Why You’ll Love This Recipe

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavor and texture—crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and dripping with bold sauce. Whether served with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies, it’s a restaurant-style meal you can easily make at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken thighs cornstarchsoy sauceeggsall-purpose flourgarlicgingergreen onionsdried red chiliesrice vinegarhoisin saucebrown sugarsesame oilsalt and peppervegetable oil (for frying)

directions

Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, and a beaten egg to make a thick batter.

Coat the chicken pieces evenly in the batter.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

In a separate pan or wok, heat a little sesame oil and sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and dried red chilies until fragrant.

Add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar to the pan. Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Toss the fried chicken into the sauce and stir until fully coated.

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.

Add broccoli or bell peppers for extra veggies.

Adjust the spice level by using more or fewer dried red chilies.

Swap hoisin sauce with oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.

Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness, or microwave in short bursts if needed.Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat with fresh sauce for best results.

FAQs

What makes General Tso’s Chicken unique?

Its crispy texture combined with a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce makes it stand out among Chinese takeout dishes.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, you can bake the battered chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust it by controlling the chilies.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Combine and reheat just before serving.

What’s a good side dish?

Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables pair beautifully with General Tso’s Chicken.

Is hoisin sauce necessary?

It gives the sauce its rich, slightly sweet depth, but you can substitute with oyster sauce and a bit of honey if needed.

Can I use an air fryer?

Yes! Air-fry the battered chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping once for even crispiness.

Does this taste like the restaurant version?

Yes, this recipe is crafted to mimic the classic takeout flavor right from your kitchen.

Conclusion

General Tso’s Chicken delivers a satisfying crunch and bold flavor in every bite. It’s a fun and flavorful way to bring a restaurant favorite to your dinner table. Quick to prepare and sure to please, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.