If you love bold flavors and crispy, saucy chicken, you are going to fall head over heels for this General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. It perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes with tender chicken pieces coated in a delightfully crispy shell. This dish is a beloved classic that brings a restaurant favorite right into your own kitchen, making weeknight dinners something to eagerly anticipate. Whether you’re craving a comforting solo meal or looking to impress friends at a casual dinner, this recipe delivers that rich, satisfying taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is both simple and essential. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the classic texture, vibrant color, and perfectly balanced flavor of the sauce and chicken.
- 2 lb chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces): Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, perfect for frying.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Helps create that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying): A flavorful oil to crisp up the chicken beautifully without overpowering.
- 5 tbsp low sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth without making the dish too salty.
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar: Brings a lovely sweetness that harmonizes the spicy and sour notes.
- 2 tbsp minced ginger: Provides a warm, fresh zip that enhances the overall flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with savory aromatics and richness.
- Red pepper flakes (to taste): Adds just the right amount of heat to awaken your taste buds.
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Toss these pieces evenly in cornstarch, making sure each piece is coated well. This step is key to achieving that signature crispy bite once fried. Let the coated chicken rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves fully so that the flavor melds beautifully. This blend will become the irresistible sauce that defines the dish.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Cook the chicken in batches to avoid crowding—this ensures each piece fries to a golden brown perfection with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Simmer Sauce
In the same skillet, using the remaining oil, sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant and slightly golden. Pour in your prepared sauce mixture and let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps thicken it slightly while intensifying the flavors, creating a glossy coat for the chicken.
Step 5: Combine and Coat
Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss everything together gently but thoroughly so that every piece is generously coated in that luscious sauce. Cook for another minute or two until the chicken absorbs some of the sauce and you see that delicious sticky shine.
How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the chicken with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and a pop of color. These little touches not only elevate the flavor but make the dish look irresistible on the plate.
Side Dishes
Serve your General Tso’s Chicken Recipe alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice to soak up all the saucy goodness. Stir-fried broccoli or snap peas add a vibrant, crunchy contrast that complements the rich chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken over a bed of crispy noodles or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Pairing it with pickled vegetables offers a refreshing bite that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate prevents sogginess and keeps the chicken crispier when reheated.
Freezing
This General Tso’s Chicken Recipe freezes well. Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce individually in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to revive its crispness, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can, but chicken thighs are preferred because they stay juicy and flavorful after frying. Chicken breast tends to dry out more easily.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level is adjustable by the amount of red pepper flakes you use. You can make it mild or spicy depending on your taste, making it a versatile recipe for all heat preferences.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or potato starch work as great substitutes and will give you a similarly crispy coating on the chicken.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure the sugar hasn’t settled.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, if you substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making this General Tso’s Chicken Recipe at home—it brings a perfect medley of flavors and textures that tastes just like your favorite takeout, but even better because you made it yourself. It’s approachable, delicious, and sure to become a timeless favorite in your meal rotation. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to enjoy one of the most satisfying dishes you’ll ever make!
Print
General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe offers a flavorful blend of crispy chicken thighs coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Perfectly fried to a golden brown and tossed in a delicious Asian-inspired glaze, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that impresses with its bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
Sauce
- 5 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp minced ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and toss them thoroughly in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Set aside to let the coating adhere.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch until they are golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics & Simmer Sauce: In the remaining oil in the skillet, sauté additional garlic and ginger briefly until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer for a short time to meld the flavors and slightly thicken.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet and toss carefully to coat all pieces evenly with the simmered sauce. Heat through for a minute or two and then serve immediately.
Notes
- For crispier chicken, consider double coating with cornstarch before frying.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with steamed rice and steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness and make the dish healthier.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet for best texture retention.
