Why You’ll Love General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe stands out because:
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It’s fast and easy to make at home
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The chicken comes out crispy, juicy, and flavorful
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The sauce is made with simple pantry staples
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It’s versatile with options to bake, fry, or slow cook
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It satisfies that takeout craving without leaving the house
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Breading:
flour or cornstarch
paprika
garlic salt
cubed chicken breast or thigh meat
For the Sauce:
granulated sugar
water
distilled white vinegar
soy sauce
red chili flakes (optional for spice)
Directions
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In a large bowl, mix together flour (or cornstarch), paprika, and garlic salt to make the breading mixture.
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Add the cubed chicken pieces and toss until each piece is well coated.
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Heat about ¾ cup of oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
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Fry the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, water, vinegar, soy sauce, and red chili flakes (if using) to create the sauce.
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Pour the sauce into the pan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return the fried chicken to the pan and stir to coat evenly in the sauce.
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Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the chicken is fully glazed.
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Serve immediately over steamed rice with your favorite vegetables.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 8
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Gluten-Free Version: Use only cornstarch for breading and gluten-free soy sauce.
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Slow Cooker Version: Fry chicken first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Pour sauce over the top and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 2–4 hours.
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Baked Version: After frying or coating the chicken, place in a baking dish, pour sauce over, and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
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Extra Spicy: Add fresh chopped chilies or increase the red chili flakes.
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Lighter Option: Skip frying and sauté the chicken until fully cooked, then coat with sauce.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Keep in mind the chicken won’t be as crispy after reheating, but the flavor remains delicious.
FAQs
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use cornstarch instead of flour for breading, and substitute with gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work very well in this recipe and tend to be juicier.
Is General Tso’s Chicken very spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the chili flakes.
What should I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?
It pairs perfectly with white or brown rice and steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days until ready to use.
My sauce turned out thin—what should I do?
Simmer the sauce a bit longer to allow it to reduce and thicken, or add a cornstarch slurry to speed up thickening.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
You can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat and toss with freshly made sauce before serving.
How do I make the dish less sweet?
Reduce the sugar slightly in the sauce to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Baking results in a less crispy texture, but it’s a healthier alternative.
How can I keep the chicken crispy?
Serve the chicken immediately after coating it in the sauce. The longer it sits, the more it will absorb moisture and lose its crunch.
Conclusion
General Tso’s Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying meal that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. Whether you like it spicy, sweet, baked, or fried, this recipe is customizable and sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a must-try for any home cook looking to make restaurant-quality food with ease.
