General Tso Chicken Recipe: General Tso Chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, found on nearly every takeout menu in the U.S. The dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it irresistible for fans of bold and savory meals.
Although it’s often associated with takeout, General Tso Chicken is surprisingly easy to make at home. With the right ingredients and a few helpful tips, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch (or a mix of cornstarch and flour)
- 2 large eggs (for dredging)
- Salt and pepper (to season the chicken)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Ingredients:
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
- Dried red chilies (for an extra kick)
Kitchen Tools Required
Before you dive into cooking, gather these essential tools to streamline the process:
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowls for marinating and dredging
- Wok or large frying pan
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot (if deep-frying)
- Tongs or a slotted spoon
- Whisk for the sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preparing the Chicken
Start by selecting the best cut of chicken. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but breasts work well if you want a leaner option. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and set aside.
- Prepare the dredging mix by placing cornstarch (or a cornstarch-flour mix) in a separate bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch. Shake off excess.
Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.
2. Making the General Tso Sauce
The sauce is what gives this dish its signature flavor. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth.
- Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Cook until thickened.
Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness as desired.
3. Cooking the Chicken
Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch.
- Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels.
- For a healthier option, air-fry or bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.
4. Combining the Chicken and Sauce
In the same wok, heat the prepared sauce over medium heat. Add the fried chicken to the wok and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Continue tossing until the chicken is shiny and well-coated.
5. Serving Suggestions
Transfer the General Tso Chicken to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles. Popular side dishes include stir-fried vegetables or egg rolls.
Tips for Success
- Keep it crispy: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Balance flavors: Adjust sugar and vinegar to achieve the perfect tangy-sweet taste.
- Store leftovers properly: Keep the chicken and sauce separate when storing to maintain crispiness.
Variations of General Tso Chicken
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower.
- Healthier twist: Use air-fried chicken and reduce sugar in the sauce.
- Regional additions: Add pineapple chunks or bell peppers for a unique twist.
FAQs about General Tso Chicken Recipe
What is General Tso Chicken?
General Tso Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine featuring deep-fried chicken chunks coated in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce, typically served with broccoli and rice. It combines flavors of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and chili peppers for a delightful taste experience.
What ingredients do I need for General Tso Chicken?
To make General Tso Chicken, you will need chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, cornstarch, eggs, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, sugar, dried red chili peppers, minced garlic, and ginger. Sesame seeds and green onions are optional for garnishing.
How do I make the sauce for General Tso Chicken?
Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, hoisin sauce, and a little cornstarch in a bowl. This mixture will be added to sautéed garlic, ginger, and chili peppers in a pan to thicken into a glossy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Is General Tso Chicken spicy?
The spiciness of General Tso Chicken can vary depending on the amount of chili peppers used. You can adjust the heat level to suit your taste by increasing or reducing the chili peppers.
Can General Tso Chicken be made less caloric?
Yes, for a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Use a light soy sauce and reduce the sugar or substitute it with a sweetener like honey. You can also increase the proportion of vegetables like broccoli.
How do I store leftover General Tso Chicken?
Leftover General Tso Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed.
Can General Tso Chicken be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze General Tso Chicken for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
