General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a perfectly balanced sauce that’s sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. This homemade version lets you enjoy your favorite takeout meal right from your kitchen, made with fresh ingredients and a flavorful glaze that’s sure to impress your family and guests. It’s quick, easy, and ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup cornstarch + 2 tablespoons, divided
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or as needed), divided
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, season with salt and pepper, and toss with the beaten eggs.
2. Remove chicken from the eggs and coat with ½ cup cornstarch until evenly covered.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through. Remove and repeat with remaining chicken, adding oil as needed.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil to make the sauce.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the white parts of the green onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
6. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then slowly whisk it into the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Toss the cooked chicken with the sauce until fully coated, and garnish with the green parts of the onions before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve General Tso’s Chicken immediately for the best crispy texture and saucy coating.
• Pair it with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fried rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Add a side of stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers for a balanced meal.
• For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice or mixed greens.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture; microwave if short on time.
• To freeze, place cooled chicken and sauce in separate containers and store for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations

1. General Tso’s Shrimp – Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Lightly coat shrimp in cornstarch and cook until pink before tossing in sauce.
2. General Tso’s Cauliflower – Make it vegetarian by using cauliflower florets instead of chicken. Roast or fry until crispy before coating with sauce.
3. General Tso’s Tofu – Use firm tofu cut into cubes, coat in cornstarch, and fry until golden brown. Toss with sauce for a delicious plant-based option.
4. General Tso’s Turkey – Great for using leftover turkey breast, cooked and coated with sauce for a leaner version.
5. Spicy General Tso’s Chicken – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for an extra kick of heat.
6. Honey General Tso’s Chicken – Replace brown sugar with honey for a richer, stickier sweetness.
7. Pineapple General Tso’s Chicken – Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist that balances the spice with a hint of tangy sweetness.
8. General Tso’s Meatballs – Use ground chicken to make small meatballs, bake or fry them, and coat in the classic sauce.
9. Crispy Baked General Tso’s Chicken – Bake coated chicken cubes instead of frying for a healthier version that stays crispy.
10. Vegetable General Tso’s Stir-Fry – Toss the sauce with a medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian meal.
11. General Tso’s Chicken Wings – Toss fried or baked wings in the General Tso’s sauce for a game-day favorite.
12. Sesame General Tso’s Chicken – Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for added crunch and nutty flavor.
13. General Tso’s Chicken Noodles – Mix the saucy chicken with cooked noodles for a hearty one-pan meal.
14. Low-Sodium General Tso’s Chicken – Use low-sodium soy sauce, skip added salt, and balance with extra ginger and garlic.
15. General Tso’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Spoon the saucy chicken into lettuce cups for a fresh and lighter way to enjoy this dish.

FAQs

1. What does General Tso’s Chicken taste like?
   It has a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor with crispy chicken coated in a glossy sauce.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, making them an excellent alternative.
3. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
   Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken and don’t overcrowd the pan.
4. Can I air fry the chicken instead of frying it?
   Yes, coat the chicken lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
5. Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
   Traditionally, it’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking.
6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the sauce and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.
7. What’s the best oil to use for frying?
   Use vegetable or canola oil since they have a high smoke point.
8. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce, and replace cornstarch with a certified gluten-free version.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely! Just cook the chicken in batches to maintain its crispiness.
10. What can I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?
    Serve with white rice, fried rice, steamed broccoli, or egg rolls for a complete meal.

This homemade General Tso’s Chicken recipe brings together tender, crispy chicken and a perfectly balanced sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare in your own kitchen, ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout flavors made fresh at home. Serve it with steamed rice or vegetables for a satisfying and flavorful meal everyone will love.

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