Irresistible General Tsos Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Magic

Culinary adventurers can’t resist the mouthwatering general Tso’s chicken that blends sweet, spicy flavors with crispy perfection.

Savory aromas waft through kitchens, promising an exciting meal.

Succulent chicken pieces dance in a glossy, deep-red sauce that tingles taste buds.

Authentic chinese cuisine meets modern comfort food in this irresistible dish.

Layers of flavor create a complex taste experience that surprises and delights.

Homemade versions easily beat takeout, delivering restaurant-quality magic right on your plate.

Eager palates will find this recipe an absolute game-changer worth every delicious moment.

Flavor Tips For General Tso’s Chicken

• Double-coat chicken in cornstarch for extra crispy texture that locks in moisture and creates a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350-375°F when frying to ensure even cooking without absorbing excess grease.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help cornstarch adhere better and prevent soggy breading.
• Balance sauce sweetness by adjusting sugar levels or using honey as a natural alternative for a more complex flavor profile.
• Allow chicken to rest briefly after frying to maintain crispiness when adding sauce, preventing potential sogginess.

Different Takes On General Tso’s Chicken

• Vegetarian General Tsos: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, using the same coating and sauce techniques for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol instead of sugar.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, replace hoisin with coconut aminos, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Variation: Add gochujang paste to the sauce for extra heat, and garnish with kimchi and green onions for a Korean flavor profile.

What To Serve With General Tso’s Chicken

• Spicy Date Night Delight: Create a romantic dinner experience by serving General Tso's chicken with soft candlelight, matching chopsticks, and a chilled Asian-inspired cocktail.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Plate the chicken on a white square dish, carefully arranging pieces in a geometric pattern, sprinkled with fresh green onions and a light sesame seed dusting.
• Weekend Comfort Feast: Pair the chicken with steamed white rice, roasted broccoli, and crispy spring rolls for a complete Chinese-inspired meal that satisfies comfort food cravings.
• Family-Friendly Sharing Platter: Serve in a large communal dish with extra sauce on the side, allowing everyone to customize their portions and enjoy a fun, interactive dining experience.

Storing General Tso’s Chicken Best Practices

• Store leftover General Tso's Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate the chicken from excess sauce to prevent sogginess during storage.
• Use shallow containers to help the chicken cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking for maximum food safety.

FAQs

• What is cornstarch used for in this recipe?

Cornstarch creates a crispy, golden exterior on the chicken by forming a protective coating that helps seal in moisture and provides a crunchy texture when fried.

• Why do I need to use both egg and cornstarch for coating?

The egg acts as a binding agent that helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken, ensuring a more even and crispy coating that doesn’t fall off during cooking.

• Can I substitute hoisin sauce if I don't have it?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use barbecue sauce or mix equal parts soy sauce and sugar as a quick alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.

General Tso’s Chicken That Impresses

• Craft Speedy Comfort: This General Tsos chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques, making it perfect for home cooks craving delicious Asian-inspired meals.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by changing red pepper flakes or add extra vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to create a personalized dinner experience that suits every palate.
• Master Quick Cooking: From start to finish, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing even beginner cooks to create a professional-tasting dish that impresses family and friends.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: The sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce combined with crispy chicken makes this recipe a guaranteed hit for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or casual entertaining.

Ingredients For General Tso’s Chicken

• Chicken: Tender pieces that form the main protein of this classic Chinese-American dish.

• Cornstarch, Eggs: Create a crispy golden exterior that helps seal in the chicken's moisture.

• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Hoisin Sauce, Chicken Broth: Blend together to create a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce base.
• Sugar: Provides a balanced sweetness to complement the savory flavors.

• Garlic, Ginger, Red Pepper Flakes: Add depth, warmth, and a subtle kick to the dish.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Provide a fresh, crunchy finish and visual appeal to the final presentation.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior.

How To Cook General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Grab your chicken pieces and generously dust them with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is completely covered. Next, dip the cornstarch-coated chicken into beaten eggs, creating a smooth, protective layer that will help achieve a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Fry Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully place the egg-coated chicken pieces into the hot oil.

Fry until they transform into a beautiful golden brown color, which signals a crispy and delicious texture. Once done, remove chicken and let it drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

• Fresh garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Stir these ingredients until they release their fragrant essence and become wonderfully aromatic.

Step 4: Create Magical Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Hoisin sauce
• Sugar
• Chicken broth

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a harmonious sauce.

Step 5: Simmer And Thicken Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Allow it to simmer and gradually thicken, creating a rich, glossy coating.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken With Sauce

Return the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet. Gently toss them in the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously coated.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Transfer the saucy chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds for a delightful finishing touch.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Quick and Crispy General Tsos Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

General Tso’s chicken showcases Chinese-American culinary magic with crispy, golden-battered chicken pieces glazed in a tangy-sweet sauce. Savory flavors and crunchy textures will delight you at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 eggs

Coating and Frying:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup oil for frying

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Create a crispy coating by thoroughly dredging chicken chunks in cornstarch, then immerse in whisked eggs for complete coverage.
2. Prepare a deep skillet or wok with hot oil at 350°F, carefully frying chicken pieces until they achieve a golden, crunchy exterior (about 3-4 minutes per side).
3. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain completely.
4. In the same cooking vessel, quickly sauté minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until their aromatic oils release (approximately 30-45 seconds).
5. Craft the signature sauce by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, granulated sugar, and rich chicken broth until smoothly combined.
6. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, bringing to a gentle simmer and allowing it to thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.
7. Reintroduce the crispy chicken pieces into the bubbling sauce, gently tossing to ensure each morsel is lavishly coated.
8. Transfer to a serving platter, garnishing with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an authentic presentation.

Notes

• Cornstarch coating creates a crispy, light texture that helps seal in chicken’s moisture and provides a golden-brown exterior.
• Use high-heat oil like peanut or vegetable oil for frying to achieve maximum crispiness without burning the chicken.
• For a healthier version, bake the coated chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of deep-frying.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making the dish mild for kids or extra hot for spice lovers.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg