General Tso’s Chicken Recipe for Any Occasion

Name: General Tso's Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

May 2, 2025

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The scent of crispy chicken enveloped in a sweet and spicy sauce wafts through the air, promising an explosion of flavor with every bite of General Tso’s Chicken. Picture yourself devouring those crunchy morsels while relishing an evening with friends or family; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s a ticket to nostalgia—like that time you tried replicating your favorite takeout during a particularly ambitious Wednesday night cooking spree. You know the one: flour everywhere, a smoke alarm serenading you like it’s auditioning for America’s Got Talent. The anticipation builds as you recreate this iconic dish that turns any ordinary day into an extraordinary feast.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The balance of sweet and spicy makes every bite unforgettable and exciting.
With simple ingredients and quick prep time, it’s perfect for busy nights.
Its vibrant colors will impress anyone at your dinner table.
You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.

I remember making this dish on a rainy Saturday night; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well here; adjust based on your hungry crowd size.
Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger over powdered for that zingy kick that elevates the flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic provides robust flavor; I recommend using four cloves for intensity.
Green Onions: These add freshness and color—don’t skip them!
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the saltiness in check.
Honey: This brings sweetness to balance out the spiciness perfectly.
Cornstarch: Use this to achieve that irresistible crispy coating on your chicken.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust according to how much heat you desire in your life.
Vegetable Oil: For frying; go for neutral oil that can handle high temperatures without smoking.

For the Sauce:

Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity to brighten up flavors without overpowering them.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle at the end enriches the dish with nutty depth.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients beforehand to create a cooking flow that feels smooth and rhythmic. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until combined. Let your chicken marinate in this blend for about 30 minutes—patience is key here.

Coat the Chicken: After marinating, drain excess liquid from the chicken and toss it in cornstarch until evenly coated. This step creates that delightful crunch when fried.

Heat Up That Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking—this is where magic begins! Carefully place coated chicken pieces into hot oil.

Fry Until Crispy: Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through—around 5-7 minutes per side should do it nicely. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Whip Up The Sauce: In another small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and some water—let simmer until slightly thickened.

Combine Everything Together: Add crispy chicken back into the pan along with green onions. Pour sauce over everything while tossing gently until well coated—this is where you’ll want to do a happy dance!

Enjoy serving your homemade General Tso’s Chicken hot over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables!

This delightful dish not only showcases impeccable flavors but also brings joy and satisfaction with each bite!

You Must Know

General Tso’s Chicken is a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings joy to dinner gatherings.
The vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it a feast for the eyes as well.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to deepen the flavor. Then, cook the chicken until golden brown before making the sauce. This ensures everything is perfectly seasoned and delicious.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or veggies for a vegetarian version. Experimenting with your favorite spices can also elevate this dish to new heights.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat for best results, keeping it crispy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve that perfect crunch, coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch before frying it.
Don’t rush the marinating process; let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
Always taste-test your sauce before adding it to ensure it’s just right.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my first attempt at General Tso’s Chicken, where I accidentally added too much chili and turned dinner into a spicy adventure!

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in General Tso’s Chicken?

You can easily use tofu or seitan as a meat alternative for this dish.

How do I get crispy chicken without deep frying?

Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and pan-fry them for a healthier crispiness.

Can I make General Tso’s Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and store it in advance; just reheat before serving.

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