General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, you’ve got to try General Tso’s Chicken. This dish features crispy, golden chicken bites enveloped in a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s just the right mix of tang and heat. General Tso’s Chicken has become a beloved classic in Chinese-American cuisine, and it’s so rewarding to make it right at home, where you can adjust the spice level or sweetness to your liking. Once you master this recipe, it might just become your go-to weeknight favorite or party showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this General Tso’s Chicken recipe is straightforward and easy to find, but together they create a symphony of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. The simple breading and seasoning keep the chicken crispy, while the sauce blends sweet, tangy, and spicy notes beautifully.

• Chicken breasts (cubed): Choose fresh, firm chicken for the best texture and tenderness in every bite.
• All-purpose flour (or cornstarch): Provides that perfect crispy coating when fried to golden perfection.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and a lovely reddish hue to the breading.
• Garlic salt: Infuses the chicken with a savory garlic punch right from the start.
• Sugar: Essential for balancing the tang and spice with a touch of sweetness in the sauce.
• Water: Helps dissolve and meld the sauce ingredients for a smooth finish.
• White distilled vinegar: Brings a bright, acidic tang that wakes up the flavors wonderfully.
• Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients and rounds out the taste perfectly.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth and a rich umami character to the sauce.
• Red chili pepper flakes (optional): Kick up the heat for those who love a fiery twist.
• Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for crispiness without overpowering flavors.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes for even cooking. Next, mix your all-purpose flour with paprika and garlic salt to create a flavorful coating. Dredge the chicken pieces thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This step is crucial for achieving that legendary crispy texture you want in every bite of General Tso’s Chicken.

Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about three-quarters of a cup of oil in a heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This keeps each piece crisp and prevents steaming. Fry until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare and Simmer the Sauce

While the chicken is frying, whisk together the sauce ingredients: sugar, water, white distilled vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and optionally, red chili pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the fried chicken in a large pan or wok. Bring to a boil to meld those vibrant flavors, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 12 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully, coating every piece with that irresistible sticky glaze.

How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken

Garnishes

Add a fresh crunch by sprinkling chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. Both add a lovely pop of color and texture that contrast beautifully with the saucy chicken. For an extra zing, a few thin slices of fresh red chili can amp up the spice and appearance.

Side Dishes

General Tso’s Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce and balances the richness. For a little freshness, serve alongside sautéed broccoli or snap peas, which provide a crisp, green bite that complements the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your General Tso’s Chicken on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely sliced scallions. For a fun twist, stuff the chicken and sauce inside lettuce cups for a handheld delight. You can even toss the chicken with stir-fried noodles and veggies to turn it into a complete meal bursting with textures and tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the leftovers without sacrificing that signature crispy-tender texture too much.

Freezing

You can freeze General Tso’s Chicken for up to 2 months. Separate the chicken and sauce or freeze together in a freezer-safe container or bag to make reheating a breeze later on.

Reheating

To keep the chicken crispy when reheating, warm it in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat instead of the microwave. Heat the sauce separately and then combine. This method revives the texture and flavor closest to freshly made General Tso’s Chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor, so feel free to swap them in. Just adjust the cooking time so they cook through evenly.

How spicy is General Tso’s Chicken?

The classic recipe has a mild to moderate kick, largely depending on the amount of red chili flakes you add. You can customize it by adding more or less chili to suit your heat preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Just check ingredient labels carefully.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before tossing with the fried chicken.

What other vegetables go well with General Tso’s Chicken?

Bell peppers, carrots, green beans, and snap peas complement the dish nicely and add vibrant colors and textures to your meal.

Final Thoughts

Making General Tso’s Chicken at home creates a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an iconic dish with your own twist. With its crispy chicken and perfectly balanced sauce, it’s a dish that fulfills every craving for bold flavors and satisfying textures. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it again and again for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want to impress with an easy but unforgettable meal.

Print