The Best General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

5 from 1 vote

With a perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors, this homemade recipe will rival your favorite takeout joint.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword General Tso’s Chicken

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings People

Calories 431kcal

2 lb Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
¼ cup Cornstarch: This will be used to coat the chicken and give it a crispy texture.
¼ cup Vegetable oil: You'll need this for frying the chicken.
4 cloves Garlic minced and ¼ tsp of ground ginger: These aromatic ingredients will add depth of flavor to the dish.
4 tbsp Soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
3 tbsp Rice vinegar: This adds a tangy kick to the sauce.
1 tbsp Hoisin sauce: A key ingredient in General Tso's Chicken, it provides a rich and slightly sweet flavor.
2 tbsp Honey: Balances out the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
½ tsp Red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, these flakes will add heat to the dish.
1 tbsp Green onions: These will be used as a garnish to add freshness and color to the finished dish.

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the sauce: In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Coat the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Take each marinated chicken piece and coat it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil and cook until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, and any vegetables of your choice, such as broccoli or bell peppers.
Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add the sauce and chicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly.
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
Serve the Best General Tso's Chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect General Tso's Chicken

To ensure your General Tso's Chicken turns out perfect every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Pat the chicken dry before marinating it. This will help the marinade stick better to the chicken.
Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature when frying the chicken. The ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy without being greasy.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some dried chili peppers to the sauce.
For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
Feel free to customize the vegetables in the dish. Add your favorites or use what you have on hand. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.