General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that features crispy chicken coated in a rich, tangy sauce. This recipe brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients, you can make this mouthwatering dish in no time!
The Inspiration Behind The General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
General Tso’s Chicken is believed to have been created in the 1950s in the United States, though it’s named after a Chinese general, Tso Tsung-tang. The dish was inspired by Chinese cuisine but was adapted to suit American tastes, combining crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce. Today, it’s a staple on many Chinese-American restaurant menus.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For garnish:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, combine cornstarch and flour. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg and coat them with the flour-cornstarch mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, water, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Cook the sauce: In the same pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir until it thickens and becomes smooth. If you want some spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Add the crispy chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Toss well to coat the chicken completely.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based twist. Tofu can be pressed and fried in the same way as chicken.
- Different Proteins: If you prefer, swap the chicken with shrimp, beef, or even pork to suit your tastes.
- Less Spicy: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes from the sauce.
Cooking Notes
- Frying the chicken: For a crispy texture, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb more oil and become soggy.
- Thickening the sauce: Be sure to stir the sauce continuously while it thickens to avoid lumps. Adding cornstarch helps give the sauce the right texture.
- Control sweetness: If you like it less sweet, reduce the sugar or adjust to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve General Tso’s Chicken with steamed white or brown rice to balance out the rich sauce.
- Pair it with some sautéed vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, for a complete meal.
- Add an appetizer like spring rolls or dumplings to create a full Chinese-inspired dinner.
Tips
- Prepping chicken: Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly.
- Double-fry method: For an extra crispy coating, try frying the chicken twice—once to cook it through and a second time to make it even crunchier.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
Why You’ll Love General Tso’s Chicken
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce is a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
- Crispy Chicken: The crispy coating on the chicken provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice and sweetness to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: General Tso’s Chicken is an impressive dish to serve at dinner parties, family gatherings, or special celebrations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making General Tso’s Chicken
- Not Drying the Chicken: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before coating it. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from sticking properly.
- Overcrowding the Pan: When frying the chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Using Low-Quality Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a key ingredient in the sauce. Opt for high-quality soy sauce to achieve the best flavor.
- Not Letting the Sauce Thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken properly before adding the chicken. A watery sauce won’t coat the chicken as well.
How to Store and Reheat General Tso’s Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat and cook until heated through. For the crispiest result, you can briefly re-fry the chicken pieces in hot oil before serving.
FAQs
Can I make General Tso’s Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together in a pan.
Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or vegetable oil. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point.
Is General Tso’s Chicken very spicy?
It can be spicy, depending on the amount of red pepper flakes you add. You can adjust the heat level by using less or omitting them entirely.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend for the coating. Ensure the hoisin sauce is also gluten-free.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for General Tso’s Chicken. However, it’s essential to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure that it cooks evenly and thoroughly. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost function.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! If you want a healthier version of General Tso’s Chicken, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), and place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
What type of rice should I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?
The best rice to serve with General Tso’s Chicken is long-grain white rice, like jasmine or basmati. These types of rice have a fluffy texture and can soak up the sauce well. You could also use brown rice for a healthier option or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative.
How can I make General Tso’s Chicken less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the dish, you can adjust the sugar content. Start by reducing the sugar by half, then taste the sauce before adding more. You can also balance out the sweetness by adding a little extra soy sauce for saltiness or a splash of rice vinegar to add tang.
Can I make this dish without sesame oil?
Yes, if you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with another cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, but keep in mind it won’t give the dish the same nutty, rich flavor that sesame oil provides. Alternatively, you can add a dash of toasted sesame seeds at the end to replicate some of the flavor.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for quick cooking in a pan, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. First, cook the chicken separately (by baking or pan-frying) and set it aside. Prepare the sauce ingredients in the slow cooker and let them cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add the chicken pieces in during the last 30 minutes to allow them to soak up the sauce.
How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a little more cornstarch. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Allow the sauce to cook for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Conclusion
Making General Tso’s Chicken at home is a simple way to enjoy this popular dish without ordering takeout. With crispy chicken, a tangy sauce, and customizable heat levels, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you stick to the traditional version or try one of the variations, this recipe offers a quick and delicious meal everyone can enjoy.
