Crispy & Sweet General Tso’s Chicken Recipe for Home Chefs

Hungry for a takeout classic that bursts with flavor?

This mouthwatering general tsos chicken recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy.

Golden-brown chicken pieces glisten with a glossy, tangy sauce that dances on your taste buds.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch followed by a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes.

Inspired by traditional Chinese-American cuisine, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen.

Tender chicken, coated in a vibrant sauce, will transform your dinner into a memorable feast.

What Makes General Tso’s Chicken Special

• Quicken Weeknight Dinners: Dive into a restaurant-style meal without stepping out, transforming your kitchen into a gourmet experience with minimal cooking skills.
• Customize Flavor Intensity: Adjust chili flakes and ginger to match personal spice preferences, making this dish perfect for both mild and bold taste lovers.
• Master Crispy Perfection: Create restaurant-quality golden chicken with a simple batter technique that guarantees crunch in every single bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Wow family and friends with a classic Chinese-American dish that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Ingredients for Bold General Tso’s Chicken

• Chicken: Boneless pieces that create the main protein for this classic Chinese-American dish.

• Egg: Helps bind the coating and create a crispy texture.
• Cornstarch, Flour: Provides a light and crunchy exterior for the chicken.
• Water: Helps create a smooth and consistent batter consistency.

• Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and authentic Asian-inspired taste.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy and slightly acidic component to the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the savory and tangy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic, Ginger: Delivers aromatic and traditional Chinese flavor profiles.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces a mild spicy kick to the dish.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh color, texture, and a subtle nutty flavor to the final presentation.

Easy Steps for General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Chicken Coating

Whisk together egg, cornstarch, flour, and water in a mixing bowl until smooth.

Create a light, airy batter that will give the chicken a delightful crunch.

Dip each chicken piece into the mixture, ensuring every inch gets a generous coating.

Step 2: Fry To Golden Perfection

Pour oil into a large frying pan, heating it to a medium temperature.

Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil.

Cook until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crispy.

Transfer the fried chicken to paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Craft Tangy Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sugar
• Hoisin sauce
• Cornstarch
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Chili flakes

Whisk these ingredients together and simmer until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, glossy texture.

Step 4: Coat Chicken In Delicious Sauce

Gently toss the crispy chicken pieces in the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is completely and evenly covered with the flavorful mixture.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the sauced chicken.

Plate alongside steamed white rice and enjoy this classic Chinese-American favorite straight away.

Pro Pointers for General Tso’s Chicken

• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth, even coating on chicken pieces for maximum crispiness.
• Use a thermometer to maintain 350-375°F, preventing soggy or burnt chicken during frying.
• Adjust sweet and spicy levels by modifying sugar and chili flakes to suit personal taste preferences.
• Prepare batter and sauce in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meal preparation.
• Swap chicken with tofu or cauliflower for vegetarian version, using same batter and sauce technique.

Tasty Variations for General Tso’s

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce for a completely gluten-free version.
• Baked Lighter Version: Skip deep frying and bake chicken pieces on a wire rack at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Coat with cornstarch and spray with olive oil for crispiness.
• Vegetarian General Tso's: Substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Press tofu to remove moisture and coat with same batter before baking or air frying.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use almond flour instead of cornstarch, replace sugar with erythritol, and serve over cauliflower rice. Reduce sauce quantity to lower carbohydrate content.

Ways to Plate General Tso’s Chicken

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Pair with steamed jasmine rice and crisp cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Cozy Comfort Combo: Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to add nutritional balance and extra crunch.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Top with extra chili flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat and excitement.
• Family-Style Feast: Present on a large platter with the chicken centerpiece, surrounded by green onions, sesame seeds, and optional dipping sauces for interactive dining.

Storing Leftover General Tso’s Chicken

• Store leftover General Tso's chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Warm chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to maintain crispiness and prevent burning.

FAQs

• Is General Tso's Chicken spicy?

Yes, it has a mild to moderate heat from chili flakes, which can be adjusted based on personal preference.

• What makes the chicken crispy?

The cornstarch and flour batter creates a light, crispy coating when fried at the right temperature.

• Can I use different chicken cuts?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast work well, with thighs typically offering more flavor and tenderness.

• Is this dish authentic Chinese cuisine?

General Tso’s Chicken is actually an American-Chinese creation, popularized in New York City restaurants in the 1970s, not a traditional Chinese recipe.

General Tsos Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling General Tso’s Chicken brings bold Chinese-American flavors to dinner tables with crispy, golden-brown chicken bathed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Irresistible comfort food that satisfies cravings and delivers restaurant-quality deliciousness you can enjoy at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

Garnish:

• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a smooth, velvety coating by whisking egg, cornstarch, flour, and water into a uniform batter. Thoroughly envelop each chicken piece, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Warm oil in a skillet to medium heat, carefully lowering coated chicken pieces. Fry until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and crisp texture, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
3. Craft the signature sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens and develops a glossy consistency, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Gently tumble the crispy chicken pieces in the prepared sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously and evenly coated with the vibrant, tangy glaze.
5. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the glazed chicken. Serve immediately alongside steamed white rice for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

Notes

• Adjust batter consistency by adding more cornstarch for extra crispiness, ensuring a light and crunchy coating that doesn’t become soggy.
• Opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat that remains tender after frying.
• Use gluten-free flour and tamari sauce to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Control spice levels by reducing or increasing chili flakes, allowing customization for different heat preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg