There’s a universally cherished quality about Asian and Asian-inspired dishes: their profound depth of flavor. Layers upon layers of deliciousness tantalize the palate, making every bite an experience. Our General Tso’s Chicken recipe embodies this sentiment perfectly, delivering an explosion of taste that will make it an instant household favorite. While General Tso’s Chicken has long been a staple of takeout menus, often calling to us after a long day, you might be surprised to learn just how simple and incredibly rewarding it is to prepare this iconic dish right in your own kitchen.
Imagine a symphony of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour notes dancing on your tongue – that’s the magic of General Tso’s Chicken. This harmonious blend creates a truly unforgettable meal that confidently stands shoulder to shoulder with, or even surpasses, the best offerings from your favorite Chinese restaurants. To elevate your dining experience and create a complete, restaurant-worthy feast, we highly recommend pairing this flavorful chicken with our delightful Egg Roll Stir-Fry. The vibrant vegetables and savory profile of the stir-fry perfectly complement the rich flavors of the chicken, adding texture and freshness to your plate.
Unveiling the Secret Behind the Iconic Sauce
The heart and soul of any General Tso’s Chicken lies in its distinctive sauce – a masterful balance of contrasting flavors that creates its signature taste. Our sauce is a carefully crafted blend designed for maximum impact. It starts with a base of rich chicken broth, which provides a savory foundation. To this, we add bright rice vinegar for that essential tangy kick, classic soy sauce for umami and saltiness, and a touch of granulated sugar to provide the beloved sweetness. The complexity deepens with the inclusion of robust tomato paste, contributing a subtle fruity depth, and the rich, savory notes of hoisin sauce, a cornerstone of Chinese cuisine. Finally, a measure of cornstarch is whisked in, ensuring that when heated, the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick coating that beautifully clings to every piece of crispy chicken.
Choosing and Preparing Your Chicken
For the chicken component of this dish, you have flexibility in your choice of cut. We recommend using either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Both work wonderfully, offering slightly different textures and richness. Chicken breasts will yield a leaner, slightly firmer bite, while chicken thighs, being dark meat, offer a juicier, more tender result with a bit more flavor. Some home cooks, myself included, even prefer a combination of both for a varied texture. When preparing your chicken, ensure it’s cut into uniform 1 1/4-inch cubes. Consistency in size is key for even cooking. Just remember, if you opt for a mix, dark meat typically requires a few extra minutes to cook through compared to white meat, so adjust your frying time accordingly.
Before hitting the hot oil, the chicken undergoes a crucial coating process. This simple yet effective step is what gives General Tso’s Chicken its characteristic crispy exterior. Each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in a mixture primarily consisting of cornstarch, which creates that desirable crispy crust. A touch of soy sauce is added to infuse flavor directly into the chicken, and whisked eggs act as a binder, helping the cornstarch adhere perfectly. This coating not only adds a fantastic crunch but also locks in the chicken’s moisture, ensuring every bite is tender and succulent on the inside.
Once expertly coated, the chicken pieces are deep-fried to a golden perfection. This step is where the magic happens, transforming the humble chicken into irresistibly crispy morsels. After frying, the chicken is then tossed in the luscious, aromatic sauce, ensuring every piece is generously coated with the sweet, spicy, and savory glaze. The contrast between the crispy chicken and the sticky sauce is truly what makes this dish a delight.
Adding Aromatic Depth and Heat
Beyond the core sauce ingredients, it’s the aromatics that truly elevate General Tso’s Chicken, infusing it with layers of complex flavor. Freshly minced garlic and ginger are indispensable, providing a pungent, spicy, and warming base that is instantly recognizable in Asian cuisine. These ingredients are briefly stir-fried to release their fragrant oils, setting the stage for the sauce. For that signature spicy kick, hot chiles are a must. Dried Chile de Arbol peppers are an excellent choice, offering a clean, sustained heat. You can typically find these in the Hispanic food section of most grocery stores, the produce aisle, or conveniently order Dried Chile De Arbol online.
If you’re someone who loves to turn up the heat, there are even more ways to customize the spice level. A personal favorite discovery is Hot Chili Sesame Oil. Drizzling a little of this fragrant oil over the finished dish adds a beautiful sheen, a nutty aroma, and an extra layer of fiery warmth that is simply addictive. Experiment with the amount of chiles and chili oil to find your perfect balance of zest and heat.
Make General Tso’s Chicken at Home Tonight!
Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a homemade version of this takeout classic? Our General Tso’s Chicken recipe brings all the irresistible sweet, salty, and spicy flavors to your own kitchen, allowing you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust the heat to your preference. Follow along with our detailed instructions and tips to create a dish that’s far superior to anything you’ll get delivered. Don’t forget to connect with us on social media for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!
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General Tso’s Chicken
By Christin Mahrlig
Average rating: 3.75 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Servings: 4-6 servings
Print Recipe
Get all the sweet, salty, and spicy flavors of your favorite Asian takeout dish right in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
Remaining Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes
- Peanut oil for deep frying
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 10-12 chiles de arbol (dried small red chilies)
- 2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
- Sliced green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients for the sauce and whisk well until smooth. Set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons peanut oil, and the egg yolks until well combined. Add the chicken pieces and stir to ensure all pieces are fully and evenly coated.
- Pour about 1-inch of peanut oil into a large heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully fry the chicken pieces for approximately 4 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Carefully discard the frying oil or, if using the same pan, carefully pour out the hot oil and wipe the pan clean with a paper towel. Exercise extreme caution as the oil will be very hot. Alternatively, use a fresh, clean pan.
- Add 1/4 cup of fresh peanut oil (or 1/4 cup of the strained oil used for frying the chicken) to the pan. Heat over high heat. Add the minced ginger, minced garlic, and chiles de arbol. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Give the reserved sauce mixture another quick stir and pour it into the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the fried chicken pieces back into the pan with the thickened sauce. Cook for 2 additional minutes, stirring gently to ensure all chicken pieces are thoroughly coated with the delicious General Tso’s sauce.
- Remove from heat and drizzle the Asian sesame oil over the chicken. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions if desired, and alongside steamed rice or our recommended Egg Roll Stir-Fry.
Nutrition
Calories: 289 kcal
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation methods.
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Recipe adapted from Saveur
More Asian-Style Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavors of General Tso’s Chicken, then you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic Asian-inspired dishes from our kitchen. Expand your culinary horizons and discover new favorites that are perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Craving something with a kick? Our Sriracha Noodles with Tofu offer a delightful blend of spicy, savory, and satisfying textures. This quick and easy vegetarian dish is packed with flavor, making it a perfect light meal or a fantastic side for your General Tso’s Chicken. It’s an excellent way to enjoy plant-based goodness without compromising on taste.
For beef lovers, our Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat) is an absolute must-try. This recipe captures the essence of the restaurant favorite with tender slices of beef bathed in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. It’s surprisingly simple to make at home and tastes even better than the real thing, making it another ideal candidate for your homemade Asian feast.
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