The Perfect General Tso’s Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Magic

Craving a delightful general tsos chicken that bursts with vibrant flavors and captures the essence of authentic Chinese-American cuisine?

Sweet and spicy notes dance together in this classic dish, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy, tangy sauce promise an unforgettable meal.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-favorite recipe with just a few simple ingredients.

Marinating the chicken ensures maximum tenderness and allows seasonings to penetrate deeply.

Impressive yet straightforward, this recipe will become your go-to comfort food for any occasion.

You won’t believe how quickly this delectable meal comes together in your own kitchen.

Storage Tips For General Tso’s Chicken

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken and sauce separate to maintain crispiness.
• Place cooled chicken and sauce in separate freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Drizzle reserved sauce to refresh flavor.

FAQs

• Is General Tsos Chicken actually from China?

The dish was actually created by Chinese immigrants in New York, not traditionally from mainland China, and was named after a Qing dynasty statesman who never ate this dish.

• Why does the recipe use cornstarch for coating?

Cornstarch creates a super crispy exterior by forming a light, crunchy barrier that prevents moisture from making the chicken soggy during frying.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

You can reduce or eliminate chili peppers in the sauce to make it milder, or use less hot sauce if you prefer a less spicy version of General Tsos Chicken.

• What makes the chicken so crispy in this recipe?

The egg and cornstarch coating combined with high-heat frying creates a golden, crunchy exterior that locks in the chicken’s moisture and gives the classic crispy texture.

General Tso’s Chicken: Reasons To Swoon

• Crisp and Crunchy Delight: Enjoy perfectly golden chicken with an irresistible crispy exterior that delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Whip up this restaurant-favorite dish in just a few simple steps, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks craving takeout-style flavors.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit different tastes, ensuring everyone at the table will love this versatile chicken recipe.
• Impressive Yet Approachable: Master a classic Chinese-American dish that looks and tastes like a professional chef prepared it, without requiring advanced cooking skills.

General Tso’s – The Ingredient Checklist

• Chicken: Boneless and skinless pieces that create the main protein of the dish.

• Eggs: Helps create a crispy and golden exterior for the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Provides a light and crunchy coating for the chicken pieces.

• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Hoisin Sauce: Combines to create a rich and tangy flavor profile for the sauce.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the savory elements of the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provides a fragrant and zesty base for the sauce.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and a fresh, crunchy finish to the dish.

Step By Step: General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Chicken Coating

Mix beaten eggs in a bowl.

Dip chicken pieces into the eggs, then roll them in cornstarch until completely covered.

This creates a deliciously crunchy exterior that will make your chicken irresistible.

Step 2: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil.

Fry until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crispy.

Remove chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and freshly grated ginger.

Let these aromatics dance and release their incredible fragrance, creating a delightful foundation for the sauce.

Step 4: Create Magical Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Hoisin sauce
• Sugar
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch

Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Drop the crispy chicken pieces into the sauce.

Gently toss and coat each piece, ensuring every bit is covered in the delectable General Tso’s sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the chicken.

Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately while the chicken remains wonderfully crisp.

Pro Moves For General Tso’s Chicken Magic

• Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure the cornstarch adheres better and creates an extra-crispy exterior.
• Adjust cornstarch amount in the sauce to get your desired consistency – less for a thinner sauce, more for a thicker glaze.
• Serve the sauce separately or drizzle just before eating to maintain the chicken's crispiness.
• Swap deep-frying for air frying or baking the chicken to reduce oil content while keeping a crunchy texture.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick to the classic General Tso's flavor.

Tasty Twists On General Tso’s Chicken

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets, using the same coating and sauce technique for a vegetarian-friendly, lower-carb version.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute cornstarch with almond flour or rice flour, and use tamari instead of soy sauce to create a gluten-free friendly recipe.
• Air Fryer Method: Skip deep-frying and use an air fryer to cook chicken pieces, reducing oil content while maintaining crispy texture.
• Spicy Gochujang Remix: Incorporate Korean gochujang paste into the sauce for a spicier, more complex flavor profile with a subtle heat kick.

Plating General Tso’s Chicken Like A Pro

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Serve on a bed of steamed white rice for a classic presentation that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Crispy Crunch Companion: Add a side of crispy vegetable spring rolls or egg rolls to complement the General Tso's chicken's texture and create a complete meal.
• Freshness Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top just before serving to add brightness, color, and an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Offer some sliced fresh chili peppers or sriracha sauce on the side for those who want to kick up the heat and customize their meal.

Hot General Tsos Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling General Tso’s Chicken brings Chinese-American cuisine to life with its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Crispy chicken pieces glazed in a rich sauce promise a restaurant-quality meal that delights diners seeking bold, authentic taste sensations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (453 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Breading and Coating:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Whisk eggs in a shallow dish and thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Generously dredge egg-coated chicken in cornstarch, creating a crisp exterior layer.
3. Pour oil into a deep skillet, heating to 350°F for optimal frying temperature.
4. Carefully fry chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove fried chicken and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
6. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and ginger until aromatic and lightly golden.
7. Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth.
8. Pour sauce mixture into skillet, stirring continuously until it thickens and becomes glossy.
9. Gently add fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to ensure even and complete coating.
10. Transfer to serving plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
11. Serve immediately while chicken remains crisp and sauce is warm.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking and crispy texture.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help cornstarch adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for perfect golden-brown chicken.
• Adjust sauce sweetness by reducing sugar for a less sweet version or adding chili flakes for extra heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 940 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg