General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the sweet, spicy, and savory aroma of General Tso’s Chicken sizzling in your kitchen. Crispy chicken pieces are tossed in a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite, making this takeout favorite a showstopper at home.

I first discovered this dish during college when my friends and I would order it from the local Chinese restaurant on busy study nights. Since then, recreating General Tso’s Chicken in my kitchen has become a labor of love, delivering the same addictive flavor without leaving the house.

Read on to learn how to make this unforgettable dish, complete with helpful tips to achieve that perfect crunch.

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

Get ready to fall head over heels for this iconic dish. General Tso’s Chicken is not only absolutely delicious but also surprisingly simple to whip up.

First off, you’ll love how crispy and flavorful the chicken turns out. Coated in cornstarch and fried to golden perfection, every piece is perfectly crunchy and ready to soak up the sauce.

The sauce is an irresistible blend of flavors. With just the right amount of sweetness, a hint of soy umami, and a spicy kick, it strikes a mouthwatering balance that makes every bite unforgettable.

It’s also a fun and impressive dish to serve. Whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with friends, this homemade version of a takeout classic is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Finally, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize. You can dial the heat up or down to suit your taste buds and add vegetables to make it a more complete meal.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of General Tso’s Chicken lies in its harmonious blend of simple yet powerful ingredients. Here's a closer look at what you'll need:

Chicken Thighs: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful throughout cooking. If you only have chicken breasts, feel free to use them, but keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent dryness.

Cornstarch: This ingredient is key to creating that signature crispy coating. It’s what gives the chicken pieces a light and airy crunch. If you don’t have cornstarch, potato starch is a good substitute.

Soy Sauce: The soy sauce provides depth and umami to the sauce. I recommend using regular soy sauce for the best flavor, but you can opt for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.

Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy note that balances the sweetness of the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar as a backup, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Dried Red Chilies: The heat comes from dried red chilies, which infuse the sauce with a slow, spicy burn. You can adjust the quantity to make the dish milder or spicier, depending on your preference.

Special Equipment: To fry the chicken, a deep, heavy-bottomed pan or a wok works best. A slotted spoon or spider strainer will help you easily remove the chicken from the oil.

How To Make This General Tso’s Chicken

Creating this mouthwatering dish is simpler than you think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to nailing the perfect General Tso’s Chicken.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season them with a pinch of salt. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the coating to set.

Step 2: Fry Until Crispy
Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop in a piece of chicken. Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and a splash of water. In your wok or a clean pan, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the dried red chilies and minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and let it simmer for a minute or two, thickening slightly.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Add the crispy chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece evenly. The sauce should cling beautifully to the chicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water; if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to thicken up.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is well coated, remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and color. Expect an explosion of taste with every bite!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), storing General Tso’s Chicken properly will keep it tasting fresh.

Refrigerator: Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible, to avoid soggy chicken.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken pieces without the sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Store the sauce separately in a sealed container.

Reheating Tips: To bring back the crispiness, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Warm the sauce separately and toss everything together just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of General Tso’s Chicken is how easily it can be tailored to your taste.

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for tofu or cauliflower. Both options fry up beautifully and pair well with the sauce, making this dish vegetarian-friendly.

Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the number of dried chilies. If you want more spice, try adding chili oil or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Healthier Version: If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can skip the deep frying and opt for pan-searing or baking the chicken. It won’t be quite as crispy, but it’ll still be delicious.

Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Stir-fry them in the sauce before adding the chicken for a complete meal.

Sauce Sweetness: For those who prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar or substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Have fun experimenting with this classic recipe, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. Once you’ve mastered General Tso’s Chicken, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your home!

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