General Tso Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to Making It at Home

General Tso Chicken: the name alone conjures images of crispy, saucy, and utterly irresistible chicken bites. Have you ever wondered about the origins of this takeout favorite? It’s a dish that’s as shrouded in mystery as it is delicious, with a history that’s more American than Chinese, despite its Chinese-sounding name. While often attributed to a Qing dynasty general, the truth is, this sweet and savory sensation was likely born in the kitchens of Taiwanese or American chefs catering to Western palates.

What makes General Tso Chicken so universally loved? It’s the perfect symphony of textures and flavors. The chicken is expertly fried to a satisfying crisp, then coated in a tangy, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy sauce that clings to every nook and cranny. It’s a culinary experience that hits all the right notes, making it a comforting and craveable meal. Whether you’re ordering in on a busy weeknight or looking to impress your friends with your cooking skills, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’m excited to share my version of this iconic dish with you, so let’s get cooking!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1-2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Dried red chilies (optional)
• Serving:
• Cooked white rice or brown rice

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. This creates the batter for our chicken, giving it that crispy coating we all love.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the batter and toss to coat evenly. Make sure each piece is well-covered; this is key to achieving maximum crispiness. I like to use my hands to ensure everything is properly coated.
3. Let the chicken marinate in the batter for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and the batter to adhere better to the chicken.

Frying the Chicken:

1. Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer is crucial for maintaining the correct temperature. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will be greasy; if it’s too hot, it will burn on the outside before cooking through.
2. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. I usually fry about 6-8 pieces at a time, depending on the size of my pot.
3. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness.
4. Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces.

Making the General Tso’s Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, and ground ginger. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce. This is the heart of our General Tso’s flavor, so don’t skip any ingredients!
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is glossy and thickened to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth to thin it out.

Combining Chicken and Sauce:

1. Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece of chicken is generously coated in that delicious General Tso’s sauce.
2. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce and heat through.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Serve the General Tso’s chicken immediately over cooked white rice or brown rice.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and dried red chilies (if using). The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and visual appeal, while the green onions provide a fresh, vibrant touch. The dried red chilies are for those who like an extra kick!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also use a milder chili sauce or omit it altogether.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables to the dish. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, and snap peas are all great additions. Add them to the skillet along with the garlic and cook until tender-crisp before adding the sauce.
• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breast: I prefer using chicken thighs because they are more flavorful and stay moist during frying. However, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
• Air Fryer Option: For a healthier option, you can air fry the chicken instead of deep-frying it. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a skillet before adding the chicken. You can also fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or air fryer to maintain its crispiness.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor.
• Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic will provide the best flavor. However, you can use ground ginger and garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of each.
• Serving Suggestions: General Tso’s chicken is delicious served with rice, but it also pairs well with noodles or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it as an appetizer with egg rolls or spring rolls.

Troubleshooting:

• Chicken Not Crispy: Make sure the oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pot. Also, ensure the chicken is well-coated in the batter.
• Sauce Too Thick: Add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth to thin it out.
• Sauce Too Thin: Simmer the sauce for a longer period of time to allow it to thicken. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to help thicken it.
• Chicken Overcooked: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature. Avoid overcooking it, as it can become dry and tough.

Enjoy your homemade General Tso’s Chicken! I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and delicious. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or suggestions. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This General Tso Chicken recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen. I truly believe this is a must-try because it perfectly balances that sweet, savory, and slightly spicy profile we all crave, but with a homemade touch that elevates it far beyond your typical takeout. Forget soggy, overly-sweet versions – this recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken coated in a vibrant, nuanced sauce that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the attention to detail. From properly marinating the chicken to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness, to carefully balancing the ingredients in the sauce for that perfect sweet-and-spicy harmony, every step is designed to create a truly exceptional dish. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your liking and use high-quality ingredients for a healthier and more delicious meal.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I love serving this General Tso Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce, the possibilities are endless. For a lighter option, try serving it with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice. You could also toss it with noodles for a quick and easy stir-fry.

Here are a few more serving suggestions and variations to get your creative juices flowing:

* Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce for an extra kick.
* Make it vegetarian! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, cut into cubes and pressed to remove excess water. Follow the same breading and frying instructions as with the chicken.
* Add some veggies! Toss in some stir-fried bell peppers, onions, or snow peas for added color and nutrients.
* Go nuts! Garnish with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
* Sweeten the deal! A drizzle of honey after plating can add a touch of extra sweetness.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Don’t be intimidated by the slightly longer ingredient list – each component plays a crucial role in creating the complex and satisfying flavor of authentic General Tso Chicken. Trust me, the effort is well worth it.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade General Tso Chicken. Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below! I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what you served it with, and how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to improve my recipes. Happy cooking!