General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

If I had to pick one dish that truly surprised me the first time I made it at home, it’s General Tso’s Chicken. I had always ordered it at restaurants, but I never thought I could recreate that bold, tangy, and slightly sweet taste in my own kitchen. 

Believe me, this dish is so good that it will have you ditching takeout for good. Plus, making it yourself ensures you can adjust flavors to suit your taste. Trust me, the crispy chicken bathed in that glossy sauce is pure magic. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s now one of my go-to recipes for impressing family and friends!

⏲️ How Long Does It Take to Make General Tso’s Chicken?

Making this recipe doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s the breakdown of the cooking time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes dicing chicken, mixing the batter, and prepping sauce ingredients)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes (frying, mixing, and simmering)
• Total Time: About 35 minutes

Time-Saving Tip: Marinate the chicken and prep the sauce ahead of time. You can store the sauce in a jar in the fridge for up to 3 days, making this recipe even quicker when you’re ready to cook.

🥘 Must-Have Kitchen Tools for the Job

Before you start cooking, make sure you have these essential kitchen tools. They’ll make your cooking process easier and stress-free:

1. Wok or Deep Frying Pan (for frying the chicken perfectly)
2. Mixing Bowls (to marinate the chicken and prepare the batter)
3. Whisk (to mix the sauce evenly)
4. Tongs (to turn the chicken while frying)
5. Slotted Spoon (helps drain excess oil after frying)
6. Cutting Board and Sharp Knife (for cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces)
7. Measuring Spoons and Cups 💡 (for precise ingredient measurements)

These tools are not only handy for this recipe, but they’re also great additions to your everyday cooking set.

🥗 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create explosive flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for coating the chicken)
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium for a healthier option)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with water to thicken)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 inch ginger (grated)
• 4–6 dried red chilies (adjust heat level as per your liking)
• 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)
• Optional sesame seeds for garnish

Ingredient Variations:

• For a healthier option, use air-fried chicken pieces.
• Want to go vegetarian? Swap the chicken for tofu!
• Craving more veggies? Add bell peppers or broccoli to the stir-fry for extra crunch.

🔥 Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking General Tso’s Chicken

Here’s how to cook General Tso’s Chicken in just a few simple steps. Once you get started, you’ll realize it’s easier than it sounds!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Take your chicken pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
2. Dip the chicken into the beaten egg, then coat each piece evenly with cornstarch or flour.
3. Set the chicken aside while heating oil in a wok or pan for frying.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken 🍗

1. Heat enough oil in your wok to shallow fry the chicken pieces.
2. Fry the chicken in small batches until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the fried pieces using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil.
2. Heat a tablespoon of oil in the same wok and sauté garlic, ginger, and dried chilies until fragrant.
3. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

1. Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss to coat them evenly.
2. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well coated and heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the finished dish to a serving plate.
2. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a professional touch.

That’s it! Now you have your homemade General Tso’s Chicken ready to devour. 😋

What to Serve with General Tso’s Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with several sides. Here are some creative serving ideas to elevate your meal:

• Steamed Rice 🍚 (classic)
• Fried Rice (for extra flavor)
• Stir-Fried Vegetables (like bok choy or snow peas)
• Vegetarian Noodles 🍜 (for a complete family meal)
• Add a simple salad on the side to balance the richness.

✨ Pro Tips for the Best General Tso’s Chicken

Want to make this recipe truly shine? Here are some expert tips to ensure it’s a hit:

1. Get the Crispiest Chicken by double-frying it. Fry it once lightly, rest for a minute, then fry again for ultimate crispiness.
2. Adjust the Sweetness to your preference by reducing or increasing the sugar in the sauce.
3. Control the Spice by using fewer or hotter dried chilies.
4. Keep it Fresh by serving immediately after cooking. The longer it sits, the less crispy the chicken becomes.
5. Experiment with Garnishes by adding fresh herbs or crushed peanuts for added crunch.

🥗 Nutritional Benefits of General Tso’s Chicken

While this dish is indulgent, you can make it healthier with a few tweaks:

• Substitute fried chicken with air-fried or baked options.
• Use coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce for reduced sodium.
• Add extra vegetables to increase the fiber and vitamin content.

💡 Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Have leftovers? Here’s how to store and enjoy them again:

• Storage Tips: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a hot pan or wok to revive the sauce and crispness. Avoid using the microwave to prevent the chicken from getting soggy.

Pro Tip: If reheating, serve with a fresh batch of rice or veggies for a full meal.