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General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. Known for its rich flavor and glossy appearance, this Savory Takeout favorite is one you can easily recreate at home. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a standout Savory Takeout dish:

Crispy Perfection: Crunchy chicken with a sticky, flavorful sauce.
Restaurant Quality: Tastes just like your favorite takeout, made fresh.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice to suit your taste.
Quick to Make: Ready in 35 minutes with pantry staples.
I make this Savory Takeout for family dinners, and it’s always a hit!

Ingredients for General Tso’s Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need for General Tso’s Chicken (serves 4):

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp sesame oil
4–6 dried red chilies (or ½ tsp red pepper flakes)
½ cup chicken broth
2 green onions, chopped
Vegetable oil, for frying

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken: Thighs stay juicier; breasts work for a leaner option.
Cornstarch: Ensures a crispy coating; don’t skip it.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium to control saltiness; tamari for gluten-free.
Dried Chilies: Adjust quantity for desired heat; remove seeds for milder flavor.
Sesame Oil: Adds nutty depth; use sparingly for balance.

Directions for General Tso’s Chicken

Let’s create this flavorful General Tso’s Chicken!

Prepare Chicken

I cut 1.5 lbs chicken into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, I mix ½ cup cornstarch and ¼ cup flour. In another, I whisk 1 egg.

Coat Chicken

I dip each chicken piece in the egg, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring full coating.

Fry Chicken

In a deep skillet, I heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). I fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch, then drain on paper towels.

Make Sauce

In a clean skillet, I heat 1 tbsp sesame oil over medium heat. I sauté 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute. I add ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, ½ cup chicken broth, and 4–6 dried chilies, simmering for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine and Toss

I toss the fried chicken into the sauce, stirring gently to coat evenly. I cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce clings to the chicken.

Garnish and Serve

I sprinkle with 2 chopped green onions and serve hot with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 40g carbs, 30g protein, 20g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for General Tso’s Chicken

Try these twists on General Tso’s Chicken:

Extra Spicy: Add 1 tsp sriracha or more chilies for a fiery kick.
Lighter Option: Bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Veggie Swap: Use crispy tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version.
Sweet Boost: Add 1 tbsp honey for a sweeter, glossier sauce.
Veggie Add-Ins: Toss in 1 cup broccoli or bell peppers with the sauce.

Serving Ideas:

Serve with jasmine rice or fried rice for a classic Savory Takeout meal.
Pair with stir-fried snap peas or zucchini for a colorful plate.
Offer with noodles for a fun twist, garnished with sesame seeds.
Add to meal prep bowls with rice and veggies for easy lunches.

Storage

I store leftover General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring to prevent drying. For freezing, I place cooled chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating to maintain crispiness.

FAQs About General Tso’s Chicken

What’s the difference between General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken?
I find General Tso’s Chicken has a spicier, savory sauce, while Orange Chicken is sweeter with citrus notes.

Can I use chicken breasts for General Tso’s Chicken?
Yes, I use breasts for a leaner Savory Takeout dish, though thighs are juicier.

How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water).

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas make great additions.

Does this recipe work in an air fryer?
Yes, air-fry the coated chicken at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

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Conclusion

General Tso’s Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. With its crispy texture, bold sauce, and customizable spice level, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. Try this homemade version for a satisfying alternative to takeout.