Name: General Tso Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 3 tbsp hoisin sauce; 3 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 cup water; 2 green onions (sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp fresh ginger (minced); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

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If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly balances crispy, tender chicken with a sweet, tangy, and ever-so-slightly spicy sauce, look no further than General Tso Chicken. This iconic Chinese-American classic is a favorite for good reason: every bite delivers irresistible texture, big flavors, and a comforting familiarity that transports you straight to your favorite takeout spot. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and some quick frying, you can bring the magic of General Tso Chicken into your own kitchen—and you might even find it rivals your go-to restaurant version!

General Tso Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of General Tso Chicken is how a few carefully chosen ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each component brings its own unique character—crunch, savor, heat, or fragrance—making this dish a real treat both for the cook and for everyone who gets to dig in.

Chicken thighs: Juicy and full of flavor, these fry up perfectly without drying out.
Cornstarch: The secret to that shatteringly crisp coating—don’t skip or substitute!
All-purpose flour: Helps create a light, crisp batter that clings to every piece.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons each bite beautifully.
Black pepper: Adds just a whisper of warmth and depth.
Vegetable oil: The best choice for frying, as it’s neutral and has a high smoke point.
Green onions: Bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color for garnish.
Garlic: Brings unmistakable aromatic backbone to the sauce.
Ginger: Delivers zing and warmth that wakes up the whole dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like it spicy, these add a pleasing kick.
Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on for an extra touch of nutty crunch at the end.
Soy sauce: Savory and salty, forms the soul of the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Lends essential tang to balance the sweetness.
Hoisin sauce: Sweet, thick, and complex, it ties the sauce together.
Sugar: Balances the salty and tangy elements, creating that signature sticky glaze.
Cornstarch (for sauce): Thickens everything up so the sauce clings to every bite.
Water: Brings the sauce to the perfect pourable consistency.

How to Make General Tso Chicken

Step 1: Make the Signature Sauce

Start by mixing up the heart and soul of General Tso Chicken: the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water. You’re aiming for a smooth, glossy blend with no lumps. Set it aside—you’ll want it ready to go for when it’s time to bring everything together in the pan.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a separate large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss your chicken thigh pieces in this dry mixture, making sure every morsel is coated. This step is where the magic begins for that ultra-crispy finish, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Get Crispy with Frying

Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the coated chicken pieces for about 4 to 5 minutes each, turning to ensure even browning. Once they’re golden and crunchy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain—resist the urge to snack on them all before sauce time!

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Pour off most of the oil, leaving just about a tablespoon in the pan. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for roughly 30 seconds. The aroma should be incredible—think garlicky, gingery steam setting the stage for the sauce.

Step 5: Sauce It Up and Finish

Pour in your pre-mixed sauce and cook, stirring often, until it thickens and turns glossy (about 2 to 3 minutes). Now, add the fried chicken back to the pan and toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Let everyone mingle for an extra 1 to 2 minutes so the flavor soaks right in. Finally, shower with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top, if desired. Your General Tso Chicken is ready to serve!

How to Serve General Tso Chicken

Garnishes

Freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds are not just pretty—they add sharpness, crunch, and a toasted aroma that make General Tso Chicken even more inviting. If you love extra heat, a few more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil can bring a fiery sparkle to your plate.

Side Dishes

This dish is a total showstopper alongside a mound of steamed jasmine rice, as the grains soak up all that marvelous sticky sauce. For extra color and crunch, serve with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy—those bright greens make for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, try serving General Tso Chicken in lettuce wraps for a light and interactive dinner, or pile it atop crispy fried noodles. You can even drizzle a little extra sauce and use it in bao buns with crunchy slaw for a street-food twist that will wow any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your General Tso Chicken at its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. The chicken may lose a bit of its initial crunch, but the flavors only intensify after a day or two!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to two months. For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken separately so the texture stays crispier when reheated.

Reheating

Warm up your General Tso Chicken in a skillet over medium heat to help restore some of that beloved crunch. If you’re pressed for time, the microwave works too—just know it will be a bit softer. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened up too much while chilling.

FAQs

What makes General Tso Chicken so flavorful?

The punchy blend of sweet, tangy, and umami-rich sauces, combined with fresh ginger, garlic, and the option for heat, creates deep layers of flavor that easily rival any takeout order.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast if you prefer a leaner cut. Keep in mind that thighs are naturally juicier, which helps the chicken stay tender even after frying.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and be sure to use tamari in place of soy sauce. Double-check your hoisin sauce, too, as some brands do contain gluten.

Is it possible to make General Tso Chicken less spicy?

Absolutely! You can leave out the red pepper flakes altogether, or reduce the amount for just a hint of heat. The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can adjust the spice to suit your taste.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance for entertaining?

Definitely. Fry and cool the chicken pieces beforehand, then refrigerate. When it’s party time, quickly reheat them in a hot oven and toss with sauce just before serving for that just-made crispness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to make your own batch of General Tso Chicken at home—it’s the kind of recipe that instantly makes any meal feel special. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this crowd-pleasing classic is always a winner. Give it a try, and let each bite remind you why this dish is such a beloved favorite!

General Tso Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious General Tso Chicken at home with this easy recipe. Crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is sure to satisfy your takeout cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup water

Other:

2 green onions (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp fresh ginger (minced)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
Coat Chicken: Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces in the mixture until coated.
Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, fry chicken until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in the pan.
Add Sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce, cook until thickened.
Combine: Add fried chicken back to the pan, toss to coat in sauce.
Finish: Cook briefly, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.