General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
General Tso’s Chicken is the kind of takeout classic that never fails to delight, and making it at home is far easier—and more rewarding—than you might think. Imagine tender, crispy chicken enveloped in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce with just the right touch of heat, finished with pops of color from vibrant garnishes. This dish brings together the punchy flavors and textures we all crave, proving that a restaurant favorite can become a cherished staple in your own kitchen. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or aiming to impress friends with homemade comfort food, this recipe makes General Tso’s Chicken the hero of any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A handful of straightforward ingredients transform into a dish that’s nothing short of spectacular. Each item is carefully chosen to bring out the addictive flavor, satisfying crunch, and beautiful color of General Tso’s Chicken.
- Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts—cubed, they’re the perfect blank canvas for that crispy coating and saucy finish.
- All-purpose flour (or cornstarch): Provides a satisfyingly crunchy exterior; cornstarch makes for an extra-light crust!
- Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a beautiful touch of color to the breading.
- Garlic salt: Infuses layers of savory flavor directly into each bite of chicken.
- Sugar: The base of the sauce, giving it a signature sweet, caramelized taste that balances the vinegar’s tang.
- Water: Helps dissolve sugar and creates the body of the delicious sauce.
- White distilled vinegar: Lends that classic punchy tanginess to the sauce—totally essential for “General Tso’s” flavor.
- Salt: Just a teaspoon intensifies every flavor in the mix.
- Soy sauce: Delivers depth, color, and a subtle savory umami boost.
- Red chili pepper flakes (optional): For those who love their General Tso’s Chicken with a little spicy kick.
- Oil (for frying): You’ll need about 3/4 cup to get that irresistible, crispy chicken exterior—don’t skip it!
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken for Frying
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes—this size ensures quick, even cooking and lots of crispy edges to soak up the sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour (or cornstarch), paprika, and garlic salt. Toss the chicken pieces thoroughly in the dry mixture, making sure each cube is fully coated; this dry dredge is the secret to that signature crunch you know and love in General Tso’s Chicken.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to a Perfect Golden Crisp
Heat about 3/4 cup of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot (test with a pinch of flour—if it sizzles, you’re ready), add the chicken pieces in batches, giving them plenty of space to crisp up. Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through—this usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Step 3: Whip Up the Signature Sauce
While the chicken rests, combine the sugar, water, white vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and red chili pepper flakes (if using) in a medium saucepan. Give everything a good stir, and let the mixture come to a gentle boil over medium heat. This is where the magic happens: the sauce will start to thicken, turning from liquid to luxurious, glossy syrup in just about 12 minutes of simmering uncovered. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and evenly develop the flavors.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Slide all your fried chicken pieces into the sauce and gently toss to coat every morsel. Continue to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the rich, sweet-tangy flavor and the sauce to thicken even further. This melding is what truly elevates General Tso’s Chicken from simple fried chicken to something utterly irresistible.
How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or sliced scallions over the top for vibrant color and a lovely fresh bite. Toasted sesame seeds add an appealing crunch and nutty aroma that’ll remind you of your favorite Chinese restaurant. For extra heat and style, a few extra chili flakes or sliced red chilies scattered on top will thrill spice lovers.
Side Dishes
Classic steamed white rice is always a winner—its mild flavor perfectly soaks up the punchy sauce of General Tso’s Chicken. If you want to jazz things up, try serving with fried rice, veggie stir-fry, or lightly sautéed broccoli florets. The crispness of simple stir-fried greens like bok choy or snow peas works beautifully with the sweet and tangy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, tuck portions of General Tso’s Chicken into crisp lettuce cups for a fresh and interactive appetizer. Or spoon it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a lower-carb spin. If you’re serving a crowd, pile everything onto a large platter and shower with extra scallions and sesame seeds—guaranteed to steal the show at any potluck or family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Tucked into the fridge, General Tso’s Chicken will keep well for up to three days. The sauce helps the flavors get even better over time, though the chicken’s coating may lose some crispness.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze General Tso’s Chicken for longer storage. Place cooled chicken pieces and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zipper bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Frozen, it’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To revive the magic, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbling—the sauce will return to its glossy state, and the chicken will get a bit of its crispiness back. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture will be a bit softer (still delicious!). If you’d like extra crunch, a couple of minutes under the broiler works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option—they’re juicy, flavorful, and a bit more forgiving if you’re worried about overcooking. Just cube them the same way you would with breasts.
Is General Tso’s Chicken very spicy?
Not inherently! This recipe is mild with a subtle background of heat from the optional chili flakes. If you prefer less spice, simply leave out the red chili pepper flakes—or, for more fire, add a bit extra.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch, and be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari or coconut aminos). The texture stays crisp and delightful, with no compromise on flavor.
What oil is best for frying?
A neutral, high-heat oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best for frying General Tso’s Chicken. These choices won’t overpower the dish’s sweet-savory flavors and deliver a wonderfully crisp texture.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
This recipe is very flexible—perfect for feeding a crowd or just a few. Double all the ingredients for a big batch, or cut them in half for a cozy dinner. Just remember to fry the chicken in batches so it stays crispy!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have all the tips and tricks on hand, I hope you’ll give General Tso’s Chicken a try in your kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy bold flavors and share a homemade classic with those you love—truly a dish that’s always met with empty plates and big smiles.
Print
General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this homemade version of the popular Chinese takeout dish, General Tso’s Chicken. Crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for a delicious dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white distilled vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Coat the chicken: In a bowl, mix the cubed chicken with flour, paprika, and garlic salt until coated.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a pan and fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until crispy and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine sugar, water, vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Bring to a boil.
- Cook the chicken in sauce: Add the fried chicken to the sauce, simmer uncovered for about 12 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: General Tso’s Chicken, Chinese Chicken Recipe, Homemade Takeout, Crispy Chicken
