The aroma of sizzling chicken mingled with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce wafts through your kitchen. This is not just any dish; it’s General Tso’s Chicken—a culinary masterpiece that sparks joy in every bite.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is General Tso’s chicken?
- Can I make General Tso’s chicken gluten-free?
- How can I make General Tso’s chicken spicier?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine crispy chicken coated in sticky, glossy sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish is perfect for casual weeknight dinners or impressing friends during game night. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful General Tso’s Chicken comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Its bold flavors create an unforgettable meal that impresses everyone at the table.
- The vibrant colors make the dish visually striking and appetizing.
- Perfect for serving over rice or noodles for a complete meal experience.
I once made this dish for my family during a stormy night, and watching their eyes light up was priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- Ginger: Use fresh ginger root; it adds an aromatic kick that elevates the dish.
- Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions add color and freshness as a garnish.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps manage saltiness while enhancing umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This balances the savory elements with sweetness—use dark brown sugar for more richness.
- Rice Vinegar: It gives a tangy note that cuts through the sweetness of the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Essential for creating that crispy coating on the chicken; toss it generously!
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds depth and nuttiness to your finished dish.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Use enough to submerge the chicken pieces; it ensures crispiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
First things first—let’s prep our ingredients!
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces. You want them uniform so they cook evenly and get crispy all around.
Create the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Let your chicken marinate in this flavorful mix for at least 30 minutes—this is where magic happens.
Prepare Your Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in another bowl. Set aside as you get ready to fry.
Heat Up Your Pan: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom. Heat until shimmering but not smoking—about 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
Crisp That Chicken: Carefully add your marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches—don’t overcrowd! Fry until golden brown and cooked through; this takes about 5-7 minutes per batch.
Add Sauce & Serve: Once all your chicken is crispy goodness, pour your prepared sauce over it in the pan. Stir well until every piece is coated in that luscious glaze. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles!
Enjoy making this delightful General Tso’s Chicken right from your kitchen—it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
You Must Know
- For truly irresistible General Tso’s chicken, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- This boosts flavor and tenderness.
- Remember, crispy chicken is the key to perfect texture, so a double fry technique works wonders.
- Finally, balance sweetness with a hint of heat for that authentic taste.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Cook your General Tso’s chicken by frying the chicken first for a crispy texture, then prepare the sauce while it cools to save time and ensure everything is hot when served.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out soy sauce for coconut aminos or add vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers to enhance flavor and nutrition while customizing the dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover General Tso’s chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat in a skillet to retain its crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor, use fresh ginger and garlic; they elevate your dish immensely.
- Always ensure your oil is hot before frying for that perfect crunch.
- Finally, don’t skip the cornstarch coating—it’s essential for achieving that signature crispiness!
Cooking General Tso’s chicken reminds me of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last piece—those moments filled with laughter made every effort worthwhile.
FAQ
What is General Tso’s chicken?
General Tso’s chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Can I make General Tso’s chicken gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.
How can I make General Tso’s chicken spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to increase spiciness in your sauce.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
General Tso’s Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. This easy recipe will impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh garlic
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Chop chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok until shimmering (about 350°F/175°C).
- Fry marinated chicken in batches until golden brown (5-7 minutes per batch).
- Pour the prepared sauce over the crispy chicken and stir until coated.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg