How to Make General Tso’s Chicken at Home

General Tso’s Chicken, a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine, is famous for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, all enveloped in a crispy, sticky coating. This homemade version brings the iconic restaurant favorite right into your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the rich taste and satisfying crunch without the need for takeout. Ideal for those who love to explore the nuances of Asian cooking, this recipe promises an authentic taste experience that’s both enjoyable to make and delightful to eat.

Why You’ll Love General Tso’s Chinese Chicken:

• Authentic Flavors: Experience the true essence of this classic dish with a harmony of flavors that’s spot on with restaurant-style General Tso’s.
• Crispy and Juicy: Achieve the perfect texture with crispy battered chicken pieces coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce.
• Healthier Option: Control the ingredients and cooking methods for a less greasy, more wholesome version than what you might find in restaurants.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Impress guests at a dinner party or treat your family to a special weeknight meal.

Ingredients Notes For General Tso’s Chinese Chicken:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Batter: A mixture of egg, cornstarch, and flour ensures a crispy coating that clings to the chicken.
• Sauce: Key ingredients include hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar, combined with garlic, ginger, and dried red chili peppers for that authentic General Tso’s flavor.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for an extra touch of elegance and freshness.

Recipe Steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce and a little cornstarch. Then dip in the prepared batter.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan or wok and deep-fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same wok, sauté minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chili peppers. Add the mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece evenly.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side.

Storage Options:

• Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken at Home

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Ingredients

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For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 4–6 dried red chili peppers, whole or crushed (adjust to taste)

For Serving:

• Green onions, sliced for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked rice or noodles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge them in cornstarch, shaking off the excess. Dip in the beaten eggs.
2. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
   • Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and dried red chili peppers until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   • Pour the sauce mixture into the wok and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Add the fried chicken pieces to the wok and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat the chicken through in the sauce.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the General Tso’s Chicken garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, over cooked rice or noodles.

• Author: Maria