Description
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
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, season with salt and pepper, and toss with the beaten eggs.
- Remove chicken from the eggs and coat with ½ cup cornstarch until evenly covered.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 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.
- Toss the cooked chicken with the sauce until fully coated, and garnish with the green parts of the onions before serving.
Notes
-
- 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.