Name: General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs, beaten; Oil for frying; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/4 cup chicken broth or water; 2 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water for slurry); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tsp sesame seeds

There’s something magical about the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of General Tso’s Chicken. This classic Chinese-American dish features crispy chicken coated in a glossy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you're craving takeout or want to make something special at home, this recipe is a must-try.

I first attempted General Tso’s Chicken as a way to recreate my favorite takeout dish. To my delight, it turned out even better than restaurant versions, and now it’s a regular in our dinner rotation. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe!

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

This General Tso’s Chicken recipe combines bold flavors, satisfying textures, and an easy preparation process that will have you skipping the takeout menu.

First, it’s better than takeout. You control the ingredients, ensuring fresh, high-quality flavors in every bite.

It’s also perfectly crispy. The chicken is fried to golden perfection, staying crunchy even when coated in the luscious sauce.

The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. With soy sauce, hoisin, and just a touch of heat, it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Lastly, it’s easy to customize. Adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or tweak the sweetness to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of General Tso’s Chicken lies in its balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this dish. They’re juicier and more flavorful than breasts, though either can work in a pinch.
Cornstarch: Used for both the chicken coating and sauce thickening, cornstarch ensures a crispy exterior and a glossy sauce.
Soy Sauce: A cornerstone of the sauce, soy sauce adds savory depth. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet, tangy sauce is key to achieving the signature flavor of General Tso’s.
Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar gives the sauce its iconic sweetness.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add aromatic, zesty flavors that enhance the sauce.
Dried Red Chilies: These add the perfect amount of heat. Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.

You’ll also need vegetable oil for frying and a wok or large skillet for cooking.

How To Make General Tso’s Chicken

Making General Tso’s Chicken at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for restaurant-quality results:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut 1 pound of chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with ½ cup cornstarch until evenly coated.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat 2-3 cups of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ cup chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 4 dried red chilies until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the sauce mixture and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the fried chicken to the wok, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Storage Options

Have leftovers? This General Tso’s Chicken stores well, making it great for next-day meals.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and combining.
Reheating Tip: To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before tossing it in the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it to your liking:

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based version.
Extra Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for more color and nutrition.
Spice Level: For more heat, add extra dried chilies or a splash of sriracha. To tone it down, reduce the number of chilies or omit them entirely.
Sweetness Adjustments: Prefer it less sweet? Use less sugar or add more vinegar for tanginess.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a takeout classic you’ll want to make at home over and over again. The combination of crispy chicken, bold sauce, and customizable flavors makes it a dish the whole family will love. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy restaurant-quality dining right from your kitchen!