General Tso’s Chicken Recipe: A Delicious Guide to Homemade Chinese Food 🍚🍗🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a classic Asian-inspired dish that’s both sweet and spicy, then you can’t go wrong with our General Tso’s Chicken recipe. This saucy chicken and rice favorite offers the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, tangy sauce. Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite takeout food or include a new dish in your custom menu, this homemade Chinese food recipe is a must-try. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to make the best General Tao Chicken from scratch, with tips for getting that perfect crispy texture and rich sauce that makes this dish so popular.
2. Ingredients for the Best General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch or starch of your choice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Optional: cooked rice or noodles for serving
For the flavorful sauce, you will need:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
For a complete experience, consider pairing your General Tso’s Chicken with a side of Korean Ground Beef Bowl or smothered chicken and rice.
3. Preparing the Chicken for Perfect Crispy Texture
Marinate and Coat
Start by marinating your chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce and a little cornstarch for about 15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken while also giving it a coating that fries up crispy. In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch and flour. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating for maximum crispiness.
4. Deep Frying the Chicken for Authentic Taste
Frying Technique
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding to maintain temperature and crispiness. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. For a healthier option, consider baking the chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, though this may slightly affect the crispiness.
5. Making the Saucy Chicken and Rice Sauce
Preparing the Sauce
Combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl. Mix well until the honey or sugar dissolves completely. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Pour the sauce into the pan and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
For those interested in exploring Asian recipes further, check out our review of Asian recipes for more inspiration.
6. Combining Chicken and Sauce for a World-Class Dish
Tossing and Serving
Add crispy chicken pieces to the sauce and stir until fully coated. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. For a spicy twist, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha.
Looking for more family-friendly dinner ideas? Visit Dinner recipes for a variety of options that suit every taste.
7. Storage Tips and Reheating Your Saucy Chicken and Rice
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, or re-crisp the chicken by baking at 375°F for 10 minutes. Keep in mind that reheated saucy chicken may lose some of its crispy texture, so plan to enjoy it fresh whenever possible.
For healthier dinner suggestions, consider trying our healthy gnocchi with spinach and feta.
8. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pair your General Tso’s Chicken with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for the traditional saucy chicken and rice experience. For an additional Asian touch, include some Himalayan Pink Salt or serve alongside Pollo Loco-style dishes. To elevate your meal, add some sautéed vegetables or a fresh Asian salad.
Explore more tastings of Korean-inspired dishes for a well-rounded Asian dinner experience.
9. Conclusion
This General Tso’s Chicken recipe offers a perfect combination of crispy chicken, sweet and spicy sauce, and rice, making it an ideal homemade Chinese food choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a custom menu for guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen. By following our step-by-step instructions, you’ll enjoy a delightful and authentic saucy chicken and rice experience. Give it a try today and impress your family and friends with this classic Asian favorite!
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General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Vegetarian Option: Use tofu instead of chicken
Description
Enjoy the irresistible flavors of homemade General Tso’s Chicken with this easy recipe. Crispy fried chicken coated in a savory, sweet, and spicy Asian-inspired sauce, served over rice or noodles. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a quick weeknight meal, this dish captures the authentic taste of Chinese takeout with a homemade touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch or starch of your choice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Optional: cooked rice or noodles for serving
For the flavorful sauce, you will need:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce and a little cornstarch for about 15 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch and flour. Dip each chicken piece into beaten eggs, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- For the sauce, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Pour in the sauce and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can bake the chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for a healthier alternative, turning halfway through.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken in egg and flour mixture before frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
