General Tso Chicken Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know that the ultimate comfort food involves something crispy, saucy, and just a little bit spicy. Let me introduce you to my homemade twist on General Tso’s Chicken—perfect for those nights when you’re craving takeout but want the satisfaction of making it yourself.

I love creating delicious versions of classic dishes, and my General Tso’s Chicken recipe is one you’ll want to try. I think the combination of flavors from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, along with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, is irresistible.

Boneless chicken thighs, coated in cornstarch and flour, create a crispy bite, while hoisin sauce and rice vinegar bring the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Served with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions, it’s a delightful dish I can’t get enough of.

General Tso Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• Soy Sauce: Adds salty umami flavor; high in sodium.
• Cornstarch: Creates crispy coating; thickens sauce.
• Garlic: Infuses aromatic, savory depth; supports immunity.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet, tangy; rich in flavors, complements spice.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides mild acidity; balances sweetness.
• Ginger: Spicy warmth; aids digestion and boosts flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty aroma; enhances dish with healthy fats.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Adds heat; boosts metabolism.

General Tso Chicken Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

How to Make this General Tso Chicken Recipe

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the soy sauce and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs.

3. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat once more in the flour mixture.

4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.

6. In the same skillet, remove excess oil and add the minced ginger and garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the ginger and garlic, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.

8. Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

9. Add sliced green onions to the chicken, stirring to combine.

10. Serve the General Tso’s Chicken hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired. Enjoy!

General Tso Chicken Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl
2. Mixing bowls (2 or more)
3. Whisk or fork (for beating eggs)
4. Skillet (large) or frying pan
5. Tongs or slotted spoon
6. Plate
7. Paper towels
8. Small bowl
9. Measuring cups and spoons
10. Knife
11. Cutting board
12. Spatula or wooden spoon

FAQ

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs. However, thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
• Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce? If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can mix soy sauce with some peanut butter and a bit of sugar for a similar taste.
• Can I make this dish less spicy? To reduce spiciness, decrease or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• What oil is best for frying the chicken? Vegetable oil is recommended due to its high smoke point, but canola or peanut oil are also good alternatives.
• How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use a gluten-free soy sauce and substitute cornstarch for the flour in the batter.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance? You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken a few hours in advance. Fry the chicken just before serving to maintain its crispness.
• What do I serve with General Tso’s Chicken? It pairs well with steamed rice or fried rice and a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli.

General Tso Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari to make the dish gluten-free.
• Cornstarch can be substituted with potato starch or arrowroot powder for a similar thickening effect.
• Rice vinegar can be swapped with apple cider vinegar if rice vinegar is unavailable.
• Vegetable oil can be replaced with canola oil or peanut oil for frying.

Pro Tips

1. Optimal Marination For maximum flavor, allow the chicken to marinate in the soy sauce for longer than 15 minutes if possible. Marinating for up to 1 hour can enhance the flavor penetration, making the chicken more tender and tasty.

2. Double Coating Technique To ensure super crispy chicken, make sure to firmly press the flour mixture onto the chicken pieces both before and after dipping in the egg. This will create a thicker coating that crisps up beautifully when fried.

3. Oil Temperature Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) during frying. Too low and the chicken will absorb oil and become soggy; too high and the coating may burn before the chicken cooks through. Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature if possible.

4. Make-Ahead Sauce Prepare the sauce mixture in advance to save time while cooking. This allows the sugar to dissolve fully, balancing the flavors. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce before heating.

5. Rest Before Serving After coating the chicken in sauce, let it sit for a few minutes off the heat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and saturate the crispy exterior, enhancing the overall taste and texture.