Best General Tso’s Chicken Recipe to Try Now

If you are craving a dish that bursts with crispy, bold flavors and sweet-spicy goodness, look no further than this General Tso’s Chicken recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken coated in a satisfyingly crunchy batter and tossed in a luscious sauce that you’ll want to savor with every bite. This easy homemade version captures the magic of the takeout favorite but with fresher ingredients and customizable touches. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends with your Asian cuisine skills, this dish promises to deliver rich taste and delightful texture in every mouthful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Flavor Explosion: Each bite combines crispy, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy elements that wow your taste buds.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that are easy to find and blend perfectly.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit your mood without losing the signature flavor.
• Family Favorite: A dish that even picky eaters adore, making it perfect for all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This General Tso’s Chicken recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients that come together to build layers of taste and texture. Each component plays an important role, from the crispy coat of the chicken to the sticky, flavorful sauce that hugs every piece.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Tender, juicy, and perfect for frying to crisp perfection.
• Cornstarch: Creates the essential crispy coating that locks in moisture.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami base to the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Rice vinegar: Gives a mild tanginess that brightens the sauce.
• Sugar or honey: Balances the savory and spicy notes with a satisfying sweetness.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that deepen the flavor complexity.
• Dried red chili flakes or fresh chilis: Provide the signature kick that defines General Tso’s Chicken.
• Green onions: For fresh color and mild onion flavor as garnish.
• Vegetable oil: For deep frying the chicken to golden, crispy goodness.
• Chicken broth or water: To help create the luscious sauce consistency.
• Optional sesame seeds: Adds subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal.

Variations for General Tso’s Chicken

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to tweak it based on what you have available or your dietary preferences. From swapping proteins to adjusting spice levels, the possibilities are deliciously endless.

• Tofu version: Use firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian take that still crisps nicely.
• Spicy boost: Add extra chili flakes or a splash of sriracha if you crave more heat.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch.
• Sweet variation: Replace sugar with brown sugar or maple syrup for a deeper caramel note.
• Veggie boost: Toss in steamed broccoli or bell peppers to add color and nutrients.

this …

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry to remove excess moisture—this helps the cornstarch coating crisp up perfectly when fried.

Step 2: Coat the chicken in cornstarch

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with cornstarch, tossing gently to ensure every piece is evenly covered with a light layer for that famous crunch.

Step 3: Fry the chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the sauce

In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar or honey, chicken broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly into a glossy glaze.

Step 5: Toss and coat

Add the fried chicken pieces into the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly and heat through.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Top with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite side dish.

Pro Tips for Making General Tso’s Chicken

• Double-fry technique: Fry chicken twice for extra crunchiness—first until just cooked, then again after the sauce coats it.
• Pat chicken dry: Removing moisture ensures the batter sticks and the chicken crisps up well.
• Adjust sauce thickness: Use cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce to desired consistency without overpowering flavors.
• Use fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavor far beyond store-bought pastes.
• Batch frying: Fry chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.

How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken

Garnishes

Freshly sliced green onions offer a bright, mild crunch, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds nuttiness and texture that makes every bite pop.

Side Dishes

Pair your General Tso’s Chicken with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of stir-fried vegetables or crisp bok choy delivers a vibrant contrast in colors and nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual rice bowls topped with avocado slices or pickled cucumbers for added creaminess and tang, or create appetizer-sized skewers for parties to enjoy hassle-free finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together so the flavors meld, though the crispiness will soften over time.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to help revive some crispness. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make the chicken soggy.

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for General Tso’s Chicken?

Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts also work well if you prefer leaner meat.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch or coating is certified gluten-free.

How spicy is traditional General Tso’s Chicken?

The dish typically has a moderate kick that comes from dried or fresh chili peppers; you can always adjust spice levels to your liking.

Is General Tso’s Chicken healthy?

While it’s a flavorful treat, it’s fried and coated in a sweet sauce, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation and balanced with fresh veggies.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Heat it gently before tossing with freshly fried chicken for the best taste.

Final Thoughts

This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. From its crunchy texture to the rich, tangy sauce, it brings a restaurant-quality dish right to your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start cooking—you’ll have a crowd-pleaser on your hands before you know it!

Related Posts

• How to Make Buffalo-Style Chicken Pizza Fast
• How to Make Delicious Shoyu Chicken at Home
• Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Recipe Ideas

Print