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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Slice chicken thighs into uniform bite-sized morsels, thoroughly enveloping each piece with a light cornstarch coating for enhanced crispiness.
- 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.
- Transfer crisp chicken onto paper towels, enabling excess oil to drain completely.
- 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.
- Warm sesame oil in the identical skillet, introducing the sauce mixture and allowing it to simmer and slightly condense for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold the crispy chicken into the glossy sauce, ensuring each morsel receives a luxurious, even coating.
- 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