General Tso’s Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, all wrapped in a crispy coating. This dish combines tender chicken bites with a glossy sauce that’s bound to satisfy your taste buds. This recipe is your go-to option for recreating restaurant magic at home whether you’re looking for an indulgent treat or a crowd-pleasing dinner.
General Tso’s Chicken originated in Chinese-American cuisine, not traditional Chinese cooking. Its name honors General Tso Tsung-t’ang, a 19th-century Chinese military leader, although there’s no direct link between him and the dish. This iconic recipe became a global favorite, particularly in North America, for its addictive sweet-and-savory balance.
Checkout my another recipe: Lemon butter chicken
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Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, boneless chicken thighs work best for frying.
- Cornstarch & All-Purpose Flour: Create the perfect crispy coating.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami richness to both marinade and sauce.
- Green Onions: Garnish for a fresh burst of flavor and color
- Rice Vinegar: Lends the tangy kick that defines the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: A finishing touch for a nutty aroma.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the chicken
- fry chicken until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: Fry snow peas in the leftover oil
- Step 4: Combine chicken and cook
See video of the recipe here: TSO's Chicken
Reasons to Love General TSO's Chicken Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for a mid week meal with simple steps.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or ingredients to suit your preference.
- Better Than Takeout: Fresh, homemade, and absolutely delicious!
- Crowd Favorite: A guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Replace with chicken breasts or shrimp.
- Rice Vinegar: Replace rice vinegar with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Variations
- Bake in the Oven: Bake the general TSO's chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Spicier Sauce: Increase the chili flakes or add Sriracha for extra heat.
- Vegan Option: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken and adjust the sauce with vegan substitutes.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free flour in the coating.
Storage
Store leftover General Tso’s Chicken in a container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use an oven or air fryer to reheat, in order to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.
You can freeze the fried chicken pieces (without the sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the chicken, reheat in the oven, and toss with freshly made sauce.
Top tip
For the crispiest chicken, double-fry the pieces. Fry them once at a lower temperature, then again at a higher temperature for that golden crunch.
General TSO's Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
- For the Sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1-2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. *Prepare the Chicken:* Season with salt and pepper, coat in flour, dip in egg, and then coat with cornstarch.
2. *Fry the Chicken:* Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
3. *Make the Sauce:* Sauté garlic and ginger, then add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
4. *Combine:* Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
5. *Serve:* Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve over rice.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 615Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 1946mgCarbohydrates: 71gFiber: 2gSugar: 13gProtein: 41g
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken beforehand. Combine them just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.
Serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
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Pairing
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