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General Tso Chicken Recipe
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Whip up a batch of General Tso Chicken that's crispy, sweet, and a little spicy! This easy-to-make dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. With every bite, you'll savor the perfect balance of tangy sauce and tender chicken. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Follow the simple guide below for step-by-step photos and directions. We also include pro tips and tricks to ensure success every time. Plus, check out the answers to the most frequently asked recipe questions!
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Ready in just 30 minutes, this General Tso Chicken recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner. The combination of crispy chicken and sweet, tangy sauce creates an unforgettable flavor. Ideal for weeknight meals or special occasions, this dish impresses every time. Make it at home and enjoy this restaurant-quality Chinese chicken dish without leaving your kitchen!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this General Tso Chicken recipe:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1½ pounds of chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons of sriracha
For The Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of minced fresh ginger
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup of light soy sauce
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar or mirin
- 4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- 2 cup of sweet chili sauce
- 4 tablespoons of light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoon of cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoon of water)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions for garnish
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize this General Tso Chicken Dinner recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your dish uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Substitute Sugar: Use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness in your General Tso Chicken sauce. These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this Classic Asian dish.
Substitute Chicken: Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a tasty twist on General Tso recipe.
Substitute Soy Sauce: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version of General Tso's Chicken.
Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers or broccoli to add color and extra nutrition to your General Tso Chicken.
How to Make General Tso Chicken
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started on making delicious General Tso recipe today!
FIRST STEP: Heat at least 3 inches of oil in a Dutch oven until it reaches 370°F. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to heat the oil.
SECOND STEP: Prepare the chicken while the oil is heating. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, black pepper, sea salt, and flour.
THIRD STEP: In a second bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and sriracha.
FOURTH STEP: Batter the chicken pieces by dipping them first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, and one more time into the flour mixture. Set the battered chicken on a separate plate.
FIFTH STEP: When the oil has reached 370°F, place several battered chicken pieces into the oil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the batter is golden brown. Lift the deep-fried chicken pieces from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on several sheets of paper towels to soak up the excess oil. Continue cooking the chicken in batches until you have cooked all the chicken.
Pro Tip
Keep the oil temperature as even as possible. Frying is most successful between 350 to 375°F. A Dutch oven will help maintain a steady temperature and hold the heat.
SIXTH STEP: In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Saute the ginger and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until very fragrant and beginning to brown just a bit.
SEVENTH STEP: Add soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, hoisin, chili sauce, and brown sugar to the saucepan and whisk the sauce ingredients until smooth. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
Pro Tip
Taste the glaze as it’s simmering, and adjust the flavors as you like. Sriracha and the sweet chili sauce add spice. The chili sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar all add sweetness. The soy sauce and rice vinegar add saltiness and zing.
EIGHTH STEP: Heat the sauce to a slow boil then whisk some or all of the cornstarch mixture into the sauce to thicken the sauce until desired consistency is reached.
Pro Tip
Adding a cornstarch slurry helps to thicken your tangy sauce if you find it too runny.
NINTH STEP: Place the Chinese fried chicken into a large mixing bowl. Pour the glaze over the chicken and toss until the chicken is nicely coated with the glaze.
TENTH STEP: Top with green onions and sesame seeds and serve immediately over rice.
How To Serve General Tso Chicken
There are so many fun and delicious ways to serve Chinese Fried Chicken! Whether it's a family meal or a special occasion, this recipe always delivers. Here are some top ideas:
Family Dinners: Serve General Tso Chicken with fried rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables. Kids love the sweet and tangy flavor, making it a hit for weeknight meals. Complement it with beef and broccoli for a complete meal.
Party Platter: Make bite-sized Chinese chicken and serve with toothpicks for an easy-to-eat party appetizer. Pair it with crab rangoon and a tangy dipping sauce to wow your guests.
Special Occasions: For holidays or celebrations, serve this dish with fried rice and fortune cookies for a fun and festive meal. The rich flavors and crispy texture make it perfect for impressing family and friends!
Why You'll Love This General Tso Chicken Recipe
General Tso Chicken is more than just a dish—it's a beloved favorite for many delicious reasons:
Irresistible Flavor Combination: This recipe perfectly blends crispy chicken with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. The bold flavors create a mouthwatering experience that will have you craving every bite.
Simple Yet Satisfying: Despite its restaurant-quality taste, this dish is easy to make at home. In just a few steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal that's both satisfying and straightforward.
Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe always earns rave reviews. The familiar flavors make it a comforting choice that everyone loves.
General Tso's Chicken isn't just another dinner option—it's a guaranteed hit that adds flavor and fun to any meal.
Recipe FAQ
How do I get the chicken crispy in General Tso Chicken?
Coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying to ensure a crispy texture. Make sure your oil is hot enough.
What kind of chicken works best for General Tso Chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender when fried. Chicken breasts also work well.
Can I make the sauce spicier for General Tso Chicken?
Yes, simply add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to increase the heat in your sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce for General Tso Chicken?
Mix a small amount of cornstarch with water, then stir it into the sauce while cooking until it thickens.
Serving FAQ
General Tso's Chicken is a versatile dish that shines on any table. Whether you're hosting a casual family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this recipe will impress everyone.
Family Dinners: Serve this recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal that kids and adults will both love. Pair it with steamed rice and roasted broccoli for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
Special Occasions: Impress guests with this flavorful dish at your next dinner party or holiday gathering. Complement it with egg rolls and a simple cucumber salad to round out the meal.
Seasonal Feasts: Perfect for any season, this recipe warms up winter nights and brings excitement to summer gatherings. Serve it alongside a refreshing watermelon salad in summer or a hearty vegetable stir-fry in winter.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of your General Tso Chicken. From making ahead to reheating, we've got you covered!
Can I prepare General Tso Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day.
What's the best way to store leftover General Tso Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to three days.
Can I freeze General Tso Chicken?
Yes, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. They can last in the freezer for up to one month.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen General Tso Chicken?
Thaw the chicken and sauce in the fridge overnight. Reheat them separately in a skillet until heated through.
How should I reheat General Tso Chicken when ready to serve?
Reheat the chicken and sauce separately in a skillet on medium heat, then combine them just before serving.
Can I reheat General Tso Chicken in the microwave?
Yes, reheat the chicken in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
General Tso Chicken
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- vegetable oil (for frying)
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup light soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or mirin)
- 4 tablespoons hoisin
- 2 cups sweet chili sauce
- 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
- Heat at least 3 inches of oil in a Dutch oven until it reaches 370°F. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to heat the oil.
- Prepare the chicken while the oil is heating. In one bowl, mix together the paprika, black pepper, sea salt, and flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and sriracha.
- Batter the chicken pieces by dipping them first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, and one more time into the flour mixture. Set the battered chicken on a separate plate.
- When the oil has reached 370°F, place several battered chicken pieces into the oil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the batter is golden brown. Lift the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on several sheets of paper towels to soak up the excess oil. Continue cooking the chicken in batches until you have cooked all the chicken.
- In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Sauté the ginger and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until very fragrant and beginning to brown just a bit.
- Add soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, hoisin, chili sauce, and brown sugar to the saucepan and whisk until smooth. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Heat the sauce to a slow boil then whisk some or all of the cornstarch mixture into the sauce to thicken the sauce until desired consistency is reached.
- Place the cooked chicken into a large mixing bowl. Pour the glaze over the chicken and toss until all of the chicken is nicely coated with the glaze.
- Top with green onions and sesame seeds and serve immediately over rice.
Notes
- Keep the oil temperature as even as possible. Frying is most successful between 350 to 375°F. A Dutch oven will help maintain a steady temperature and hold the heat.
- Taste the glaze as it’s simmering, and adjust the flavors as you like. Sriracha and the sweet chili sauce add spice. The chili sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar all add sweetness. The soy sauce and rice vinegar add saltiness and zing.
- Adding a cornstarch slurry helps to thicken your tangy sauce if you find it too runny.
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