Plate of General Tso's Chicken garnished with sesame and green onions

General Tso’s Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish known for its sweet, spicy, and savory flavor. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a little kick in their meal. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the spice level to your taste. Plus, it’s a fun dish to prepare for family or friends.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2-3 dried red chili peppers (adjust to taste)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Oil for frying

Directions:

  1. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs, then coat with the flour mixture.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  4. In another pan, sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili peppers; simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. Toss cooked chicken in the sauce until well-coated. Serve garnished with green onions.

How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken

Serve General Tso’s Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some stir-fried vegetables. The dish also pairs well with a side of egg rolls or dumplings for a complete meal. Add a little extra sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Store General Tso’s Chicken

Store any leftover General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to a month. Reheat in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Tips to Make General Tso’s Chicken

  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. If not, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
  • You can adjust the number of red chili peppers based on your spice preference.
  • For a crispier texture, you can double-fry the chicken. Fry it once until golden, then let it rest before frying it again for a shorter time.

Variation

For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply toss the coated chicken pieces in a little oil and bake them in the oven until they are golden and crispy. You can also add your favorite vegetables to the sauce for extra nutrition.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They are juicier and add more flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just combine them before serving.

What can I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Egg rolls or spring rolls are also great side options.