Name: General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg, beaten; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 3-4 dried red chilies; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There's nothing quite like the irresistible combination of crispy chicken coated in a sticky, tangy sauce that General Tso’s Chicken brings to the table. This Chinese-American classic is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, making it a hit for family dinners or casual gatherings.

I first discovered this recipe while searching for a way to replicate our favorite takeout dish at home. Not only is it surprisingly easy to make, but it’s also fresher and more customizable than anything you can order. Let’s dive in and make your new favorite dinner!

Why You'll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with this mouthwatering dish. General Tso’s Chicken is a delightful blend of bold flavors and textures that will leave you coming back for more.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. In under 40 minutes, you’ll have a crispy, saucy dish that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but cravings are big.

This recipe is budget-friendly, too. Using simple pantry staples and fresh chicken, you can recreate this takeout classic without breaking the bank. Plus, you’ll avoid the extra cost (and wait time) of delivery.

Best of all, this dish is completely customizable. You can adjust the heat level, tweak the sweetness, or even swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp to suit your preferences. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just cooking for yourself, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Are you ready to take your homemade takeout game to the next level? Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dish shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of General Tso’s Chicken lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each one contributes to the magic of the final dish.

Chicken thighs are the star of this recipe. Their natural juiciness and flavor hold up beautifully during frying, giving you tender bites with a crispy exterior. While chicken breasts work as an alternative, thighs are more forgiving and flavorful.

The cornstarch coating is key to achieving that perfect crunch. It crisps up wonderfully when fried, providing the ideal texture to soak up the sauce.

Speaking of sauce, a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar creates a savory base with just the right amount of tang. Combined with sugar and a hint of chili paste, this sauce is bold, balanced, and absolutely addictive.

Don’t forget the garlic and ginger! These aromatics are essential for depth of flavor, infusing the dish with their signature warmth and spice.

A deep skillet or wok is all you need for frying and tossing the chicken in sauce. If you have a thermometer, it’ll help you keep the oil at a steady temperature for perfectly crispy results.

How To Make This General Tso’s Chicken

Creating this restaurant-quality dish at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to achieve crispy, saucy perfection.

Start by preparing your chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them with cornstarch, ensuring an even coating. This step is essential for that signature crunch.

Next, heat a few inches of oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F. Carefully fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Each piece should be golden and crispy in about 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

While the chicken is frying, make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili paste, and a bit of water. Set it aside for later.

In the same skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce and let it simmer until it thickens slightly.

Add the fried chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat every piece in the glossy sauce. The combination of crispy chicken and sticky sauce is pure magic.

Serve immediately over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch. Total time? Just about 40 minutes from start to finish!

Storage Options

General Tso’s Chicken stores surprisingly well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will lose some of its crispiness but will still taste delicious when reheated.

To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce to revive the flavors. Alternatively, use an air fryer to restore some of the crunch.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish due to the sauce, but if you must, freeze the chicken and sauce separately for better texture upon reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili paste. If you prefer a milder dish, skip the chili altogether.
Add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to the mix for extra nutrition and color.
Use honey or brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different sweetness profile.
Experiment with gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.

The best part about cooking at home is the freedom to tailor each dish to your liking. Have fun experimenting, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!