The Ultimate General Tsos Chicken Recipe for Homemade Bliss

Craving a spicy General Tso’s chicken that dances with authentic flavor?

Culinary magic happens when traditional Chinese techniques meet modern kitchen creativity.

Sweet and tangy notes promise an explosion of taste in every bite.

Home cooks can master this classic takeout favorite without complicated steps.

Bold seasonings blend seamlessly with crispy chicken pieces, creating a mouth-watering experience.

Layers of complexity emerge from simple ingredients transformed by skillful preparation.

Bold flavors await you in this irresistible recipe that will become a weeknight dinner champion.

General Tso’s Chicken: Why It’s a Favorite Takeout Dish

• Conquer Crispy Perfection: Achieve restaurant-quality golden chicken with a simple frying technique that guarantees a crunchy exterior and tender inside.
• Sauce Magic Transformation: Create a bold, sweet-spicy sauce that elevates basic chicken into a flavor-packed meal with just a few pantry ingredients.
• Master Quick Restaurant-Style Cooking: Recreate a popular takeout favorite at home in less time than delivery, giving you control over ingredients and freshness.
• Impress Without Complexity: Nail a seemingly complicated dish with straightforward steps that make you look like a professional chef without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Ingredients in General Tso’s Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that provides the main protein base for this classic Chinese-American dish.

• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior for the chicken and helps thicken the sauce.

• Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Rice Vinegar: A combination of sauces that builds a rich, tangy, and sweet flavor profile for the General Tso's chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep sweetness and helps balance the savory elements of the sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a classic Asian-inspired flavor base.
• Red Chili Flakes: Brings a subtle heat and spiciness to the dish.

• Cooking Oil, Sesame Oil: Used for frying the chicken and adding a nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a bright, mild onion flavor and visual appeal.
• Steamed Rice: Classic accompaniment that serves as a perfect base for the saucy chicken.

How to Cook General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Chop and Coat Chicken

Slice chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. Dust each piece thoroughly with cornstarch, ensuring complete and even coverage for a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Pour cooking oil into a deep skillet or wok. Heat until shimmering hot.

Carefully place chicken pieces and fry until they turn golden brown and develop a crunchy texture. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Hoisin sauce
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red chili flakes

Whisk together until ingredients are fully incorporated and sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Merge Chicken and Sauce

Return skillet to medium heat.

Add a splash of sesame oil. Pour sauce mixture into the pan and let it simmer until slightly thickened.

Gently add crispy chicken pieces, tossing to coat each chunk with the glossy, spicy sauce.

Step 5: Plate and Enjoy

Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions over the chicken.

Serve piping hot alongside fluffy steamed rice. Prepare for a mouthwatering explosion of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Tips to Enhance General Tso’s Chicken Flavor

• Swap chicken thighs with tofu or chicken breast for different protein options and dietary needs.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure maximum crispiness and better sauce adherence.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red chili flakes or replacing with mild paprika for less heat.
• Let the sauce simmer for an extra minute to develop deeper, richer flavor profiles and achieve perfect sauce consistency.

Flavor Variations to Explore with General Tso’s Chicken

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or seitan chunks, following the same coating and frying method for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for coating, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Spicy Kick Version: Increase red chili flakes or add sriracha sauce to the marinade for extra heat, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free, and coat chicken with gluten-free cornstarch for celiac-friendly preparation.

Side Dishes to Accompany General Tso’s Chicken

• Sizzling Spice Haven: Serve General Tsos Chicken with fluffy steamed jasmine rice for an authentic restaurant-style experience.
• Family Feast Flair: Create a colorful plate by adding stir-fried broccoli or crispy bok choy on the side for extra nutrition and vibrant presentation.
• Takeout Twist: Pack the chicken in cute bento boxes with separated compartments for sauce, rice, and garnishes for a fun lunch or picnic option.
• Lazy Weekend Comfort: Transform leftovers into a quick chicken wrap by using soft tortillas, adding fresh lettuce and drizzling remaining sauce for a quick meal.

Proper Storage Techniques for General Tso’s Chicken

• Store leftover General Tsos chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate the chicken from rice to maintain its crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Cover the container tightly to prevent moisture and preserve flavor.
• Keep refrigerated at or below 40°F to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Is General Tso's Chicken spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted by changing the amount of red chili flakes. More flakes mean more spice, while fewer flakes or omitting them entirely will make the dish mild.

• What does General Tso's Chicken taste like?

It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The crispy chicken is coated in a rich, glossy sauce that combines soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar for a complex taste.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well. However, chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender. If using breast meat, be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.

Best General Tsos Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

General Tso’s chicken showcases bold Chinese-American flavors with crispy chicken pieces glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Spice-packed ingredients and simple cooking techniques bring restaurant-quality results right to home kitchens where you can enjoy authentic taste without takeout.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Coating:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions
• 1/4 cup cooking oil

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken thighs into uniform bite-sized morsels, thoroughly enveloping each piece with a light cornstarch coating for enhanced crispiness.
2. Preheat cooking oil in a spacious wok or skillet to 375°F, creating a sizzling environment for frying. Carefully introduce chicken pieces, allowing them to transform into a golden, crunchy exterior.
3. Transfer crisp chicken onto paper towels, enabling excess oil to drain completely.
4. Craft a vibrant sauce by blending soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, aromatic garlic, zesty ginger, and a hint of red chili flakes in a mixing vessel.
5. Warm sesame oil in the identical skillet, introducing the sauce mixture and allowing it to simmer and slightly condense for approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Gently fold the crispy chicken into the glossy sauce, ensuring each morsel receives a luxurious, even coating.
7. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions, presenting the General Tso’s chicken atop steaming white rice for a truly tantalizing meal.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and crispy texture.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350-375°F for perfectly crisp chicken without burning.
• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option, though thighs provide more flavor and juiciness.
• Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch-free coating alternatives like almond flour or rice flour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg