General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its combination of crispy chicken pieces and a flavorful, glossy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, takeout-style night, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
General Tso’s Chicken
Why This General Tso’s Chicken Is the Best
Crispy Chicken: The chicken pieces are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The sauce is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, coating the chicken beautifully.
Perfectly Garnished: Garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding a touch of freshness and a burst of flavor.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under an hour, perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a comforting and delicious dinner option, General Tso’s Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of crispy chicken, sweet and spicy sauce, and garnishes makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breast: The main protein source, providing a tender and juicy base for the dish.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- Chili-Garlic Sauce (Sambal Oelek): Provides heat and depth, enhancing the flavor profile with a bit of spice.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and rich flavor that complements Asian dishes.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Balances the savory and spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
Baking Soda: Helps tenderize the chicken, making it more succulent. - Cornstarch: Creates a light coating that contributes to a crispy texture when cooked.
- Canola Oil: Used for frying, allowing for a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor, brightening up the dish.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall presentation.
For the Sauce:
- Water: Acts as a base for the sauce, helping to blend the flavors together.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Similar to the chicken preparation, it adds saltiness and umami.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness and a slightly tangy flavor, enriching the sauce’s depth.
- Grated Fresh Ginger: Contributes warmth and a fragrant spiciness to the sauce.
- Chili Garlic Sauce (Sambal Oelek): Again, this brings heat and complexity, allowing you to adjust the spice level.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness and richness of the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce a glossy finish.
- Sesame Oil: Enhances the overall flavor with a nutty note.
Tips for Making the Best General Tso’s Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken, and vegetables.
- Double Fry the Chicken: Double frying the chicken ensures it stays extra crispy, even after being coated in the sauce.
- Balance the Sauce: Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste, balancing the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Garnish Generously: Top the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a burst of flavor and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- With White Rice: Serve General Tso’s Chicken over a bed of steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a nutritious touch.
- With Fried Rice: Pair it with fried rice for a takeout-style meal.
- With Noodles: Enjoy it with stir-fried noodles for an extra indulgent dinner.
- With Spring Rolls: Serve with spring rolls for a complete Chinese-American feast.
- With a Fresh Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade General Tso’s Chicken. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Crispy, flavorful, and packed with deliciousness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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General Tso's Chicken
General Tso's Chicken is a delightful combination of crispy chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, and savory sauce, highlighted by fresh green onions and sesame seeds. The balance of flavors makes it a popular choice in Chinese-American cuisine, perfect when served over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN:
- 1 pound chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ Tsp chili-garlic sauce Sambal Oelek
- 1 ½ Tsp sesame oil
- ⅛ Tsp baking soda
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey or pure maple syrup
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp canola oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 5 large green onions removed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces about 1 bunch
FOR THE SAUCE:
- ¼ cup water
- 2 Tsp cornstarch
- 1 Tsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 ½ Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce plus additional to taste
- 1 to 2 Tbsp chili garlic sauce Sambal Oelek; the more you add the spicier the chicken
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Add the chicken to a medium bowl and drizzle with soy sauce, chili-garlic sauce, sesame oil, honey, and baking soda. Allow it to marinate for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 1 day.
- While the chicken is marinating, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined: water, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, chili-garlic sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Prepare the chicken: In a wok or a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Dust the chicken with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, stirring well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Use a spoon to break apart any clumps, making sure each piece is thoroughly covered.
- When the oil is hot, use a large spoon to carefully add the chicken to the pan in batches, spreading it out in a single layer (discard any leftover marinade). Let it cook on the first side until it turns golden, which should take about 1 minute. Then, using tongs, flip the chicken and cook on the other sides, stirring occasionally, until all sides are a rich golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked, approximately 3 more minutes.
- If you're planning to cook the vegetables: Transfer the chicken to a plate and, using a paper towel, gently wipe out the pan. Add more canola oil to the pan and stir-fry the vegetables until they are crisp-tender, which should take about 4 minutes. Once done, add the chicken back into the pan.
- Add three-quarters of the green onion to the pan and sauté for 1 minute, stirring continuously. Pour in the sauce, tossing everything to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce becomes thick and wonderfully sticky. Mix in half a tablespoon of sesame seeds. Top with the remaining green onion and sesame seeds. Serve hot alongside rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, depending on your preference.
Notes
- STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS: Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or use the microwave for quicker warming.
- FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS: Store the chicken and vegetables in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming up.
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General Tso’s Chicken