General Tso’s Chicken
Whenever I think about comfort food, General Tso’s Chicken instantly comes to mind. I remember the first time I had this dish, I was at a small takeout place, and the flavors were like nothing I had ever experienced before. The crispy chicken, the sweet and tangy sauce, and the hint of heat was utterly captivating! It became a staple for our family dinners, where we would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Making General Tso’s Chicken at home has become a cherished tradition for me. It’s the perfect dish to whip up for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests on special occasions. Plus, the satisfaction of creating this beloved dish from scratch is incredibly rewarding.
Recipe Snapshot
35 mins
20 mins
15 mins
Medium
420 kcal
30 g
Whole30, Gluten-Free
25 g
Large Pot, Skillet, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Peeler, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon
Why This General Tso’s Chicken Stands Out
It’s Irresistibly Delicious
The flavor profile of General Tso’s Chicken is a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and spicy. The sauce coats the crispy chicken perfectly, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s hard to resist.
Easy to Make
Don’t let the delightful flavors fool you; making General Tso’s Chicken at home is surprisingly easy. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.
A Family Favorite
This dish is a crowd-pleaser in my household. Everyone from kids to adults loves the crispy chicken and the flavorful sauce, making it a perfect option for family dinners.
Customizable Heat
One of the best features of General Tso’s Chicken is that you can easily adjust the spiciness level. Whether you like it mild or fiery hot, you control the heat!
Perfect Pairing
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making it an excellent choice for a complete meal. The fluffy rice complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Ingredients Required for General Tso’s Chicken
The ingredients for General Tso’s Chicken come together to create a harmony of flavors and textures. The key players include the chicken, which provides a satisfying crunch, and the sauce, which bursts with sweetness and spice. Each ingredient serves its purpose in enhancing the overall taste, making this dish a true delight.
- Chicken Breasts: Two 7 to 9 ounce chicken breasts, cut into ½ inch pieces, serve as the main protein that will be perfectly crispy after frying.
- Soy Sauce: Three tablespoons of soy sauce add a savory depth to the marinade and the sauce.
- Sugar: Two tablespoons of sugar balance the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
- Lee Kum Kee Pure Sesame Oil: Three tablespoons of this oil provide a rich, nutty flavor that is essential for authentic taste.
- Egg: One large egg helps bind the marinade ingredients to the chicken.
- Corn Starch: Half a cup of corn starch is critical for achieving that perfect crispy coating on the chicken.
- All-Purpose Flour: Half a cup of all-purpose flour complements the corn starch for that ideal crunch.
- Sea Salt and Pepper: To taste, these seasonings enhance the chicken’s flavor.
- Oil for Frying: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy texture on the chicken.
- Yellow Onion: A quarter, thinly sliced, adds sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Garlic: Four finely minced cloves add an aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
- Fresh Ginger: A half-inch piece, thinly sliced, provides warmth and spice.
- Rice Vinegar: Three tablespoons add a touch of acidity that balances the flavors.
- Water: Three tablespoons used in the sauce for smoothing out the texture.
- Honey: Two tablespoons add additional sweetness to the sauce.
- Oyster Flavored Sauce: Two tablespoons enhance umami flavors in the dish.
- Dried Mild Thai Chiles: Ten to twelve chiles provide the heat, perfectly adjustable to your preference.
- Slurry: Made from one tablespoon of water mixed with one tablespoon of corn starch, this thickens the sauce to perfection.
Step by Step Instructions for General Tso’s Chicken
Making General Tso’s Chicken is an enjoyable experience that results in a delicious meal! Let’s dive into the process so you can recreate this fantastic dish at home.
Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, egg, salt, and pepper until everything is combined. Place the bowl in the refrigerator while you prep the other ingredients. This allows the chicken to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Next, prepare the sauce. In another bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, water, soy sauce, sugar, honey, oyster sauce, and Thai chiles. Mix well and set aside for later.
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the refrigerator. Mix the marinated chicken with corn starch and flour until it’s completely coated. The mixture should adhere to the chicken pieces, creating a nice batter.
Prepare the frying oil in a deep fryer or a large pot or wok. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Once fried, set the chicken aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This step keeps the chicken crispy!
Now, let’s make the sauce. In the same wok, drain the frying oil and add two tablespoons of sesame oil. Stir fry the onion, garlic, and ginger over medium-high heat for one to two minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
Next, pour the pre-mixed sauce into the wok and bring it to a boil. You’ll see it bubbling, which means it’s ready for the next step. This is where the magic happens!
Immediately pour in the slurry (the mixture of water and corn starch) and stir to thicken the sauce. It should start to coat the back of a spoon nicely.
Finally, add in the cooked fried chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated in the sauce. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
Serve your General Tso’s Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for that finishing touch. You’re ready to enjoy this delicious meal!
Things Worth Knowing
- Tip One: For the crispiest chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. This helps achieve that golden color and fluffy texture.
- Tip Two: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature, which should be around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Tip Three: You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer Thai chiles to the sauce.
- Tip Four: Marinating the chicken for longer enhances its flavor, so if you have time, let it sit for an hour or more.
Substitutions and Tips
When it comes to General Tso’s Chicken, having some handy tips and substitutions can enhance your cooking experience. Here are some ideas to keep in mind:
- Storage: To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: This dish does not freeze well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Pairing: Consider serving with steamed rice or a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Meat Options: Feel free to use a combination of white or dark meat chicken. Just ensure to remove bones and skin.
- Flour Ratio: When mixing the corn starch and flour, aim for a thick tempura-style batter for the best texture.
- Garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions make fantastic garnishes to enhance the presentation.
How to Enjoy General Tso’s Chicken
Enjoying General Tso’s Chicken can be a delightful experience. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Serve Hot: This dish is best served hot right after cooking. The crispy texture and flavors are at their peak!
- Accompanying Sides: Serve with fluffy white rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Occasions: Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a great choice for family gatherings or celebrations.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick meal later.
- Seasonal Pairing: This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round, making it a staple in any recipe rotation.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, General Tso’s Chicken is a delicious blend of crispy chicken and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s comforting, easy to make, and sure to impress anyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and make it a staple in your home cooking. You’ll find that it quickly becomes a favorite!
General Tso’s Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- For the chicken in a large bowl toss the chicken with the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, egg, salt, and pepper until combined and place in the refrigerator while prepping up everything else.
- For the sauce whisk together the vinegar, water, soy sauce, sugar, honey, oyster sauce, and Thai chiles until combined and set aside.
- Next, take the chicken out of the fridge and mix it with corn starch and flour until completely combined and then add 1 piece of chicken at a time until half of it is in a deep fryer or a large pot or wok with cooking oil at 350°. Cook the chicken in 2 batches so that it does not stick together.
- Set the chicken aside on a plate or sheet tray lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
- For the sauce, drain off all of the frying oil and add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and stir fry the onions, garlic, and ginger over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Next, add the pre-mixed sauce into the wok and bring to a boil. Immediately pour in the water mixed with corn starch and mix to thicken the sauce.
- Once thick, add in the cooked fried chicken and toss until coated in the sauce.
- Serve with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can make this recipe up to 1 hour ahead of time but keep the chicken separate from the sauce. Keep both of them warm before tossing and serving.
- How to Reheat: Add some sesame oil to a large wok over medium heat and add your desired amount of General Tso’s Chicken to the wok and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until hot. You can also cook in a microwave-safe bowl until hot.
- How to Store: Cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will not freeze well.
- Chicken Options: You can absolutely use a combination of white meat or dark meat or just one or the other. Be sure to remove the bone and skins before cutting into bite-size pieces.
- Batter Consistency: When mixing the flour and corn starch in with the marinated chicken, the batter should resemble a thick tempura-style batter.
