Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken
Craving a delicious takeout favorite tonight? Let’s talk about General Tso Chicken. The crispy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce is a beloved dish that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or just looking for something flavorful to whip up, this General Tso Chicken recipe is a winner. Get ready to impress your taste buds with the perfect balance of flavors and textures!
Key Takeaways:
- Experience the bold flavors of General Tso Chicken
- Save time and money by making this dish at home
- Savor the delicious combination of sweet and spicy notes
- Top tips to ensure your General Tso Chicken turns out amazing
- Quick tip on serving and storing your leftovers
Why You’ll Adore This General Tso Chicken
Irresistible Flavor: Get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of General Tso Chicken that will tantalize your taste buds.
Homemade Goodness: There’s something special about preparing your General Tso Chicken at home that adds an extra touch of love to your meal.
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Sweet and Spicy Harmony: Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and spicy flavors in every bite of this General Tso Chicken recipe.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Impress your family and friends with a homemade version of this popular Chinese dish that everyone will love.
Essential Ingredients for General Tso Chicken
Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy chicken thighs are the star of this dish, providing a succulent base for the sauce.
Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch helps create that crispy exterior everyone loves.
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Soy Sauce: The umami-rich soy sauce enhances the overall savory flavor profile of General Tso Chicken.
How to Make General Tso Chicken
Prepping the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to infuse it with delicious Asian-inspired flavors.
Coating and Frying
Dredge the marinated chicken in cornstarch, then fry it until crispy and golden brown, creating the perfect texture for General Tso Chicken.
Creating the Sauce
Whisk together the sauce ingredients, including soy sauce, hoisin, and chili paste, to create a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze for the chicken.
Ingredients
General Tso Chicken Instructions
Pro Tips for the Best General Tso Chicken
Crispy Chicken Tip: For extra crispy chicken, let the coated pieces sit for a few minutes before frying.
Sauce Consistency Tip: Adjust the amount of cornstarch in the sauce to reach your desired thickness.
Flavor Enhancement Tip: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.
You Must Know
- General Tso Chicken is traditionally served with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Don’t forget to adjust the amount of chili paste based on your spice preference for the sauce.
- Leftover General Tso Chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet to maintain its crispiness.
- Feel free to customize the level of sweetness in the sauce by adjusting the amount of sugar added.
How to Store General Tso Chicken
Store any leftover General Tso Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
Customizing Your General Tso Chicken
Want to make your General Tso Chicken a bit healthier? Try swapping chicken thighs for chicken breast for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
What to Serve with General Tso Chicken
Complete your General Tso Chicken meal with a side of steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the flavors.
Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken
Crispy juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce with a spicy kick! This quick and easy General Tso Chicken recipe is ready in 25 minutes saving you money on Chinese takeout!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
- 02 1/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 03 5 slices ginger (thin, peeled)
- 04 1/2 green onion (finely chopped)
- 05 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 06 1/4 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- 07 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 08 3 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 09 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 10 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar/white vinegar)
- 11 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 12 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or red chili flakes) (add double the quantity if you prefer spicier)
- 13 1 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 14 1/2 cup water (cold)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients as listed above and set aside.
Dice chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces. Do not pat chicken thighs dry, some moisture is needed for the next step.
Transfer chicken pieces into a large bowl and add cornstarch. Toss to coat the chicken in the starch evenly.
Heat vegetable oil on medium-high heat in a large pan. Carefully lower coated chicken into oil and quickly spread apart. Fry chicken in small batches until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid stir frying the chicken and let it sit in the pan to form a crust. To air fry the chicken, see Notes section below for instructions.
Remove and transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack for excess oil to drip off. Remove excess oil from pan.
On medium-high heat, add ginger followed by the sauce. Let it come to a boil to thicken and reduce.
Toss in fried chicken and mix with the sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (optional). Enjoy!
Notes & Tips
FILED UNDER:
NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Must-Know Tips
Professional Secrets
Frequently Asked Questions About General Tso Chicken
Can I make General Tso Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the components ahead of time and fry the chicken and sauce when you’re ready to enjoy.
How long does General Tso Chicken last in the fridge?
General Tso Chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring you have delicious leftovers for later.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce for General Tso Chicken?
If you’re out of hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce, honey, and a dash of five-spice powder for a similar flavor profile.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs provide more flavor, chicken breast can be used for a leaner option.
How do I make General Tso Chicken less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, simply decrease the amount of chili paste in the sauce recipe until it reaches your desired heat level.
What kind of rice is best to serve with General Tso Chicken?
For an authentic pairing, serve General Tso Chicken with steamed jasmine rice to complement the flavors of the dish.
Can I freeze General Tso Chicken?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze General Tso Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
How do I reheat General Tso Chicken?
To reheat General Tso Chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve unlocked the secrets to making the best General Tso Chicken at home, it’s time to bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout dish into your kitchen. Get ready to savor every bite of this delicious meal and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills. Don’t wait any longer – it’s time to create your own General Tso Chicken masterpiece!
