Irresistibly Crispy General Tsos Chicken Recipe

Culinary adventures often spark unexpected joy when exploring delectable General Tso’s chicken that blends sweet and spicy flavors.

Crispy golden chunks of chicken dance with vibrant sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Traditional Chinese-American cuisine shines through this popular dish, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.

Restaurants across the United States have popularized this remarkable recipe, making it a beloved favorite.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-style meal with simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques.

Tangy, rich sauce coats perfectly fried chicken pieces, promising a delightful meal that will impress everyone at the table.

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and start cooking right now.

Why General Tsos Chicken Is a Favorite

• Crunch Into Satisfaction: Perfectly crispy chicken delivers a delightful texture that makes every bite exciting and memorable.
• Whip Up with Ease: This recipe requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Customize Your Flavor: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to match personal preferences, creating a personalized dining experience.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a restaurant-style dish in less time than ordering takeout, bringing delicious Asian-inspired cuisine directly to your kitchen.

What’s in General Tsos Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that becomes crispy and absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly.

• Cornstarch, Eggs: Create a light, crispy exterior that helps the sauce cling to the chicken.

• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Hoisin Sauce, Sugar, Water: Combine to create a balanced sweet and tangy flavor profile for the classic General Tso's sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma to the dish.

• Garlic, Ginger, Chili Flakes: Provide depth of flavor and a subtle heat to the sauce.
• Green Onions: Fresh, crisp topping that adds a bright finish to the dish.

Steps for Cooking General Tsos Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Chicken Coating

Dredge chicken pieces completely in cornstarch, ensuring full coverage.

Dip coated chicken into whisked eggs, then carefully lower into hot oil.

Fry chicken chunks until golden brown and extra crispy.

Transfer fried pieces onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Create Tangy Sauce Base

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Hoisin sauce
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Water

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Develop Aromatic Flavor Foundation

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Step 4: Simmer Sauce to Perfection

Pour sauce mixture into skillet with sautéed aromatics.

Stir continuously and cook until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, creating a rich coating.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Gently toss crispy chicken pieces in the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the chicken.

Plate alongside steamed white rice and enjoy hot.

General Tsos Chicken Recipe Tips to Know

• Double-coat chicken in cornstarch for extra crunch and golden-brown exterior that stays crispy longer.
• Adjust sugar and vinegar ratios to create a personalized sweet-tangy flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Use a thermometer to maintain 350-375°F for even, crispy chicken without absorbing excess oil.
• Swap soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free hoisin sauce to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Modify chili flakes quantity to control heat intensity, ranging from mild to extra spicy based on preference.

Flavor Swaps for General Tsos Chicken

• Gluten-Free General Tsos: Replace soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch for coating chicken.
• Lighter Baked Version: Swap deep-frying with oven-baking chicken pieces at 400°F for a healthier alternative.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, maintaining the same crispy coating and sauce technique.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use almond flour instead of cornstarch for coating and replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbohydrates.

What Complements General Tsos Chicken Recipe

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Serve the General Tsos chicken over steamed jasmine rice for a classic restaurant-style presentation that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Spicy Sidekick Approach: Add extra chili flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers on top for heat lovers who want an extra kick of spiciness.
• Fresh Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken to add texture and bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich sauce.
• Veggie Balance Option: Pair the chicken with quick stir-fried broccoli or snap peas to create a more balanced meal with added nutrition and color contrast.

Best Way to Store General Tsos Chicken

• Store leftover General Tso's chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate sauce and chicken to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Spread chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Drizzle reserved sauce before serving.
• Quickly reheat chicken in a hot skillet with a splash of oil for 2-3 minutes. Add sauce in the last minute to prevent sogginess and revive original flavors.

FAQs

• Is General Tso's Chicken spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from chili flakes, which can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes used in the recipe.

• What makes the chicken crispy?

The cornstarch coating and egg dip create a protective layer that helps the chicken become golden and crispy when deep-fried, ensuring a crunchy exterior.

• Can I use a different type of vinegar?

While rice vinegar is traditional, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, though the flavor profile might slightly change.

• Is this recipe authentically Chinese?

General Tso’s Chicken is actually an American-Chinese creation, popularized in New York City in the 1970s, and not a traditional Chinese dish from any specific region.

General Tsos Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering General Tso’s Chicken delights diners with crispy, golden-brown pieces glazed in a tangy-sweet sauce. Chinese-American cuisine reaches new heights through this perfect balance of flavors and textures you’ll savor in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 eggs, beaten

Coating and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 3 green onions, sliced
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring complete coverage, then dredge through beaten eggs for a crisp exterior.
2. Deep-fry chicken at 375°F until golden brown and crispy, rotating pieces for even cooking, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Prepare sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes to release aromatic flavors.
5. Pour prepared sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Gently fold fried chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously coated with the sticky, flavorful glaze.
7. Transfer coated chicken to a serving platter, garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
8. Serve immediately alongside steamed white rice, allowing the crispy chicken to retain its perfect texture.

Notes

• Corn starch creates an extra crispy coating that locks in moisture and prevents the chicken from becoming soggy during frying.
• For a healthier version, consider baking the chicken instead of deep-frying by placing coated pieces on a wire rack and baking at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Adjust the chili flakes to control spice levels, making the dish mild for kids or extra hot for spice lovers by increasing or decreasing the amount.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content and make the recipe more diet-friendly for those watching their sodium intake.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg