Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

This Easy General Tso’s Chicken is a takeout favorite that you can now make at home in just 35 minutes! Imagine crispy, flavorful chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce with a hint of spice. This recipe is simple to follow and delivers a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Easy: This recipe captures the classic flavors of General Tso’s chicken with a simple and easy-to-follow method. It’s a great option for those nights when you’re craving takeout but want a homemade meal.
• Crispy and Saucy: The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to the cornstarch coating and quick frying method. The sauce is rich, savory, and slightly sweet with a hint of spice.
• Versatile: Serve this General Tso’s Chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables. It’s also great for meal prepping or packing for lunch.
• Better Than Takeout: You can easily customize the spice level and ingredients to your liking, making it even better than your favorite takeout version.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Cornstarch: Used to create a crispy coating on the chicken and thicken the sauce.
• Water: Thins the sauce to the desired consistency.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors.
• Soy sauce: Provides a salty and umami flavor.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy and acidic element to the sauce.
• Hoisin sauce: Adds a rich and umami flavor with a touch of sweetness.
• Chicken breasts: Cut into small pieces for quick cooking.
• Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken.
• Minced ginger: Adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick (adjust to your preference).
• Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Green onions (optional): Adds a fresh onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Easy General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch, water, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce until smooth. Set aside. In another bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining cornstarch until evenly coated.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

After removing the last batch of chicken from the pan, drain all but about a tablespoon of the oil. Add the minced ginger, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic and ginger mixture. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir until heated through and thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired, and serve immediately over rice.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use boneless, skinless thighs: For even more flavorful chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the dish.
• Make ahead: You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken, make the sauce, and combine.
• Double the sauce: If you like extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients.

How to Serve

This Easy General Tso’s Chicken is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing for General Tso’s chicken.
• Noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein noodles.
• Vegetables: Serve with steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bok choy.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy General Tso’s Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of protein? Yes, you can! Tofu or shrimp would be delicious substitutes for chicken.

2. Can I make this recipe without cornstarch? Yes, you can! You can substitute the cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can! Use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari instead of regular soy sauce. You can also use gluten-free cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or chopped onions.

This Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home. With its simple preparation, versatile serving options, and flavorful sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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