Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. While it may seem like a restaurant-only dish, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious version of General Tso’s Chicken that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

To make this delectable General Tso’s Chicken, you’ll need:

• Chicken and Marinade:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten
• Sauce Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
• Additional Ingredients:
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, and beaten egg. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Preparing the Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until well combined.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Frying Instructions:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
   • Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
   • Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
2. Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken:
   • Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to ensure a crispy coating.
   • Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.

Making the Sauce:

1. Combining the Sauce Ingredients:
   • In the same skillet or wok, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon for cooking the sauce.
   • Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Cooking the Sauce:
   • Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
   • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Tossing the Chicken in Sauce:
   • Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened sauce.
   • Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
2. Ensuring Even Coating:
   • Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is well coated.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this General Tso’s Chicken over steamed white rice or fried rice. Add a side of steamed broccoli or snow peas for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch.

Storage Tips

• Keeping Leftovers Fresh:
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Variations

• Using Different Proteins: Try substituting the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a different twist on this classic dish.
• Making It Vegetarian: Use tofu or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas instead of chicken.

Tips for Success

• Achieving the Perfect Balance of Flavors: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust the sweetness, acidity, or spiciness to your liking.
• Ensuring Crispy Chicken: Make sure to fry the chicken in hot oil and avoid overcrowding the pan for the best results.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
   • Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
4. How do I adjust the spice level?
   • To make the dish milder, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
5. What if I don’t have all the sauce ingredients?
   • You can substitute some ingredients with similar ones, like using soy sauce instead of hoisin sauce, but the flavor profile may change slightly.

Conclusion

General Tso’s Chicken is a delightful dish that’s easy to make at home and packed with flavor. With its crispy chicken and tangy, sweet sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!

Yield: 4

Easy General Tso's Chicken Recipe

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General Tso's Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. While it may seem like a restaurant-only dish, it's surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious version of General Tso's Chicken that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 heaping teaspoons minced garlic (3 to 4 cloves)
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 3 (3-ounce) packets ramen noodles (seasoning discarded)
• sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and more soy sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place the cornstarch in gallon zip-top bag. Add in the chicken, seal, and toss to coat.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the hoisin, soy, brown sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
3. Prepare the ramen noodles according to package directions (without using the seasoning packets). Drain and set aside.
4. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Shake off excess cornstarch and add the chicken to the hot oil. Cook the chicken pieces until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Depending on the size of the pan, you may need to work in batches, being sure not to crowd the pan. Add additional oil if necessary. Remove the chicken from the skillet to a plate and set aside.
5. Add the sauce ingredients to the pan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Add additional crushed red pepper to your liking.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and coat in the sauce. Add the cooked ramen and toss to coat. Add additional soy sauce if desired. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately.