General Tsos Chicken is a delightful dish that has become a favorite in many households. This recipe offers an irresistible combination of crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that’s perfect for dinner. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this General Tso’s Chicken recipe will surely impress. Let’s dive into how to make this beloved Chinese dish!
Why You’ll Love This General Tsos Chicken
This General Tsos Chicken recipe is not just another takeout option; it brings the authentic taste of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. You’ll love it for several reasons:
- Easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Uses simple ingredients that you likely already have.
- Packs a flavor punch with its sweet and spicy sauce.
- Can be customized to suit your spice preference.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers taste amazing.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike.
Try this spicy Chinese chicken recipe and enjoy a taste of takeout at home!
Ingredients for General Tsos Chicken
Gather these items:
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
How to Make General Tsos Chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a medium bowl, ensuring they’re all nicely trimmed and ready to absorb those wonderful flavors.
- Step 2: Mix the Coating: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add this mix to the chicken and toss well to coat. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes while the oil heats.
- Step 3: Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a frying pan to cover about ½ inch of the bottom and warm over medium-high heat.
- Step 4: Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in two batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
- Step 5: Cool the Pan: Wipe out any leftover bits from the frying pan and let it cool slightly before preparing the sauce.
- Step 6: Whisk the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, fresh ginger paste, and onion powder until well combined.
- Step 7: Thicken the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the now warm frying pan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Step 8: Combine and Serve: Add the crispy chicken back into the thickened sauce, tossing until all the pieces are evenly coated and heated through. Serve atop warm rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Pro Tips for the Perfect General Tsos Chicken
Keep these in mind:
- For maximum crispiness, ensure the oil is hot before frying.
- Let the chicken rest after coating for better adhesion of the batter.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for your desired spice level.
Best Ways to Serve General Tsos Chicken
Here are some ideas:
- Serve over steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition.
- Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store and Reheat General Tsos Chicken
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This dish is perfect for meal prep, making it a great option for busy weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Tsos Chicken
What’s the secret to perfect General Tsos Chicken?
The secret lies in the crispy coating and the balance of sweet and spicy flavors in the sauce. Ensuring the oil is hot enough when frying is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch.
Can I make General Tsos Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before serving. This helps maintain the chicken’s crispiness.
How do I avoid common mistakes with General Tsos Chicken?
One common mistake is overcrowding the pan while frying, which can lead to soggy chicken. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Variations of General Tsos Chicken You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Use shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the dish.
- For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying.
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is versatile and can adapt to your preferences while delivering that delightful flavor!
For more delicious recipes, check out our meal prep ideas and stir-fried vegetable recipes. You can also learn about the benefits of using low sodium soy sauce for healthier cooking.
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Irresistible General Tsos Chicken: A Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Irresistible General Tso’s Chicken You Can Make at Home. A satisfying homemade General Tso’s Chicken packed with crispy chicken and savory sauce that’s perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a medium bowl, ensuring they’re all nicely trimmed and ready to absorb those wonderful flavors.
- Mix the Coating: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add this mix to the chicken and toss well to coat. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes while the oil heats.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a frying pan to cover about ½ inch of the bottom and warm over medium-high heat.
- Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in two batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
- Cool the Pan: Wipe out any leftover bits from the frying pan and let it cool slightly before preparing the sauce.
- Whisk the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, fresh ginger paste, and onion powder until well combined.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the now warm frying pan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Add the crispy chicken back into the thickened sauce, tossing until all the pieces are evenly coated and heated through. Serve atop warm rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: General Tso's Chicken, Chinese Chicken, Asian Cuisine