If you have ever craved that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors combined with irresistibly crispy chicken, then this General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This dish is a personal favorite that brings the vibrant taste of Chinese-American cuisine right to your kitchen, with tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crunchy exterior and drenched in a luscious sauce that’s bursting with garlic, ginger, and just the right touch of heat. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe never fails to deliver comfort and excitement on a single plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that are easy to find yet essential in crafting those incredible flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s creating the crispy chicken, building the rich sauce, or adding that perfect finishing touch.
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: The star of the dish, perfect for absorbing all that delicious sauce.
- 1 cup cornstarch: Creates the irresistibly crispy coating for the chicken pieces.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken for a perfect crust.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Essential for frying the chicken until golden and crunchy.
- 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil (for sauce): Infuses the garlic and ginger with flavor during sauce preparation.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant and savory base to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Brings a warm, zesty kick that balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides depth and saltiness without overwhelming the dish.
- ½ cup rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds complexity and a slight sweetness.
- ½ cup sugar: Balances the acidity and spice with a mellow sweetness.
- ¼ cup water: Helps adjust sauce consistency to just the right thickness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening): Creates that glossy, sticky sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a mild bite at the end.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Provides a toasty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring each piece will be a perfect, crispy morsel when cooked. Then, toss the chicken in the beaten eggs, which acts like glue, allowing the cornstarch to coat every piece evenly. This simple prep step is key to getting that iconic crunchy crust.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, giving them enough space so they cook evenly and develop a golden crust. This usually takes about 5–6 minutes per batch. Once done, drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Crispy, juicy chicken awaits!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until aromatic but not browned. Next, add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water. Bring this delightful mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this into your simmering sauce while stirring continuously. This step transforms the liquid into a glossy, thick sauce that will cling perfectly to the chicken without being too runny or gloopy.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Transfer the fried chicken pieces to a large bowl or back to the wok, then pour over the thickened sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that every crispy piece is drenched in that irresistible General Tso’s sauce. This is where the magic really happens—crispy meets saucy in the best possible way.
How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dish pop visually and in flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and a generous pinch of sesame seeds on top. These little garnishes add a fresh, crisp bite and a nutty surprise that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best when paired with steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. For a lighter feel, steamed broccoli or baby bok choy provide a nice crunch and a vibrant green contrast. You can also serve it alongside simple fried rice or stir-fried vegetables for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner? Serve General Tso’s Chicken Recipe in small individual bowls topped with edible flowers or finely sliced chili peppers for a dash of color and spice. Alternatively, use crispy wonton cups as vessels for bite-sized pieces, turning it into a delightful appetizer that will disappear fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy. They should keep well for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy this fantastic dish again with almost the same freshness.
Freezing
General Tso’s Chicken can be frozen for longer storage. Flash-freeze the fried chicken pieces on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze the sauce in a separate container. Both can be stored for up to 2 months, making meal prep super convenient for busy days.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain some crispiness. Warm the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave before combining. Mixing them fresh right before eating keeps that perfect texture and flavor balance.
FAQs
Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
The traditional recipe has a mild to moderate spicy kick, mostly thanks to the ginger and sometimes added chili flakes or peppers. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference by adding or reducing chili in the sauce.
Can I use dark meat instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Thigh meat tends to be juicier and more flavorful, though the cooking time might be slightly longer. Just keep it bite-sized so the crispy texture remains consistent.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sweet bean paste or even a touch of plum sauce can mimic the sweetness and depth. However, hoisin is pretty unique and adds a special flair to the authentic taste.
Why is cornstarch important in this recipe?
Cornstarch creates that crispy, light coating on the chicken that stays crunchy even after it’s coated with sauce. It also helps thicken the sauce when mixed with water, giving you the perfect glossy finish.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free (some brands offer it). Also, double-check any other ingredients to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Final Thoughts
This General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors and textures—a comforting yet exciting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved classic. So grab your ingredients, turn up your favorite music, and get ready for a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, this one’s going to be requested again and again!
Print
General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe features crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful, tangy-sweet sauce made with soy, hoisin, garlic, and ginger. Perfectly fried and coated in a luscious thickened sauce, it’s a classic Chinese-American favorite that can be served over rice or with steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cornstarch (for coating)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
Garnish
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in beaten eggs ensuring they are well coated. Then, evenly coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch to create a crispy exterior when fried.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 5-6 minutes each batch until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and ¼ cup water. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with an equal amount of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the fried chicken pieces to the thickened sauce. Toss well until every piece is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the sauced chicken to serving plates. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by dipping it again in beaten eggs and cornstarch before frying.
- Adjust sugar levels in the sauce according to your preference for sweetness.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce overall sodium content.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent soggy chicken.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture before it softens.
