Zesty General Tso’s Chicken Recipe: Homemade Magic

Sizzling woks and tantalizing aromas fill the kitchen when you start making this delectable General Tsos chicken delight that combines sweet, spicy, and crispy elements into one mouthwatering dish.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, vibrant sauce promise an explosion of flavor with every bite.

Authentically inspired by Chinese-American cuisine, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.

The golden-brown chicken chunks glisten with a rich, sticky sauce that balances heat and sweetness perfectly.

Each morsel promises a delightful crunch that will have you coming back for more.

Forget takeout – this homemade version brings excitement and bold flavors to your dinner table.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 463 kcal

Servings: 5

General Tso’s Chicken Ingredient Rundown

• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and provides salty base for the marinade.
• Hoisin Sauce: Brings sweet and tangy complexity to the overall sauce profile.
• Rice Vinegar: Creates bright, acidic balance in the sauce.
• Chili Paste: Delivers spicy kick and vibrant heat.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, aromatic undertone.

• Chicken: Select fresh, boneless thighs or breasts for tender, juicy results.
• Ginger: Freshly grated adds zingy, warming note to marinade.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent flavor base.
• Chili Flakes: Enhances spice level and adds textural interest.

• Cornflour: Creates crispy, golden exterior when frying chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Balances heat with caramel-like sweetness.
• Chicken Stock: Helps create silky, smooth sauce consistency.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, sharp garnish with bright color.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides delicate crunch and nutty accent.

Tools for Cooking General Tso’s Chicken

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for blending sauces and marinating chicken.
• Colander: Perfect for draining and shaking off excess cornflour from chicken.
• Deep Skillet: Ideal for frying chicken to crispy golden perfection.
• Clean Skillet: Necessary for making the stir fry sauce.
• Paper Towels: Great for draining excess oil from fried chicken.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure sauce ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise chopping of garlic, ginger, and green onions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sauces and tossing chicken.

Frying and Tossing General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken Delight

• Flavor Foundation

Create a tangy blend of sauces combining soy, hoisin, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. This magical liquid will transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary feast.

• Chicken Marination

Pour most of the sauce mixture over chicken pieces, introducing grated ginger and garlic for an explosion of taste. Let the ingredients mingle and absorb flavors for half an hour.

• Crispy Coating

Dust the marinated chicken with a light layer of cornflour, ensuring each piece gets an even, delicate covering that will create irresistible crunchiness.

• Sauce Magic

Mix remaining sauce with brown sugar and chicken stock, creating a glossy, rich liquid that will coat the chicken with incredible depth and shine.

• Golden Transformation

Submerge chicken pieces into hot oil, watching them turn golden and crisp. Carefully remove and let excess oil drain on absorbent paper.

• Final Symphony

In a fresh pan, quickly sauté aromatic garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Pour in prepared sauce, letting it simmer and thicken into a luxurious glaze.

• Elegant Presentation

Lovingly toss crispy chicken in the silky sauce, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve alongside fluffy rice for a meal that promises culinary adventure.

Flavor Adjustments for General Tso’s Sauce

• Crunch Control: For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the pieces in cornflour and let them rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.
• Spice Symphony: Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing chili paste and chili flakes. Swap fresh red chilies for a more vibrant and intense spicy kick.
• Healthier Twist: Opt for baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying. Place coated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet and cook at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Veggie Transformation: Replace chicken with tofu, cauliflower, or mixed vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version. Press tofu thoroughly and cut into bite-sized cubes before marinating and coating.
• Sauce Hack: Make a big batch of the sauce and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use as a quick stir-fry base or marinade for other proteins and vegetables.

Serving Ideas for General Tso’s Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Plating: Arrange the crispy General Tso's chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, allowing the vibrant sauce to cascade beautifully across the golden-brown pieces.
• Gourmet Garnish Elegance: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds generously over the dish, adding a delightful crunch and visual appeal that elevates the entire presentation.
• Veggie Companion Boost: Pair the chicken with quick-sautéed broccoli florets or roasted baby bok choy on the side, creating a balanced meal that introduces extra nutrients and complements the rich, tangy flavors of the dish.
• Quick Customization Hack: Offer optional chili sauce or extra sesame seeds at the table, letting diners adjust the heat and texture to their personal preference for a more interactive dining experience.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Smoothly

• Smart Meal Planning Tactics
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the chicken quantity and store extra in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated portions stay fresh up to 3 days.
• Sauce Separation Strategy: Keep sauce and crispy chicken separate until serving to maintain maximum crunchiness. Store sauce and chicken in different containers to prevent sogginess.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze uncoated marinated chicken pieces in sealed freezer bags for future cooking. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before preparing recipe.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose remaining General Tso's chicken by chopping and adding to salads, wraps, or stir-fried rice for delicious next-day lunch options.

Crispy General Tsos Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory General Tso’s Chicken Delight showcases Chinese-American culinary magic with crispy chicken in tangy sauce. Balanced flavors and simple ingredients create a restaurant-quality meal you’ll enjoy preparing at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 600 g (1.4 lbs) chicken thighs, boneless skinless, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 to 4 cups oil for frying (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
• 2 tbsps oil (peanut, vegetable or canola)
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken stock
• 3 tbsps soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
• 3 tbsps brown sugar
• 2 tsps ginger, finely chopped
• 2 tsps green onions, finely sliced
• 2 tsps chili paste (e.g., Sambal Oelek)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
• 1 tsp garlic, finely grated
• ½ tsp red chili flakes
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl, creating a complex flavor base for the chicken.
2. Coating Technique: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with cornflour, ensuring an even layer that will transform into a crispy golden exterior during frying.
3. Sauce Development: Combine reserved marinade with brown sugar and cornflour, gradually blending in chicken stock to create a smooth, glossy sauce with perfect consistency.
4. Frying Process: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, carefully fry chicken pieces until they achieve a rich golden-brown color and crisp texture, working in batches to maintain optimal temperature.
5. Flavor Infusion: In a separate pan, quickly sauté garlic, ginger, and chili flakes to release their aromatic essence, then pour in the prepared sauce and allow it to simmer and thicken.
6. Final Assembly: Gently fold crispy chicken into the bubbling sauce, ensuring each piece is completely and luxuriously coated with the flavorful glaze.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the dish, then plate immediately with steamed rice to preserve the chicken’s perfect crispiness.

Notes

• Marinating Magic: Let chicken sit in marinade for 30 minutes to maximize flavor penetration and tenderize meat effectively.
• Cornflour Coating Technique: Dust chicken lightly and evenly to achieve ultra-crispy exterior without heavy breading.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 350-375°F for perfect golden-brown crunch without greasy residue.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: Whisk cornflour mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, glossy sauce texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 463
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 116 mg