General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the smell of sizzling General Tso’s Chicken filling the kitchen, with its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. This takeout classic has become a staple for many, and it's surprisingly simple to recreate at home.

I first learned to make General Tso’s Chicken during a cooking class with friends, where we discovered that the key to a successful dish lies in the crispy chicken and the rich, glossy sauce. Now, it’s one of my favorite ways to elevate weeknight dinners and impress guests at gatherings.

Why You'll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

Get ready to make General Tso’s Chicken your new favorite homemade takeout dish! This recipe is the ultimate combination of crispy chicken, a flavorful sauce, and the perfect hint of heat.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy. You can whip up this restaurant-quality dish in just under 40 minutes. No need to wait for delivery when you can have a freshly made version that tastes even better.

Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also uses pantry staples and a few key ingredients that make a world of difference. You’ll save money and get more generous portions compared to ordering out.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the heat level, swap proteins, or add in extra vegetables to suit your preferences. It’s great for families or entertaining guests who love bold and savory flavors.

Finally, making General Tso’s Chicken at home means you can control the quality and freshness. No more wondering about the hidden ingredients in takeout – here, you know exactly what you’re feeding your loved ones.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to perfect General Tso’s Chicken lies in the combination of simple yet impactful ingredients. Here's what you’ll need and why each one matters.

The chicken is the star of the show. I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay moist and tender, even after frying. Chicken breasts work, too, if you prefer a leaner option, but thighs add more flavor.

To get that golden, crispy coating, the chicken is dipped in a cornstarch and egg batter. This method ensures each piece has a light, crunchy exterior that holds up to the sticky sauce without becoming soggy.

The sauce is a perfect balance of flavors: soy sauce adds saltiness, hoisin sauce lends depth and umami, rice vinegar provides tanginess, and sugar brings just the right amount of sweetness. A touch of sambal oelek or crushed red pepper flakes adds heat, but you can adjust it to your liking.

Fresh garlic and ginger give the sauce an aromatic punch, and scallions add freshness. If you have sesame oil, a few drops at the end will give the dish a rich, toasty aroma.

Lastly, for frying, use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. These oils can handle high heat and ensure a perfect, crispy result. No special equipment is needed – just a large skillet or wok for even frying.

How To Make This General Tso’s Chicken

Creating this iconic dish at home is easier than you might think! Follow these steps to make your own version that rivals any takeout.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken. Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and cornstarch until smooth. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Set aside while you heat your oil.

Step 2: Fry Until Crispy. Heat about an inch of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (you can test this by dropping a bit of batter in – it should sizzle), add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sambal oelek. In a separate large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Combine Everything. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Add the crispy chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle sliced scallions over the top and drizzle with a bit of sesame oil if desired.

Serve your General Tso’s Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice, and garnish with extra scallions or sesame seeds for a bit of crunch. The entire process takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for any night of the week.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? General Tso’s Chicken keeps well and can be enjoyed the next day, too. Here’s how to store it properly.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will lose some of its crispiness, but the flavors will still be fantastic.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken without the sauce. Lay the fried chicken pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, heat them in a preheated oven until crispy, and then toss with freshly made sauce.

When reheating, use the oven or an air fryer to restore some crispiness. Heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the chicken soft and chewy.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to get creative with your version of General Tso’s Chicken!

If you’re looking to reduce the heat, simply skip the sambal oelek or use less of it. You can also add a splash of orange juice for a sweeter, more citrusy sauce.

Want a healthier option? Try baking or air-frying the chicken pieces instead of deep-frying. While you won’t get the exact same crispy texture, it’s a great alternative for lighter meals.

Swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp to keep things interesting. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu, and coat it the same way as the chicken. Shrimp cooks even faster and adds a delicious, briny flavor to the dish.

For added vegetables, toss in some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. They’ll add freshness and crunch while making the dish more nutritious. Just sauté the veggies separately and mix them in at the end.

Experiment with the sauce ingredients! If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a mixture of oyster sauce and a bit of honey can work in a pinch. Don’t be afraid to play around and make the recipe your own.

No matter how you choose to customize this dish, you’ll end up with a satisfying and flavorful meal that brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting, and happy cooking!

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