As the fragrant aroma of sizzling chicken wafts through my kitchen, memories of bustling takeout nights flood back, blending with excitement for a homemade twist. This easy recipe for General Tso’s Chicken is my go-to when I crave that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors. What sets this dish apart? It not only brings the satisfying taste of your favorite Chinese-American takeout to your table, but it also makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that can be customized to your dietary needs—yes, there’s a gluten-free option! With simple ingredients like hoisin sauce and fresh garlic, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a comforting meal that’s both delicious and fulfilling. Ready to transform your dinner routine? Let’s dive in!
Why is Homemade General Tso’s Chicken Amazing?
Flavorful Fusion: This dish combines crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce that tantalizes your taste buds.
Quick Preparation: It’s quick to whip up, making it an ideal solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet manageable.
Customizable Options: You can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets by swapping in tamari and cornstarch, or even opt for a baked version for a lighter take.
Crowd-Pleasing: Serve it over jasmine or brown rice, and watch as everyone dives into their plates with glee, reminiscent of your favorite takeout experience.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make it in advance and store the chicken and sauce separately, ensuring a fresh dinner whenever you need it.
This recipe is your ticket to satisfying those cravings without the hassle of ordering out—even after a long day!
General Tso’s Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken Coating
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The main protein source; substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
- Cornstarch – Creates a delightfully crispy coating; for a gluten-free option, use more cornstarch or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- All-purpose flour – Adds structure to the chicken coating.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Essential seasoning to elevate the chicken’s flavor.
- Egg whites – Helps the coating stick to the chicken; can be omitted for a lighter preparation.
For the Sauce
- Hoisin sauce – Delivers sweetness and depth; for a different flavor profile, try plum sauce.
- Rice vinegar – Provides the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness; you can substitute with apple cider vinegar.
- Low-sodium soy sauce – Delivers a salty umami flavor while keeping the dish lower in sodium—perfect for homemade General Tso’s Chicken.
- Light brown sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness; substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Garlic – Infuses your dish with aromatic flavor; garlic powder can be used if you lack fresh garlic.
- Ground ginger – Brings warmth and spice; for a stronger flavor, use fresh minced ginger.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Adds the desired heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Additional cornstarch (for thickening) – Ensures the sauce clings beautifully to the chicken.
For Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil – Ideal for frying; olive oil can be an alternative but has a lower smoke point.
With these key ingredients at hand, you’re ready to recreate that beloved takeout experience right in your kitchen!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Homemade General Tso’s Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniformity for even cooking. Season the chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the seasoned chicken to marinade for about 10 minutes while you gather your remaining ingredients for the General Tso’s Chicken.
Step 2: Create the Coating Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch and all-purpose flour. This mixture will provide a crispy coating for your chicken. Once well combined, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Ensure that each piece is evenly coated to achieve that delightful crunch when frying.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy, which takes about 1-2 minutes. Dip the floured chicken pieces into the egg whites, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. This step helps the coating adhere better when frying and ensures a fantastic texture for your homemade General Tso’s Chicken.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, bringing the oil to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a separate pan, combine hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes over medium heat. Stir the mixture as it heats, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely. After about 5 minutes, add a little cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce, stirring until it becomes glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces to the pan, tossing gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes over low heat to meld the flavors. This coating step is vital for achieving the signature taste of General Tso’s Chicken, making it deliciously sticky.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your homemade General Tso’s Chicken hot over a bed of jasmine or brown rice. Pair it with stir-fried vegetables or egg rolls for a complete meal that fulfills your takeout cravings. Dig in while it’s warm, and enjoy the delightful balance of crispy chicken and flavorful sauce with every bite!
General Tso’s Chicken Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these variations to make this delicious dish your own!
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and increase the cornstarch for coating to maintain crispiness.
- Baked Version: Opt to bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for an oven-crisped delight.
- Add Vegetables: Throw in some colorful broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas while cooking the chicken for a nutritious boost.
- Spicy Twist: For an extra kick, add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mix for an intensified heat experience. Your taste buds will thank you!
- Sweet Peach: Swap the hoisin sauce for a sweet peach or apricot preserves for a fruitier delight that pairs beautifully with the spicy notes.
Why not try pairing it with this Zucchini Noodle Chicken for a fun twist? It’s a great way to lighten up your meal while maintaining delicious flavors.
- Veggie Up: For a vegetarian take, replace chicken with extra-firm tofu, pressing out excess moisture before frying for a satisfying bite.
- Lighter Version: Skip the egg whites for a lighter and fluffier coating; it still retains that satisfying crunch when fried correctly.
If you’re looking for ideas that will hit the spot on any evening, why not check out my Teriyaki Chicken Savory recipe for a new twist on your dinner rotation? It’s another superb homemade indulgence!
Expert Tips for General Tso’s Chicken
• Hot Oil Confirmation: Always ensure your oil reaches about 350°F (175°C) before frying—this is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture in your General Tso’s Chicken.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can steam the chicken rather than fry it, leading to less crispy results.
• Sauce Thickness: If your sauce isn’t thickening as expected, make a slurry with cornstarch and a bit of water before adding it to the pan, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
• Marinate for Flavor: Let the seasoned chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance its flavor; this step ensures every bite is deliciously seasoned.
• Custom Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to tailor the heat of your General Tso’s Chicken—make it as spicy or mild as you prefer!
• Make Ahead Tips: Prepare the chicken and sauce separately if you want to make this dish ahead of time, combining them just before serving for optimal freshness and taste.
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade General Tso’s Chicken are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chicken and coat it in the flour mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, fry the chicken until crispy and then toss it in the pre-made sauce to warm up for about 1-2 minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy all the flavors just as delicious as when freshly made, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Homemade General Tso’s Chicken
Elevate your homemade dinner experience with these delightful pairings that complement the vibrant flavors of your General Tso’s Chicken.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant base to soak up the sweet and spicy sauce, making every bite satisfying.
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Stir-Fried Veggies: Bright bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli add a crunchy texture and fresh flavors to balance the dish’s richness. Cooking them briefly keeps them crisp and vibrant, enhancing your meal visually and nutritionally.
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Egg Rolls: These crispy, savory bites are classic accompaniments, filled with vegetables or meats that provide a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
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Garlic Noodles: Buttery, garlicky noodles can round out your meal with comforting richness, highlighting the Asian flavors of your main dish.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side of thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar provides a light, crisp contrast that cuts through the savory elements.
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Hot and Sour Soup: This warm soup offers contrasting flavors that complement the General Tso’s Chicken. Its tangy undertones pair beautifully, creating a multi-dimensional dining experience.
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Green Tea: A soothing drink option that balances the meal, cleansing the palate between bites with its subtle, fresh flavor.
Embrace these suggestions and enjoy an elevated takeout night at home!
How to Store and Freeze General Tso’s Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To retain crispness, keep the chicken and sauce separate until ready to serve.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, make sure it’s well-wrapped.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To restore crispiness, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or stir-fry briefly in a pan.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
General Tso’s Chicken Recipe FAQs
How can I choose the right chicken for General Tso’s Chicken?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option, but chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful result. Look for chicken pieces that are firm with a fresh smell and no dark spots.
What’s the best way to store leftover General Tso’s Chicken?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I often separate the chicken and sauce to help retain the crispy texture of the chicken; just combine them when you’re ready to serve again!
Can I freeze General Tso’s Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it! Store the cooked General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap it tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crispiness.
What should I do if my sauce is too thin?
No worries! If your sauce isn’t thickening as expected, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into your sauce over low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. This step will ensure that your sauce clings beautifully to the chicken!
Are there any dietary considerations for General Tso’s Chicken?
Certainly! If you’re cooking for gluten-sensitive individuals, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or rice flour. Always check labels for any allergens, especially if you’re serving to kids or guests. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
How can I adjust the spiciness of my General Tso’s Chicken?
Very easily! You can increase or decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce based on your taste preference. For a milder version, start with just a pinch and taste as you go. If you love heat, feel free to add more; the more the merrier!
Delicious Homemade General Tso's Chicken for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniformity for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy. Dip the floured chicken pieces into the egg whites, ensuring thorough coating.
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large pan over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- In a separate pan, combine hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat and add cornstarch mixed with water to thicken.
- Once the sauce thickens, add fried chicken pieces to the pan, tossing gently to coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes over low heat.
- Serve hot over jasmine or brown rice, paired with stir-fried vegetables or egg rolls.
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