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Craving that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors? I’ve been hooked on General Tso Chicken ever since my first bite at a local Chinese spot years ago—it was love at first crunch. Now, making homemade General Tso Chicken at home means I can tweak it just right, without the heavy grease from takeout. It’s surprisingly easy, and the result is crispy, saucy goodness that beats any delivery.
Here’s the thing: you don’t need fancy skills to whip up this General Tso Chicken. In my experience, starting with fresh ingredients makes all the difference, turning a simple weeknight dinner into something restaurant-worthy. What I find interesting is how versatile it is—serve it over rice, with veggies, or even in a bowl for meal prep. I’m excited to share this recipe because it brings that bold Asian-inspired taste right to your kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding the family or just treating yourself, this easy General Tso Chicken will become a go-to. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Key Takeaways:
- General Tso Chicken delivers an irresistible sweet-and-spicy crunch that’s better than takeout.
- Ready in under 30 minutes for quick, hassle-free meals on busy nights.
- Bursting with bold flavors from soy, ginger, and chilies that keep you coming back.
- Use cornstarch for extra crispiness and avoid sogginess by frying in batches.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
Why You’ll Adore This General Tso Chicken
Quick and Effortless: Who doesn’t love a meal that comes together fast? This General Tso Chicken skips the long wait of ordering out, letting you enjoy it hot and fresh in no time. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
Crispy Perfection: The secret to that golden crunch? A light coating before frying. I promise, once you try this homemade version, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for less. It’s all about that satisfying bite that makes every forkful exciting.
Flavor Explosion: Tangy sauce clings to every piece of General Tso Chicken, blending sweet hoisin with a kick of heat. In my kitchen, it’s always a hit because it balances those bold tastes just right. You’ll savor the ginger and garlic notes in every bite.
Customizable Fun: Make it your own by adjusting the spice or adding veggies. We love experimenting here—maybe toss in some broccoli for extra color and nutrition. It’s versatile enough to suit any mood or diet tweak.
Essential Ingredients for General Tso Chicken
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to for this dish because they stay juicy even after frying. Cut into bite-sized pieces, they absorb the sauce beautifully, creating tender morsels in your General Tso Chicken. I find thighs superior to breasts here—they don’t dry out and add a richer flavor that elevates the whole recipe.
Cornstarch: This is the magic dust for that crispy exterior. It forms a light batter when mixed with egg, locking in moisture while frying. Without it, your General Tso Chicken would be soggy, so don’t skip this step—it’s what makes the texture so addictive.
Soy Sauce and Hoisin: The base of the sauce, soy brings umami and saltiness, while hoisin adds sweetness and depth. Together, they create the glossy glaze that coats your General Tso Chicken perfectly. In my experience, low-sodium soy keeps it from getting too salty, balancing the flavors just right for that authentic taste.
How to Make General Tso Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Start by cubing your chicken thighs into even pieces—this ensures they cook uniformly in your General Tso Chicken. Toss them in a bowl with cornstarch, egg, and a splash of soy sauce until well coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the coating adheres nicely. Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat, then fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to keep that crunch intact. It’s all about patience here to avoid overcrowding.
Make the Irresistible Sauce
While the chicken rests, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and a handful of dried chilies in a small bowl. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering—it’s that potent mix of sweet and spicy. Simmer this in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until it thickens into a glossy sauce. Stir constantly to prevent burning; the ginger’s zing really shines through as it bubbles.
Combine and Serve
Add the fried chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything to coat evenly in the sauce for your General Tso Chicken. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through and sticky. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately over steamed rice—the heat from the pan keeps it sizzling at the table. In my kitchen, we always add a side of broccoli to steam in the residual sauce for extra veggies.
For a healthier twist, check out our air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe to pair with this.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup soy sauce, divided
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 4-5 dried red chilies
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 cups broccoli florets
General Tso Chicken Instructions
- Cube the chicken thighs and marinate in a mixture of beaten egg, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
- Heat ½ inch of oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- In the same wok, sauté garlic, ginger, and chilies for 30 seconds. Add remaining soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, and sugar; simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce to coat. Add broccoli if using, and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice.
Pro Tips for the Best General Tso Chicken
Double Fry for Extra Crisp: Fry the chicken once, then again after resting for ultimate crunch in your General Tso Chicken.
Adjust the Heat: Start with fewer chilies if spice isn’t your thing—taste the sauce and tweak as you go.
Use Cold Oil: Start with room-temp oil to prevent splattering and ensure even cooking.
You Must Know
- General Tso Chicken is named after a 19th-century Chinese general, but it’s actually an American-Chinese creation.
- Frying in neutral oil like vegetable or peanut keeps the flavors pure without overpowering the sauce.
- The sauce thickens quickly, so remove from heat once glossy to avoid burning the sugars.
- For gluten-free, swap soy sauce with tamari and check hoisin labels.
How to Store General Tso Chicken
Let your General Tso Chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container—it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months, though the crispiness might soften a bit. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce, or use the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to crisp it up again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that texture.
Customizing Your General Tso Chicken
Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp to make a vegetarian or seafood version of General Tso Chicken— the sauce works wonders on anything crispy. If you’re watching sugar, use honey or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a natural twist. Add bell peppers or snap peas for more veggies, keeping it colorful and nutritious. For an oven-baked option, try our baked honey sesame chicken recipe as inspiration to lighten it up.
Experiment with low-carb cauliflower rice on the side if that’s your vibe.
What to Serve with General Tso Chicken
Steamed jasmine rice is a classic base that soaks up the incredible sauce perfectly. For veggies, stir-fried broccoli or bok choy adds crunch and balance. If you want something fresh, a simple cucumber salad with sesame dressing cuts through the richness. Don’t forget a chilled green tea or light beer to refresh the palate—it’s all about that harmonious meal.
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! I also share how to air fry the chicken in the below Notes section. Note: this recipe has been recently improved and updated to modify the sauce ingredient amount.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
- 02 1/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 03 5 thin slices ginger (peeled)
- 04 1/2 green onion (finely chopped)
- 05 ⅓ 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 2 tsp sesame oil
- 13 ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or red chili flakes (add double the quantity if you prefer spicier))
- 14 1 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 15 ½ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Tso Chicken
Can I make General Tso Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely, prep the chicken and sauce separately up to a day in advance, then fry and combine just before serving. This keeps the crispiness intact without sogginess. In my experience, it saves tons of time for dinner parties.
How long does General Tso Chicken last in the fridge?
Your General Tso Chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge. Beyond that, freeze it to extend life, but eat soon for best flavor. Always reheat thoroughly to ensure safety.
Is General Tso Chicken spicy?
It can be, depending on the chilies—mild to hot. Adjust to your tolerance for a customizable heat level. We like it with a kick, but kids might prefer fewer.
Can I bake General Tso Chicken instead of frying?
Yes, coat and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. It won’t be as crispy, but it’s healthier and still delicious with the sauce. Try tossing with a bit of oil for better results.
What’s the difference between General Tso Chicken and sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken is sweeter and milder, without the spicy chilies that define General Tso Chicken. Both are saucy, but this one has more tang and heat. If you love one, you’ll adore the other.
Is General Tso Chicken gluten-free?
Not traditionally, due to soy sauce and hoisin, but swap for gluten-free versions and it’s good to go. Cornstarch is naturally GF, making your General Tso Chicken accessible. Always double-check labels.
How do I make General Tso Chicken less sweet?
Reduce the sugar or hoisin and add more vinegar for balance. Taste as you go—it’s all about personal preference. A squeeze of lime at the end brightens it up too.
Can I use chicken breast for General Tso Chicken?
Chicken breast works, but thighs are juicier. If using breast, marinate longer to prevent dryness. For more chicken ideas, see our simple chicken marinade recipes.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate guide to creating your own General Tso Chicken that’s crispy, flavorful, and way better than takeout. From the first bite to the last, it’s a dish that brings joy and satisfaction to any table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try tonight; you won’t regret it. Share your twists in the comments—I’d love to hear how your General Tso Chicken turns out!