General Tso’s Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for anyone who loves takeout-style dishes that pack a punch of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Imagine irresistibly crispy chicken pieces tossed in a glossy, addictive sauce, kissed with the fragrance of garlic and ginger, and finished with a sprinkle of sesame and green onion for that undeniable restaurant flair. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight treat or impressing friends at a gathering, this classic Chinese-American favorite never fails to bring cheer to the dinner table.

General Tso’s Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this General Tso’s Chicken truly shine are the simple yet essential ingredients, each one carefully chosen to balance crunchy texture, deep savoriness, and a hint of heat. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute too much; every component comes together to create the unforgettable flavor profile we all crave.

Chicken: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs lend juiciness, while breasts are leaner—choose your favorite!
Cornstarch: ½ cup, for that all-important shatteringly crisp crust when frying the chicken.
All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup, helps the batter adhere and fry up beautifully golden.
Eggs: 2, whisked with seasonings to add moisture and help everything stick.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon, just enough to enhance all the other flavors.
Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, brings a subtle warmth that complements the sauce.
Vegetable Oil: For frying; use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the crispiest results.
Soy Sauce: ⅓ cup low-sodium, provides the umami base without being too salty.
Rice Vinegar: ¼ cup, adds brightness and balances out the sweet notes.
Hoisin Sauce: ¼ cup, brings that deep, slightly smoky sweetness classic to General Tso’s Chicken.
Water: ¼ cup, thins out the sauce just enough to coat each piece.
Sugar: 3 tablespoons, for an unmistakable touch of sweetness that rounds everything out.
Cornstarch (Sauce): 2 tablespoons, helps the sauce get that glossy, slightly sticky consistency.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Essential for flavor depth.
Fresh Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated. Adds warmth and a vivid aromatic lift.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): ½ teaspoon, gives you just the right level of heat—add more or less to taste.
Sliced Green Onions: For garnish—a vibrant pop of color and mild oniony finish.
Sesame Seeds (optional): Sprinkle for extra crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Dredge the Chicken

Let’s start by setting up your batter station. In one bowl, whisk together the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper—this will ensure a tasty, seasoned base. In another bowl, thoroughly mix the cornstarch with the all-purpose flour; this combination is your secret weapon for ultra-crispy chicken. Dip your pieces of chicken first into the egg mixture, making sure every nook gets coated, then dredge them in the flour-cornstarch blend, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken Until Golden and Crispy

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot, and heat it over medium-high. Once it’s hot (test with a small bit of coating—it should sizzle!), carefully add the chicken in batches. Don’t crowd the pan, or the temperature will drop and you’ll lose that precious crunch. Fry each batch for around 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully golden and cooked through. Lay the finished pieces on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil while you fry the next round.

Step 3: Mix Up the Sweet-Savory Sauce

While the chicken rests, it’s time to stir together that luscious, crave-worthy sauce. In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth—no lumps allowed. Meanwhile, in a clean skillet or wok, heat up just a splash of oil and toss in your minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds to release their flavors without letting them burn.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Toss the Chicken

Pour your sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly as it quickly thickens and turns glossy—just 2 or 3 minutes and you’re there. When it’s right, add the fried chicken straight into the pan, and toss everything together until each piece is luxuriously coated. Let it all cook together for another minute or two, just to heat all the way through and let those flavors mingle.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

As soon as the chicken is cloaked in that vibrant sauce, transfer it to a serving platter for maximum wow-factor. Don’t forget to finish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and, if you like, a handful of sesame seeds for extra crunch and style. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot with fluffy steamed rice.

How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh green onions are not just for color; their crisp bite adds freshness that lightens the rich sauce. A shake of sesame seeds creates a nutty aroma and a little extra crunch. If you’re in a playful mood, add a few slices of red chili or a twist of orange zest for a chef’s finishing touch.

Side Dishes

General Tso’s Chicken practically begs for plain steamed rice, which soaks up every drop of sauce beautifully. For a more complete meal, consider pairing it with sautéed broccoli, steamed snow peas, or even a simple cucumber salad. These sides provide a cooling balance to the warm, sticky-sweet chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just want to switch things up, try serving the chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist. You can also pile the saucy chicken onto a platter surrounded by vibrant stir-fried veggies, or turn leftovers into a packed lunch wrap with rice and fresh herbs. Presentation is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Should you find yourself with extra General Tso’s Chicken (lucky you!), store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The coating might lose a touch of crispness, but the flavors develop even more after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. Lay the fried chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. The sauce can go in a freezer-safe jar or bag. When you’re ready, thaw and reheat according to the tips below.

Reheating

To recapture a bit of that original crispiness, reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes, then quickly toss in reheated sauce just before serving. The microwave works for convenience, but the oven method gives a much better texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for General Tso’s Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great alternative and will be a bit leaner. Just keep in mind that thighs tend to stay a little juicier, but both work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make General Tso’s Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and make sure your soy sauce and hoisin are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.

Is there a healthier way to cook the chicken?

Definitely! Instead of traditional frying, you can air-fry or bake the chicken pieces until crispy, then toss them in the sauce. You’ll cut down significantly on oil without sacrificing great flavor.

How spicy is General Tso’s Chicken?

This dish is mildly spicy thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust it to your liking. Want more heat? Up the red pepper. Prefer mild? Leave it out—or serve hot sauce on the side for spice lovers.

What’s the best way to re-crisp General Tso’s Chicken leftovers?

For the best texture, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer until hot and crispy, then quickly toss with warmed sauce. The microwave will heat it up just fine, but the chicken will be much softer.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making General Tso’s Chicken on repeat—it’s just that irresistible! With its bold flavors and perfect balance of crispy and saucy, it’s sure to become your favorite homemade takeout treat. Gather your ingredients and give it a try; you’ll be amazed how easy and satisfying it is to create this classic at home!

General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make delicious General Tso’s Chicken at home with this easy recipe. Crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served over steamed rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

Sauce:

⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup rice vinegar
¼ cup hoisin sauce
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Whisk eggs with salt and pepper. Dip chicken in egg mixture then coat with flour-cornstarch mix.
Fry the Chicken: Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin, water, sugar, and cornstarch. Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, then add sauce and thicken.
Coat the Chicken: Toss fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
Serve: Serve over steamed rice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

This dish is best served fresh for a crispy texture.
For a healthier option, bake or air-fry the chicken before tossing in the sauce.
Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Frying
Cuisine: Asian-American