General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

why make this recipe

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that brings together crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. It is loved for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, making it a favorite for family dinners or takeout meals. Making this recipe at home allows you to enjoy freshly cooked General Tso’s Chicken without the need to order out. Plus, you can customize the ingredients and flavors to suit your taste!

how to make General Tso’s Chicken

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts (cubed)
1 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp garlic salt
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup white distilled vinegar
1 tsp salt
6 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (or cornstarch), paprika, and garlic salt. Mix well.
Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until they are fully coated.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same pan, combine sugar, water, vinegar, salt, and soy sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the fried chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
If you like it spicy, sprinkle in the red chili pepper flakes. Stir again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and serve immediately.

how to serve General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is best served hot. You can place it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an added touch. Pair it with some stir-fried vegetables or an egg roll for a delicious feast!

how to store General Tso’s Chicken

To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

tips to make General Tso’s Chicken

For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken pieces. Fry them once until golden, let them rest for a few minutes, and then fry them again.
Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by altering the amount of sugar and vinegar in the sauce.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

variation

You can try different proteins such as shrimp or tofu in place of chicken for a tasty variation. For a healthier option, you can also bake the chicken instead of frying.

FAQs

1. Can I make General Tso’s Chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately in advance. When you are ready to eat, just heat them together.

2. Is this dish very spicy?
General Tso’s Chicken has a mild spice level. You can adjust the spice by adding or reducing the red chili pepper flakes.

3. Can I freeze General Tso’s Chicken?
It’s best to freeze the chicken without the sauce. Cook the chicken, let it cool, and freeze it in an airtight container. When ready, reheat and cook it with fresh sauce for the best texture.