General Tso’s Chicken

There’s nothing quite like the moment when you take a bite of perfectly crispy General Tso’s Chicken, glistening with sweet and savory sauce. This dish is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that takes about 30 minutes to make, ensuring it’s a quick and satisfying meal option. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and zesty ginger makes this recipe a surefire hit.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a takeout classic made at home. You can easily prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately, making dinner even quicker to prepare on the day you decide to cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chicken has a crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside.
• The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy.
• Quick cook time makes it ideal for busy evenings.
• It’s customizable with your favorite veggies for added nutrition.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your delightful dish.

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

For Cooking

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced

For Serving

• Broccoli or bell peppers (optional, for stir-fry)

Consider chicken thighs for added moisture.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Substitute honey for sugar for a different sweetness.
• Swap out soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
• Use frozen vegetables for convenience.

How to Make It

Follow these easy steps to create delicious General Tso’s Chicken.

Toss Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch until coated. This will give it a crispy texture when cooked.

Cook Chicken

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove Chicken

3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This keeps it crispy.

Cook Aromatics

4. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with flavor.

Make Sauce

5. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir to combine well.

Coat Chicken

6. Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce evenly for about a minute.

Stir-fry Veggies

7. If desired, add broccoli or bell peppers and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes. This adds color and nutrition to your meal.

Serve

8. Serve hot over rice. Pairing it with rice balances the flavors perfectly.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the chicken will become soggy.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes until hot.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the oil is hot before adding chicken for a crispy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
• Add vegetables toward the end to retain their crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over fluffy white or jasmine rice.
• Pair with steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
• Complement with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light salad.