General Tso’s Chicken Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce. Despite its popularity in the U.S., the dish doesn’t have deep roots in traditional Chinese cooking. It was named after General Tso Tsung-t’ang, a 19th-century Qing Dynasty military leader, though there’s no historical connection between him and the dish.
This recipe will guide you step by step to make restaurant-quality General Tso’s Chicken at home. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients Needed
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For Garnishing & Serving:
- 2 tbsp green onions (chopped)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Steamed white rice
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Choosing the Right Chicken
For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They remain juicy and tender after frying, unlike chicken breasts, which can become dry.
Cutting the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
- Ensure uniform sizes for even cooking.
Marinating the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add 1 beaten egg and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes while preparing the batter.
Step 2: Making the Batter
Ingredients for the Batter
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Achieving the Crispy Texture
- Mix cornstarch and flour in a shallow dish.
- Take marinated chicken pieces and coat them evenly in the dry mixture.
- Shake off excess flour before frying.
Pro Tip: Using cornstarch in the batter makes the chicken extra crispy!
Step 3: Frying the Chicken
Choosing the Right Oil
Use a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
Frying the Chicken
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or wok.
- Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Double Frying Tip: For extra crispiness, fry the chicken a second time for 1–2 minutes after it cools.
Step 4: Making the General Tso’s Sauce
Balancing the Flavors
The sauce is a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
Cooking the Sauce
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well.
- Mix cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and add to the sauce.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
Step 5: Combining Chicken and Sauce
- Add fried chicken to the pan with sauce.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Let it cook for 1 minute to absorb flavors.
Step 6: Serving General Tso’s Chicken
Best Side Dishes
- Steamed white rice
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Lo mein noodles
Garnishing
- Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for added flavor and presentation.
Tips for the Best General Tso’s Chicken
- Don’t skip the cornstarch – it gives the chicken a signature crispy texture.
- Double-frying enhances crispiness and prevents sogginess.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Healthier Alternatives
- Air Fryer Version: Coat chicken with a light layer of oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Baked Version: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQs about General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
What is General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish in North American Chinese restaurants, featuring deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce, typically served with broccoli and rice. The dish combines flavors of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chili peppers for a mouthwatering taste.
Is General Tso’s Chicken authentic Chinese food?
While inspired by flavors and techniques from Chinese cuisine, General Tso’s Chicken is actually a creation from Taiwanese chefs in the mid-20th century and was adapted for American palates. It is more accurately described as Chinese-American food.
What are the key ingredients in General Tso’s Chicken?
The key ingredients include chicken thighs or breast cut into bite-sized pieces, cornstarch, eggs, and various seasonings for the batter. The sauce usually involves soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, dried red chili peppers, and garlic.
How can I make General Tso’s Chicken at home?
To make General Tso’s Chicken at home, start by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce and wine. Coat the marinated chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and egg before frying until golden. For the sauce, combine soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chicken stock, and seasonings, and cook until thickened. Finally, toss the fried chicken in the sauce and serve hot.
What can I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken is typically served with steamed white rice or fried rice and steamed broccoli or a mix of vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
Can General Tso’s Chicken be made less spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level by reducing or omitting the chili peppers or chili sauce in the recipe. This allows you to enjoy the sweet and savory aspects of the sauce without as much spice.
Is there a healthier version of General Tso’s Chicken?
For a healthier variant, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Additionally, you can use less sugar or a sugar substitute in the sauce and increase the proportion of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftover General Tso’s 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 heated through, though be aware that the chicken may not be as crispy when reheated.
Enjoy your homemade General Tso’s Chicken!
