General Tso's Chicken

why make this recipe

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that many people love for its sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious meal at home, and you can customize it to your taste. Making this dish is a fun way to impress family and friends with your cooking skills while enjoying a comforting meal.

how to make General Tso’s Chicken

Ingredients:

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
1 tablespoon (15 ml) hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil
1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar
1 tablespoon (15 ml) ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) red pepper flakes
2 green onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth
Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions:

In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until fully coated. Set aside.
Prepare the sauce by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, roughly 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil, then sauté the ginger and garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Stir in the red bell pepper and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Pour in the prepared sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently in the sauce until it’s well coated.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped green onions for garnish.
Serve hot over cooked white rice.

how to serve General Tso’s Chicken

To serve General Tso’s Chicken, place a generous scoop of cooked white rice on each plate. Top the rice with the chicken, making sure to spoon extra sauce and bell peppers over the top. Garnish with additional chopped green onions and red pepper flakes if desired. This dish is great for family dinners or when entertaining guests.

how to store General Tso’s Chicken

To store leftover General Tso’s Chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

tips to make General Tso’s Chicken

Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. This helps it to brown nicely.
If you like it spicier, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even some chili paste to the sauce.
Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. They add a nice aroma and taste to the dish.
Serve with steamed broccoli or other vegetables for added nutrition.

variation

For a healthier version, you can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast. You can also add more vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, to the dish for extra color and nutrition. Additionally, try using brown rice instead of white rice for a whole grain option.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They will cook faster and can be just as delicious.

2. Is General Tso’s Chicken gluten-free?
Traditional General Tso’s Chicken is not gluten-free because soy sauce contains gluten. You can use gluten-free soy sauce to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

3. Can I make General Tso’s Chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. Just reheat and combine when you’re ready to serve.