General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is a classic takeout favorite that’s crispy, sweet, and a little bit spicy all at once. The chicken is perfectly battered and fried to a golden crunch,…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
General Tso’s Chicken is a classic takeout favorite that’s crispy, sweet, and a little bit spicy all at once. The chicken is perfectly battered and fried to a golden crunch, then tossed in a glossy sauce made from soy, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness with a kick of heat. It’s the kind of dish that makes you excited for every bite.
I love making General Tso’s Chicken at home because it’s surprisingly easy and so much better than takeout. I usually double the sauce because I like it saucy and sticky, and I sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for an extra pop of flavor. It’s always a hit when I share it with friends or family.
For serving, I like to pile it over a bed of steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice, letting the sauce soak in. Sometimes I add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas to balance out the meal. I find it comforting yet satisfying, perfect for a cozy night or when you’re craving something a little extra special at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender. If you want leaner meat, chicken breasts work fine but can dry out if overcooked.
Flour & Cornstarch: Using both makes the coating extra crispy. For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free mix.
Soy sauce & Hoisin sauce: These bring salty and sweet flavors. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good swap if you want less salt.
Rice vinegar: Gives a mild tanginess; if unavailable, use apple cider vinegar but use a bit less.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust the spice level to your taste. You can omit or use chili garlic sauce for different heat styles.
How Do You Get the Chicken Crispy and Stay Crispy in the Sauce?
Crispiness is the key texture! Use cold water or eggs to coat the chicken, then dredge in a mix of flour and cornstarch. Cornstarch helps create that crunch.
- Fry chicken in hot oil (about 350°F) so it cooks quickly without absorbing too much oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels but don’t let it sit too long or it’ll get soggy.
- When tossing with sauce, make sure the sauce is hot and thick enough to cling to the chicken without soaking it.
Serve right away to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy chicken and sticky sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or wok – perfect for frying chicken evenly and keeping oil temperature steady.
- Cooking thermometer – helps you keep oil at the right heat for crispy chicken without burning.
- Mixing bowls – for coating the chicken and preparing the sauce separately.
- Whisk – to mix the sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer – makes it easy to remove chicken from hot oil safely.
- Paper towels – to drain excess oil from fried chicken and keep it crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower to make a vegetarian version that still crisps up well.
- Add steamed green beans or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener that adds a floral note.
- Stir in chopped peanuts or cashews for a nutty texture and flavor boost.
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- ½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Steamed broccoli florets (optional)
For Serving:
- Steamed white or jasmine rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
It takes about 15 minutes to prep and coat the chicken, 10 minutes to fry in batches, and 5-7 minutes to make the sauce and combine everything. Total time is roughly 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Whisk eggs in one bowl and mix flour and cornstarch in another bowl.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes each. Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce:
Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, sugar, and the cornstarch slurry in a small bowl.
5. Cook the Sauce:
In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in sauce mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thick and glossy, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated and heated through.
7. Serve:
Place steamed rice in bowls or plates. Top with saucy General Tso’s Chicken. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and broccoli if you like.
8. Enjoy:
Serve right away for the best crispy and flavorful bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps keep the coating crispy.
How Do I Store Leftover General Tso’s Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain crispiness, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure any other sauces you use are also gluten-free.
What Can I Serve with General Tso’s Chicken?
It’s delicious over steamed jasmine or white rice. For a balanced meal, try serving with steamed or stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or a simple green salad on the side.