General Tso’s Chicken

There’s something truly special about General Tso’s Chicken. Growing up, it was a staple in our household, often served during family gatherings or festive dinners. The blend of flavors—sweet, tangy, and a hint of spice—takes me back to those cozy evenings spent around the table, sharing stories and laughter. I can still remember the tantalizing aroma wafting from the kitchen, making all of us eager for the first bite. Preparing this dish feels like a warm hug; it’s comforting and satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Each bite of crispy chicken coated in that delicious hoisin sauce makes everything else fade away, and I can’t help but smile. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory.

General Tso’s Chicken Shopping List

When it comes to creating the perfect General Tso’s Chicken, the quality and freshness of your ingredients make all the difference. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and achieving the desired texture. The key players in this dish include juicy chicken, fragrant ginger, and the rich hoisin sauce. Together, they create a dish that’s loaded with flavor and authenticity.

• ½ cup hoisin sauce: This thick, sweet sauce adds depth and a unique flavor that defines the dish.
• ¼ cup white vinegar: This ingredient brings the acidity needed to balance out the sweetness of the hoisin sauce.
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty umami flavor that enhances the overall profile.
• 3 tablespoons sugar: This helps to amplify the sweetness and caramelization of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used for thickening the sauce and creating a crispy coating on the chicken.
• 1½ cups water: This will help adjust the consistency of the sauce.
• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star of the show, providing protein and substance.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used for sautéing and frying, adding richness to the dish.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds an aromatic punch that pairs wonderfully with the ginger.
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger: This ingredient brings a zesty warmth to the dish.
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For those who like a little heat!
• 3 egg whites: Helps in creating a light batter for frying the chicken.
• 1½ cups cornstarch: Used for coating the chicken before frying to achieve that crispy texture.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Combined with cornstarch for a perfect coating.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Aids in achieving a crispy texture when frying.
• 4 cups vegetable oil: For deep frying the chicken.
• 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp finishing touch to the dish.

Recipe Directions for General Tso’s Chicken

Cooking General Tso’s Chicken is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. Follow these steps for a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the details!

1. Make the Marinade: Start by whisking together the hoisin sauce, white vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a large bowl. This mixture will serve as your marinade and sauce. Pour about 6 tablespoons of this marinade into a zip-lock storage bag and add the chicken pieces. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the chicken to soak up all those wonderful flavors!
2. Make the Sauce: While your chicken is marinating, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Sauté the minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until they become fragrant, which should take about a minute. Then, add 2 cups of the hoisin marinade from the bowl to the skillet. Let this simmer while whisking constantly until it thickens and turns a dark brown color, typically about 5-7 minutes. Remove it from the heat and cover to keep warm.
3. Prepare the Coatings: In a shallow dish, whisk the egg whites until foamy and set aside. In another shallow dish, combine the remaining cornstarch, flour, baking soda, and the rest of the hoisin marinade. Mix it all together until it resembles coarse meal. This will be the coating for the chicken.
4. Prepare the Chicken: Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and pat each piece dry with paper towels—this step ensures the coating sticks well. Then, dip half of the chicken pieces into the foamy egg whites, making sure they are well coated. Next, dredge them in the cornstarch mixture, pressing down lightly to adhere the coating. Transfer the coated pieces to a plate and repeat this process with the remaining chicken.
5. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it registers about 350 degrees. Carefully add half of the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying them until they turn golden brown—this usually takes about 3 minutes. Be sure to turn each piece halfway through cooking for even browning. Once cooked, transfer the chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Return the oil to 350 degrees before frying the next batch. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken.
6. Finish: Once all the chicken is fried, warm the sauce you prepared earlier over medium heat until it simmers. Turn off the heat and add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure each piece is well coated. Serve warm, garnished with sliced green onions, and enjoy your delicious homemade General Tso’s Chicken!

Customization Ideas

One of the joys of cooking is making a dish your own, and General Tso’s Chicken is no exception! Here are some customization ideas to enhance your cooking experience:

• Adjust the Spiciness: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more!
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for added nutrition and color.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free flour for the coating.
• Make It Healthier: Consider baking the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version while still enjoying the same flavors.
• Serve with Different Sides: Experiment with serving General Tso’s Chicken over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Try Different Proteins: This recipe can easily be adapted with tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for a vegetarian or seafood option.

Accompaniments for General Tso’s Chicken

There are many delightful ways to serve General Tso’s Chicken. Here are some suggestions for sides and pairing ideas:

• White Rice: A classic pairing, fluffy white rice complements the savory sauce and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
• Steamed Broccoli: This healthy side adds color and nutrients to your meal, balancing the richness of the dish.
• Fried Rice: For a twist, serve it with fried rice, which brings an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Egg Rolls: These crispy appetizers are a hit and perfectly complement the sweet and spicy flavors of General Tso’s Chicken.
• Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw with a sesame dressing offers a crunchy contrast to the dish.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is great for parties or gatherings as it appeals to a wide variety of tastes and preferences.
• Pack for Lunch: Leftovers make an excellent lunch option! Just reheat and enjoy.
• Seasonal Pairing: Consider enjoying this dish during festive gatherings or family dinners, as it brings a joyous atmosphere to any table.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, General Tso’s Chicken is a wonderful dish that brings together flavors and textures in perfect harmony. Its crispy coating and savory sauce create a delightful experience that will impress your family and friends. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next meal—it’s sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy the cooking journey and the wonderful memories it creates around the table.

General Tso's Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, General Tso's Chicken is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that promises to satisfy your cravings. This easy weeknight dinner combines tender chicken pieces with a savory-sweet sauce that is truly irresistible. Perfect for serving family and friends, you won't want to miss out on this culinary delight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup hoisin sauce
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1½ cups water
• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 egg whites
• 1½ cups cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 4 cups vegetable oil
• 1-2 green onions thinly sliced (optional, garnish)

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Grater
• Oven
• Saucepan
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Make the Marinade: Whisk together the hoisin sauce, white vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a bowl. Place 6 tablespoons into a zip-lock storage bag with the chicken; seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Set aside the remaining marinade.
2. Make the Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Add 2 cups of the marinade to the skillet and simmer until thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Coatings: Whisk the egg whites until foamy; set aside. Combine remaining cornstarch, flour, and baking soda in a shallow dish.
4. Prepare the Chicken: Remove chicken from the refrigerator and pat dry. Toss half in egg whites, then coat in cornstarch mixture. Repeat with remaining chicken.
5. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until 350 degrees. Fry half the chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.
6. Finish: Warm the sauce over medium heat, then add fried chicken. Toss to coat and serve garnished with green onions.

Notes

• Nutritional values: These values are based on one serving.

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Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.