Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe for Any Occasion

The aroma of sweet and spicy flavors wafts through the air as I prepare this delectable dish. Imagine crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s a flavor explosion that never fails to impress.

Growing up, my family gathered around the table every Friday night for homemade Chinese takeout. That was when I first fell in love with General Tso’s Chicken—a dish that turned our simple dinners into culinary adventures. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this recipe promises to deliver smiles all around.

My family devours this dish every time I make it—it’s become our go-to comfort food for gatherings!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are ideal; adjust depending on how many you’re feeding.
• Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for the best flavor; they add depth to the dish.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger gives warmth and zest; opt for smooth-skinned knobs.
• Green Onions: These add freshness and color; slice them thinly before garnishing.
• Cornstarch: Essential for achieving that crispy coating; don’t skip this ingredient!
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enriching the flavor.
• Sugar: Brown sugar balances out the saltiness and adds a lovely caramelization.
• Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick; opt for unseasoned varieties for best results.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way; it provides an aromatic finish that’s irresistible.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for moisture without overpowering flavors.

For the Sauce:

• Chili Paste or Sauce: Adjust based on your spice tolerance; it brings heat without overwhelming the palate.
• Peanut Oil or Vegetable Oil: For frying, it withstands high temperatures while giving crispy results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Start by prepping your workspace—let’s keep things tidy while we whip up this delicious dish!

Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. This enhances their flavor while cooking.

Create the Marinade: In a bowl, mix cornstarch with soy sauce until smooth. Add garlic and ginger, then coat the chicken well in this mixture.

Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken pieces in batches until golden brown on all sides—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Sauce Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, chili paste, and broth until combined. Pour over cooked chicken in the skillet.

Simmer Together: Allow everything to simmer on low heat for about 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly—this will ensure every piece is coated beautifully.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over your masterpiece right before serving—a touch of color never hurt anyone! Serve hot over rice or noodles for complete satisfaction.

Now sit back and enjoy your homemade General Tso’s Chicken that rivals any takeout!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken while preparing your sauce. This ensures maximum flavor absorption and a crispier texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein experience. Add veggies like bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain that delicious crispiness.

Sharing this recipe has been such a joy! I remember my first attempt when my friends declared me the “General Tso” of our group, which instantly became my cooking nickname.

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in General Tso’s Chicken?

Tofu or shrimp are excellent alternatives that still deliver great flavor.

How spicy is General Tso’s Chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted by adding less chili paste or omitting it entirely.

Can I make General Tso’s Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for the coating.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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General Tso’s Chicken

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

General Tso’s Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, making it a favorite for family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chili paste (adjust for spice preference)
• 2 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, mix cornstarch with soy sauce until smooth. Add garlic and ginger; coat the chicken well.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, chili paste, and broth. Pour over cooked chicken.
5. Simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

• For extra crunch, add bell peppers or broccoli to the stir-fry.
•  Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg