down the sugar and hoisin sauce if you prefer a more savory profile.
• Extra veggies: Stir-fry bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots before adding the sauce for a more nutritious meal.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite version.

General Tso’s Chicken is a timeless dish that never fails to impress. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a fun cooking project, this recipe guarantees a deliciously satisfying meal. What’s stopping you from skipping takeout and making it yourself? Give it a try and enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!

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