General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

There's something irresistibly satisfying about the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor of General Tso’s Chicken. This classic Chinese-American dish pairs crispy, golden-brown chicken with a glossy sauce that's both comforting and bold.

I first fell in love with General Tso’s Chicken on a trip to a small family-run restaurant in New York City. The delicate crunch of the chicken and the perfectly balanced sauce were unforgettable, and I’ve since perfected a homemade version that rivals any takeout. Ready to recreate this magic in your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this crowd-pleasing recipe. General Tso’s Chicken is a restaurant favorite for a reason, and you’ll love how easy it is to make at home.

First, the flavor profile is unmatched. The perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy will leave your taste buds singing, while the crispy texture of the chicken is utterly satisfying.

It’s surprisingly simple to prepare. While it may look like a restaurant-only dish, this recipe can be on your table in under an hour – no special skills required.

Customizable to your preferences, you can adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients to suit your pantry, or even make it gluten-free. The result? A dish that feels uniquely yours.

Finally, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to takeout. With just a few staple ingredients and no hidden fees, you can treat your family to an indulgent meal without breaking the bank.

Ready to start cooking? Let’s talk ingredients!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of General Tso’s Chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in delivering that signature taste and texture.

• Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and juiciness. If you prefer, chicken breasts work well too, but take care not to overcook them.
• Cornstarch: Essential for achieving that light, crispy coating. The cornstarch also helps the sauce adhere beautifully to the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: The backbone of the sauce, it provides deep umami flavor. Use regular soy sauce, or opt for low-sodium if you want more control over the saltiness.
• Hoisin Sauce: This thick, tangy condiment adds complexity to the sauce. Its blend of sweet and salty flavors is key to replicating restaurant-style results.
• Rice Vinegar: For a tangy kick that balances the sweetness, rice vinegar is a must. In a pinch, you can substitute apple cider vinegar.
• Red Chili Flakes: These bring the heat! Adjust the quantity to your preferred spice level, or skip them entirely for a milder dish.

No special equipment is required – just a sturdy skillet or wok and a good set of tongs for frying.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

Creating this delicious dish is easier than you think. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a plate of General Tso’s Chicken that rivals your favorite takeout spot.

1. Prep the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a mixture of cornstarch and a pinch of salt until well coated.
2. Fry to Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Heat the same skillet (discarding excess oil), add a splash of sesame oil, and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
4. Combine and Toss: Return the fried chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until every piece is coated in that luscious glaze. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
5. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed white rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Expect the whole process to take about 40 minutes – a small investment for such a big payoff!

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your General Tso’s Chicken without losing that crispy texture.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to make a big batch, freeze the fried chicken separately from the sauce in airtight containers. This way, the chicken stays crisp when reheated.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy. Warm the sauce separately in a skillet, then toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about General Tso’s Chicken is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or cauliflower. Simply coat and fry them the same way for a plant-based twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to create a dish that suits dietary restrictions.
• Lower the Heat: If spice isn’t your thing, leave out the red chili flakes or reduce the quantity. You can also use sweet chili sauce for a milder flavor.
• Boost the Veggies: Add stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a colorful and nutrient-packed variation.
• Use What You Have: No hoisin sauce? Mix soy sauce with a bit of honey and peanut butter for a quick substitute.

Experiment with these ideas or come up with your own! The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a new twist to this timeless classic.

Now that you’ve got the recipe, it’s time to fire up your kitchen and enjoy the magic of General Tso’s Chicken at home. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Let me know how it turns out!

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