Delicious serving of General Tso's Chicken with vibrant vegetables and sauce

General Tso’s Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish that many people love for its delicious flavor and crispy texture. It’s a great option for home-cooked meals or special occasions. Making it at home allows you to enjoy a classic takeout dish without the added preservatives and excess sugar found in many restaurant versions. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Plus, it’s fun to make!

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:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into cubes.
  2. Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the flour (or cornstarch), paprika, and garlic salt. Coat the chicken pieces in this mixture.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan and fry the coated chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, combine sugar, water, vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and red chili pepper flakes (if using). Heat until the sugar dissolves.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken back to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
  6. Serve Hot: Once ready, transfer to a serving dish.

how to serve General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is best served hot over steamed white rice or lo mein noodles. You can also add some steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

how to store General Tso’s Chicken

Store any leftover General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

tips to make General Tso’s Chicken

  • For an extra crispy coating, double bread the chicken by dipping it in the flour mixture, then in egg, and back into the flour.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
  • If you like it spicier, mix in more chili flakes or add some hot sauce.

variation

You can make a healthier version by using baked chicken instead of fried. Simply coat the chicken, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked.

FAQs

1. Can I use other meats?
Yes, you can use tofu, shrimp, or pork instead of chicken in this recipe.

2. What can I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, noodles, and vegetables like broccoli or stir-fried greens.

3. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can vary based on the red chili flakes. You can adjust the amount or skip them altogether for a milder flavor.