If you have ever craved a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a hint of spicy, then this General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is just what you need. It’s a beloved takeout favorite, but making it at home means tender, crispy chicken bites coated in a rich sauce bursting with garlic, ginger, and a touch of chili heat. This recipe brings that classic flavor right to your kitchen table with simple ingredients and easy steps that make every bite utterly satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special treat, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together a perfect General Tso’s chicken relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one contributes to the overall texture, flavor depth, and even the vibrant color of this dish, ensuring every bite is as good as your favorite restaurant version.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they provide tender meat that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- Large eggs: Act as the binding agent for the flour coating, helping create that irresistible crispy crust.
- All-purpose flour: The key to a light, crunchy exterior when frying the chicken.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying due to its high smoke point, ensuring golden, crisp chicken.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers the savory umami flavor that’s fundamental to the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth, creating the signature sticky glaze that clings to the chicken.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Provide savory notes that infuse the sauce with warmth.
- Fresh ginger (minced): Brings a bright, zesty kick that balances the sweetness.
- Chili paste: Adjust this to your desired spice level for that classic gentle heat that livens the dish.
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure each is perfectly coated, cooked evenly, and easy to enjoy. This step sets the stage for the crispy texture that makes this dish so addictive.
Step 2: Set Up the Coating Stations
Next, beat the eggs in one bowl as your wet coating station, and in another bowl, season the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. This combination creates a flavorful crust that locks in moisture while frying.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece first in the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully covered, then dredge it in the seasoned flour until each bite is evenly coated. This double-layer helps achieve the signature crispy exterior.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil until it starts to shimmer—this means it’s ready for frying. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, frying the chicken pieces for about 5 minutes each until they are deeply golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep the chicken perfectly crunchy.
Step 5: Make the Signature Sauce
In a separate pan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and chili paste. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it thickens to a glossy, sticky sauce packed with all the flavors that make General Tso’s chicken so irresistible.
Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce
Finally, toss the crispy fried chicken pieces into the warm sauce, making sure each piece is generously coated. This step transforms the dish, marrying the crunchy texture with that luscious glaze that fans of this recipe love.
How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance both the look and flavor of your General Tso’s Chicken Recipe, try garnishing with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These add fresh brightness and a subtle crunch that complement the rich sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of sauce. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a pop of color and additional nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or simply switch things up, serve the chicken over a bed of fried rice or wrapped in lettuce cups. For gatherings, a family-style platter with garnishes and sides on the side invites everyone to create their perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover General Tso’s chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the chicken will soften as it sits, but the flavors will deepen and meld nicely.
Freezing
The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. This helps restore some of the original crispiness while keeping the sauce deliciously sticky and warm.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and can add a richer flavor to your General Tso’s Chicken Recipe, just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How spicy is this General Tso’s Chicken Recipe?
The spice level is entirely customizable. If you’re sensitive to heat, use less chili paste or omit it entirely. For those who love a kick, feel free to increase the chili paste or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake the chicken coated in oil at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
Oils with high smoke points like peanut oil or canola oil work great for frying. Avoid olive oil as it can smoke at high heat and impact the flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You’ll need to substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe safe for a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this General Tso’s Chicken Recipe at home opens up a world of flavors that are both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can indulge in a dish that’s crisp, saucy, and bursting with that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Give it a go—you just might find this becoming your new favorite comfort food!
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General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a flavorful, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili paste. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this dish balances sweet and savory elements with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- Chili paste, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In one bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper to season it well.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then thoroughly coat with the seasoned flour, shaking off excess to get a crispy fry.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 5 minutes each until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate pan over medium heat, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chili paste. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss them thoroughly in the sauce to coat evenly, allowing the flavor to penetrate and coat each piece.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust chili paste according to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Ensure oil temperature is hot enough before frying to achieve crispiness and prevent oil absorption.
- This recipe is best enjoyed immediately for optimal crispness.
- Leftover chicken can be reheated in a skillet to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
