General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

If there’s one dish I never tire of making at home, it’s General Tso’s Chicken. Crispy, tender chicken glazed in a glossy, sweet and tangy sauce with just a hint of heat—every bite delivers that irresistible restaurant magic, without ever stepping out the door. This is the General Tso’s Chicken recipe you’ll want when you need a stunning dinner everyone (kids included!) will love, and it all comes together faster than takeout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of General Tso’s Chicken is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something vibrant, flavorful, and visually stunning. Each element plays a role in getting that signature taste and crunch just right, so don’t skip the details for best results!

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, chicken thighs are perfect for soaking up flavor and staying succulent even after frying.
• Corn starch: For that essential, shatteringly crisp coating; this is what gives the chicken its signature crunch.
• Extra light olive oil: A neutral oil that’s ideal for frying and imparts zero heaviness to the final dish.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger packs warmth and depth, giving the sauce a lovely, familiar zing.
• Garlic (minced): Aromatic garlic is a must—don’t skimp for that authentic umami base!
• Red pepper flakes: Adjustable for your perfect spice level, they add just the right pop of heat to keep it exciting.
• Sesame seeds (optional): For a finishing touch that brings a gentle nuttiness and crunch to the final dish.
• Green onions (sliced, optional): Bright, fresh, and peppery—they make everything look and taste even more appetizing.
• Cold water (or chicken broth): Helps form a glossy, flavorful base for the sauce; broth brings even more depth!
• Low sodium soy sauce: Adds that unmissable salty savoriness, balancing out the sweet and tangy notes.
• Rice vinegar: This is where the tang comes from, preventing the sauce from ever tasting flat or overly sweet.
• Hoisin sauce: Sweet, savory, and rich—this is your secret weapon for deeply flavored sauce.
• Granulated sugar: For that subtle sweetness that balances everything else so beautifully.
• Cornstarch (for sauce): Helps the sauce cling to every morsel of chicken, making each bite juicy and luscious.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Dredge the Chicken

Start by trimming and cutting your chicken thighs into neat, one-inch cubes. This size ensures every piece cooks quickly and evenly, giving you maximum crispness with zero dryness. Toss the chicken in batches with cornstarch, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently tap off any extra, so it doesn’t get gummy. Set your dredged chicken on a platter lined with a kitchen towel—this step keeps your pieces nice and dry, ready to fry up flawlessly crispy.

Step 2: Mix Up the Signature General Tso’s Chicken Sauce

In a small dish or bowl, whisk together your sauce ingredients—cold water or chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, granulated sugar, and a tablespoon of cornstarch. This combination transforms in the pan, thickening to a sticky, glossy glaze that’s every bit as bold and complex as the restaurant original (and so much fresher!).

Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat extra light olive oil in a non-stick skillet until it shimmers. Working in batches, sauté your dredged chicken pieces until they’re deep golden and cooked through—each side should develop a lovely, crunchy crust. Be patient and avoid crowding the pan; this keeps the chicken crispy rather than soggy. After each batch, transfer your gorgeous golden bites to a bowl and keep going. Make sure to leave a tablespoon of oil in the pan for the next step.

Step 4: Build Flavor with Aromatics

With the heat still on, add the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and red pepper flakes straight into your reserved hot oil. A quick 30-second sauté is all you need—the kitchen will be perfumed instantly, and the aromatics will infuse both the oil and the sauce to come.

Step 5: Create the Sauce and Finish the Chicken

Pour your prepared sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir persistently as it begins to bubble and thicken. Let the sauce simmer for a minute to mellow out the vinegar and concentrate all those bold flavors. Taste, and feel free to tweak—add more soy sauce or vinegar as you like. Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing until every nugget is luxuriously coated. Finish with a shower of sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling extra festive.

How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken

Garnishes

For that restaurant-worthy look and a pop of freshness, scatter sliced green onions and a light sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top. The green onions add a much-needed brightness, while sesame seeds deliver a toasty, nutty crunch that balances out the sticky-sweet sauce. These little extras make a big impact—don’t underestimate the finishing touch!

Side Dishes

General Tso’s Chicken makes the ultimate centerpiece, and pairing it right takes your meal to the next level. Steamed jasmine or white rice is a classic match, soaking up all that irresistible sauce. For a more colorful spread, try it alongside simple stir-fried bok choy, broccoli florets, or snap peas. If noodles are your thing, a tangle of plain lo mein or sesame noodles is absolutely dreamy on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a playful twist by serving General Tso’s Chicken in lettuce wraps for crunchy, handheld bites—perfect as an appetizer or a lighter main. You can also skewer the chicken pieces for a crowd-pleasing party platter, or pile them into steamed bao buns with extra garnish for a modern take. However you plate it, this dish always draws “wow” reactions at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got some General Tso’s Chicken left over? Lucky you! Let it cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken and the coating will lose a bit of crispness, but reheating brings back plenty of that crave-worthy texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let the chicken cool and spread it out on a baking sheet so the pieces don’t stick together. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have near-instant General Tso’s Chicken on hand when cravings strike!

Reheating

For best results, reheat General Tso’s Chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often until hot throughout. This helps revive the lovely sticky texture of the sauce and crisps up the chicken exterior a bit. Microwave works too for convenience, though the texture won’t be quite as crisp. A splash of water in the pan can loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well and will give you slightly leaner results, though chicken thighs do stay juicier. Just be careful not to overcook breast meat to keep it tender.

What’s the best way to make this dish gluten-free?

Swap the soy sauce for a certified gluten-free version or tamari, and double-check your hoisin sauce for gluten as well. Everything else in General Tso’s Chicken is naturally gluten-free!

Is it possible to bake instead of fry the chicken?

Yes! Line a baking sheet with parchment, mist the dredged chicken pieces with oil spray, and bake at 425°F until golden and cooked through, about 18 to 20 minutes. The coating won’t be quite as shatteringly crisp, but it’s easier and lighter.

How spicy is General Tso’s Chicken?

The heat level is totally adjustable. A quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes gives you gentle warmth. For extra heat, add more flakes or even a drizzle of chili oil. Or, skip the flakes entirely for a milder eat!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! The recipe scales up beautifully. Fry the chicken in batches and make extra sauce, so you don’t end up with crowded pans. Your guests will be wowed by homemade General Tso’s Chicken, guaranteed.

Final Thoughts

Once you make General Tso’s Chicken at home, you’ll see just how simple, crowd-pleasing, and deliciously addictive it really is. Gather your ingredients, and get ready to dazzle yourself—and everyone at the table! Give this recipe a try and let it become your go-to whenever that takeout craving hits.

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