General Tso Chicken: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Favorite

General Tso Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy fried chicken tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s a perfect balance of bold flavors and satisfying textures that make it a favorite takeout choice for many. Though its origins are debated, this dish has become a staple in many households thanks to its rich sauce and crunchy coating. Making it at home means you can enjoy all the flavor without the wait, plus customize the spice level to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Garnish

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

How to Make General Tso Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken
Dry the chicken pieces with paper towels. Dip them into the beaten eggs, then coat them fully in cornstarch. This step helps create a crispy outer layer.

Fry the chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Make the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Set aside for later.

Cook the aromatics
In a clean skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for around 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combine and thicken the sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the aromatics. Bring it to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Toss the chicken
Place the fried chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat all the pieces evenly.

Garnish and serve
Top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve right away with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.

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Tips for Perfect General Tso Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat — they stay tender and flavorful compared to breasts.
• Pat chicken dry before coating — this helps the cornstarch stick and creates a crispier crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying — fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and chicken crispy.
• Adjust sweetness and spice — Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor, or increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. Adjust to suit your taste.
• Serve immediately — The chicken tastes best when it’s crispy and freshly coated in the warm sauce just before serving.

Variations on General Tso Chicken

• Spicy General Tso Chicken:Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a small splash of sriracha if you want a stronger kick of heat
• General Tso Cauliflower: Swap chicken for battered and fried cauliflower florets for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Healthy Baked Version: Instead of frying, coat the chicken with cornstarch and bake at 425°F (220°C) until crispy, then toss with sauce.
• General Tso Tofu: Use firm tofu cubes, lightly fried until crispy, for a plant-based twist.
• Low-Sugar Sauce: Reduce sugar or substitute with honey or maple syrup to lower the sweetness without losing flavor.

Conclusion

General Tso Chicken is a crispy and flavorful dish that satisfies cravings with ease. Its mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors has made it a favorite across the globe. Making it at home gives you a fresher, more customizable version that’s just as comforting as your favorite takeout. Whether you follow the classic approach or try a twist, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests. Try it out and enjoy a taste of Chinese-American comfort right from your own kitchen.