Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 dried red chilies (optional, for heat)
For garnish
- Green onions, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its crispy, golden chicken chunks coated in a rich and savory sauce. The chicken is seasoned, battered, and deep-fried to create a satisfying crunch, then tossed in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sugar. The dish often has a slight kick from dried red chilies, making it perfectly balanced with sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s a favorite for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, and when served with steamed rice, it makes for a filling and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re craving comfort food or something a little different, this General Tso’s Chicken recipe is sure to hit the spot!
Please note: Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for General Tso’s Chicken (per serving, assuming 4 servings total): these values can vary depending on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and oil used for frying.
Steps
1 Done | Prepare the chicken1. In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 2. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then dredge them in the cornstarch-flour mixture until well coated. |
2 Done | Fry the chicken1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. 2. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels. |
3 Done | Make the sauce1. In the same pan, add sesame oil and sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. 2. Add the dried red chilies, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Stir well. 3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and then add the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce. Stir continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency. |
4 Done | Combine the chicken and sauceAdd the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. |
5 Done | Garnish and serve1. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional). 2. Serve with steamed rice or your favorite side. Enjoy your homemade General Tso’s Chicken! |
