Easy General Tso's Chicken Recipe

why make this recipe

Easy General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish that brings the flavors of Chinese takeout straight to your home kitchen. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and it’s a great way to impress family and friends. Plus, you can customize it to fit your taste, making it a versatile option for any dinner.

how to make Easy General Tso’s Chicken

Ingredients :

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts)
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 heaping teaspoons minced garlic (3 to 4 cloves)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
3 (3-ounce) packets ramen noodles (seasoning discarded)
sliced green onions
sesame seeds
more soy sauce (optional)

Directions :

Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place the cornstarch in a gallon zip-top bag. Add the chicken, seal it, and toss to coat.
In a medium bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set this sauce aside.
Cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions without using the seasoning packets. Drain and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Shake off excess cornstarch from the chicken and add it to the hot oil. Cook the chicken pieces until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. Add more oil if needed. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.
Add the sauce ingredients to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your taste.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce. Add the cooked ramen and toss everything together. If desired, add more soy sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

how to serve Easy General Tso’s Chicken

Serve Easy General Tso’s Chicken hot. You can place it on a large plate or in individual bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation. This dish goes well with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.

how to store Easy General Tso’s Chicken

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

tips to make Easy General Tso’s Chicken

Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice crispy texture.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; fry in batches if necessary.
You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding or reducing the brown sugar.
For a little crunch, consider adding some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.

variation

You can easily customize this dish by making it less spicy or adding more vegetables. Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use different protein sources like shrimp.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that the cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can make a simple substitute using soy sauce, sugar, and a bit of vinegar.

Can I use different noodles instead of ramen?
Absolutely! You can use any type of noodles you prefer, such as udon or rice noodles, and adjust cooking times as needed.