If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and delightful textures, this Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe has got you covered. It perfectly balances the crispy, tender chicken pieces with a tangy, slightly sweet, and savory sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying a Chinese-American favorite for the first time, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a critical role, from creating that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken to building a sauce that is both savory and satisfyingly sticky.
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch, divided: This ensures the chicken pieces are coated perfectly for frying and also helps thicken the sauce.
- ½ cup water: Used to create the silky texture of the sauce when mixed with the cornstarch.
- 4 tablespoons sugar: Adds the classic sweet contrast that balances the savory and tangy flavors beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings the essential salty umami base that defines this dish.
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar: Introduces a gentle tang that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the sauce, boosting its complexity.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces: The star protein, tender and ready to soak in all the flavors.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Needed for that perfect frying that yields crispy, golden chicken.
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger: Adds a fresh zing and warmth, balancing the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers just the right hint of heat to keep things interesting.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses the dish with an aromatic, savory punch.
- Sliced green onions (optional): Perfect for a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens every bite.
- Cooked rice: The classic, neutral base that makes each mouthful satisfying and complete.
How to Make Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by whisking together 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch with the water, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce until smooth. This mixture will later transform into that luscious, thick glaze that perfectly clings to the chicken. Setting it aside now allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Next, toss your small chicken pieces in the remaining cornstarch until each one is uniformly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crunch when frying, providing a light and crispy exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the tender meat inside.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Fry the chicken pieces in batches so they have room to crisp up evenly. Once golden brown and irresistibly crispy, remove them and set them on paper towels to drain any excess oil, ensuring they stay crunchy without being greasy.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base
Carefully pour off all but about one tablespoon of the oil in the skillet. Add minced ginger, red pepper flakes, and garlic to the pan, cooking just until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with aromatic notes that will carry through the sauce and elevate the dish with fresh and spicy undertones.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return your fried chicken to the skillet and toss it with the fragrant ginger, garlic, and pepper flakes. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats every crispy chicken piece evenly. This final move creates that signature sticky glaze everyone loves about General Tso’s Chicken.
How to Serve Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions as a garnish offers a burst of fresh color and a mild oniony crunch that balances the richness of the sauce. It also adds a lovely visual appeal, making your dish look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serving your Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe over steamed white or jasmine rice is a classic choice. The fluffy rice soaks up the tangy sauce beautifully. You can also add some steamed broccoli or snap peas for a fresh, crunchy contrast that brightens the meal and adds nutritional value.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, try stuffing the crispy chicken and sauce into lettuce wraps for a lighter, hand-held version. Alternatively, topping fried rice or even noodles with this saucy chicken can transform leftovers or new meals into something special and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe, let the leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate, and they will stay fresh for up to three days, making for a quick and tasty second helping later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to two months. This helps maintain the best texture, as freezing the sauce alone and the chicken alone allows you to reheat more evenly without the risk of sogginess.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding the sauce once the chicken is warm. This keeps the chicken crispy while reigniting the glaze, ensuring every bite tastes freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use dark meat chicken instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when frying. Just be sure to cut them into small, even pieces so they cook through evenly and achieve the perfect crispy texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Coat and fry them just like the chicken, then toss with the sauce for a delicious vegetarian delight packed with the same bold flavors.
How spicy is this Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe?
This recipe features just a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes, making it approachable for most palates. You can adjust the spice level by adding more flakes or serving with a side of chili sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce mixture can be whisked together ahead of time and kept refrigerated for up to two days. Just give it a quick stir before using to make sure the cornstarch hasn’t settled.
What oil is best for frying the chicken?
Vegetable oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use canola or peanut oil as alternatives to ensure perfectly crispy chicken without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe at home is not only incredibly satisfying but also a wonderful way to impress family and friends with your cooking skills. The combination of crispy chicken and that luscious, vibrant sauce is unforgettable. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite takeout-inspired meal made fresh!
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Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines classic Chinese-American flavors with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, culminating in a delicious meal served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
For the Chicken
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
For Flavoring
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
To Serve
- Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice
Instructions
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch, water, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce until smooth. Set this mixture aside to use later as the glaze for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the remaining 4 ½ tablespoons cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This coating helps achieve a crispy texture once fried.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Sauce in Skillet: Pour off all but about 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet. Add the minced ginger, red pepper flakes, and garlic to the hot oil. Cook them until fragrant, which takes about 1-2 minutes, releasing the aromatics into the oil.
- Combine and Finish: Return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the aromatics. Pour in the previously prepared sauce, stirring constantly. Cook everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish the General Tso’s chicken with sliced green onions if using. Serve immediately over a bed of warm cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform small pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity according to your spice preference.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to keep chicken crispy.
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil for frying.
- Leftover chicken reheats well in a skillet over medium heat.
- For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
