Why Make This Recipe
General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine. It features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that has become a favorite in many households. Making this dish at home allows you to enjoy its delightful flavors, control the ingredients, and create a meal that everyone will love.
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your homemade General Tso’s Chicken!
How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken
Serve General Tso’s Chicken hot over steamed rice or alongside fried rice. You can also add some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Garnishing with extra green onions or sesame seeds can add a nice touch.
How to Store General Tso’s Chicken
To store General Tso’s Chicken, allow it to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave when ready to eat.
Tips to Make General Tso’s Chicken
- Make sure to coat the chicken well with cornstarch for a crispier texture.
- Control the spice by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the soy sauce before frying.
Variation
You can make a healthier version by using baked chicken instead of frying. Just bake the coated chicken pieces until golden and crispy, then follow the same steps for the sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture to the dish.
Q: Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
A: It can be slightly spicy due to the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder taste.
Q: Can I make General Tso’s Chicken gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
General Tso's Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch For coating the chicken
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil For frying
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adjust for spice preference
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 none green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cooking
- Add the chicken and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.