General Tso's Chicken
I love making General Tso's Chicken at home because it's so much easier than you think, and the result is always better than takeout. This American-Chinese favorite is a staple in our house, and I'm excited to share my recipe with you.
The combination of crispy fried chicken and sweet and spicy sauce is a winner every time. I make it for special occasions and weeknights alike, and it's always a crowd-pleaser.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it's customizable to your taste, so feel free to adjust the level of spiciness or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
- It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions or weeknights.
- You can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready.
- It's customizable to your taste, so you can adjust the level of spiciness or add your favorite vegetables.
- It's a great way to get your family to eat more Asian-inspired food without going to a restaurant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized piecesYou can also use thighs if you prefer
- 1/2 cup cornstarchThis helps the chicken become crispy
- 2 eggsBeaten eggs help the cornstarch stick to the chicken
- 1/4 cup vegetable oilFor frying the chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for the flavor
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh gingerGrate it yourself for the best flavor
- 1/4 cup soy sauceUse a high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor
- 1/4 cup oyster sauceThis adds a depth of flavor to the sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegarThis helps balance the sweetness of the sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oilThis adds a distinct flavor to the sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakesAdjust to your desired level of spiciness
- Scallions, choppedFor garnish
How to Make It
- 1In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken and mix until the chicken is well coated.
- 2Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and fry until it's golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- 4In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 5Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
- 6Add the fried chicken back to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until the chicken is well coated.
- 7Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped scallions.
- 8Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh garlic and ginger, for the best flavor.
- Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
- Adjust the level of spiciness to your taste by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken.
Variations & Swaps
- Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, for a variation on the recipe.
- Serve the General Tso's Chicken with steamed broccoli or rice for a well-rounded meal.
- Add some heat to the sauce by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.
- Try using different types of oil, such as peanut oil or avocado oil, for a unique flavor.
Serve It With
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover General Tso's Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's crispy and hot.
You can also freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it when you're ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is General Tso's Chicken?
General Tso's Chicken is a popular American-Chinese dish that consists of crispy fried chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Can I make General Tso's Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Is General Tso's Chicken spicy?
The level of spiciness in General Tso's Chicken can vary depending on the recipe and the amount of red pepper flakes used. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your taste by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Can I use different types of protein in General Tso's Chicken?
Yes, you can use different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, in place of the chicken. Simply adjust the cooking time and method according to the protein you choose.
Is General Tso's Chicken healthy?
While General Tso's Chicken can be a nutritious meal option, it is high in calories and fat due to the frying process. You can make it healthier by using less oil and adding more vegetables to the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Scallions, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken and mix until the chicken is well coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and fry until it's golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Add the fried chicken back to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until the chicken is well coated.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped scallions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!