General Tso’s Chicken Recipe for a Flavorful Dinner

When you think about comfort food that can make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching, General Tso’s Chicken takes center stage! Picture this: crispy pieces of chicken enveloped in a sweet and tangy sauce that sings harmoniously with garlic and ginger. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a siren call, beckoning everyone to gather around the table. It’s the kind of dish that brings joy to weekday dinners and elevates takeout nights into gourmet experiences.

I remember the first time I tried to recreate this beloved dish at home. I set out with high hopes and ended up with enough flour on my face to start my own bakery! But despite the chaos, each bite transported me back to my favorite Chinese restaurant. Every crunch and every burst of flavor felt like an embrace from an old friend. Trust me; once you master this recipe, you’ll want it on repeat for every occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering.

The first time I made this dish, my family devoured it within minutes and asked for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 pieces; they cook evenly and soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Fresh Garlic: Use 2-3 cloves; fresh garlic adds an irresistible aroma that elevates the dish.
• Ginger Root: About an inch piece will do; freshly grated ginger adds a zesty kick that brightens the flavors.
• Cornstarch: Essential for that crispy coating; dust your chicken pieces liberally before frying.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best; it controls saltiness while enhancing umami flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the savory elements; brown sugar gives depth compared to white sugar.
• Rice Vinegar: Just a splash will brighten up the sauce; it adds acidity without overpowering the other flavors.
• Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances flavor; it’s nutty and aromatic—don’t skip this!
• Green Onions: Use them as a garnish; they add color and freshness when sprinkled on top before serving.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying—use oil with a high smoke point to achieve perfect crispiness without burning.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces while dreaming about how delicious this meal will be.

Create Your Coating: In one bowl, combine cornstarch with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until evenly coated—think of it as giving each piece a cozy corn-starch blanket.

Heat Up That Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You want that oil hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken.

Crisp Those Chickens: Carefully add your coated chicken in batches into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy—about 4-5 minutes per side. This is where the magic happens!

Make The Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth—this is your flavorful dream come true.

Toss It All Together: Once your chicken is perfectly crispy, remove it from the pan and drain excess oil. Add your sauce mixture directly into the pan along with any desired vegetables (like broccoli or bell peppers). Cook for just 2-3 minutes until bubbly.

Now add back in that fabulous fried chicken! Toss everything together until well coated in that glossy sauce—just try not to drool!

And there you have it! Serve your glorious creation over rice or noodles topped with green onions for that Instagram-worthy finish.

Cooking should be fun! Enjoy every step as you create something deliciously memorable!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to achieve that crispy exterior. While it cooks, whip up the sauce for efficiency and maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a fresh twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to retain texture.

Sharing my first attempt at General Tso’s Chicken brings back memories of my friends’ delighted faces when they tasted it—definitely a cooking win!

FAQ

What is General Tso’s Chicken?

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.

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

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to create a delicious gluten-free version.

How can I make General Tso’s Chicken spicier?

Add more chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick of heat!

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: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Savor the delightful harmony of crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for any dinner occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2–3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger root, grated
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine cornstarch with salt and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces evenly in the mixture.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain excess oil.
4. In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
5. Pour the sauce into the hot skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until bubbly. Add fried chicken back to the pan and toss until well-coated.
6. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions.

Notes

• For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu.
•  Enhance flavors by adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during step 5.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg