Name: General Tso's Chicken: 6 Steps to Crispy Perfection
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 cup cornstarch; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 2 large egg whites; 2 cups vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; Green onion for garnish, optional; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ½ cup chicken stock; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes

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General Tso’s Chicken is a dish that has captured the hearts of many, including mine. Its crispy texture and sweet, tangy sauce make it a favorite in Chinese restaurants and at home. I remember the first time I attempted to make it myself. I was nervous but excited, hoping to recreate that restaurant magic in my own kitchen. The aroma of frying chicken filled my home, and I could hardly wait to dig in. As I plated the dish, I felt a sense of accomplishment. This homemade version of General Tso’s Chicken not only satisfied my cravings but also brought my family together around the dinner table. It’s a dish that sparks joy and conversation, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you to crispy perfection, ensuring you can enjoy this beloved classic right at home.

Ingredients List

To create a delicious homemade General Tso’s Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup cornstarch
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 large egg whites
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinating)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce (for the sauce)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
2 tablespoons cold water (for the slurry)
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Green onion for garnish, optional

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and crispy dish that will impress your family and friends!

How to Prepare General Tso’s Chicken

Preparing General Tso’s Chicken is a rewarding experience that brings together flavors and textures in a delightful way. Follow these steps to achieve crispy perfection!

Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

Prepare the Coating

While the chicken marinates, prepare the coating. In a shallow bowl,whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a crispy outer layer. The egg whites play a vital role here, helping the coating adhere to the chicken, ensuring a perfect crunch.

Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to coat it. Take a few pieces of chicken at a time and dredge them in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated, shaking off any excess. This step is essential for achieving that signature crispy texture.

Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small bit of the coating—if it sizzles, you’re good to go! Fry the chicken in batches, cooking for about 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (70°C) for safe eating.

Make the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, chicken stock, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil. This sauce is what gives General Tso’s Chicken its signature sweet and spicy flavor.

Thicken the Sauce

To thicken the sauce, create a slurry by whisking together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Pour this slurry into the sauce while whisking continuously. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

Finally, add the fried chicken to the thickened sauce and toss until every piece is fully coated. For a pop of color and flavor, garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve your General Tso’s Chicken hot over a bed of rice, or try it with our Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for a more indulgent twist.

Nutritional Information

When enjoying homemade General Tso’s Chicken, it’s good to know what you’re putting on your plate. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 400
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 25g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your meal with this knowledge in mind!

FAQ Section

As you dive into making General Tso’s Chicken, you might have a few questions. Here are some common ones I’ve encountered:

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can use shrimp or tofu for a different twist.

Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
The spice level can vary. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. I often start with a little and add more if needed.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to keep it gluten-free while still enjoying that crispy goodness.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

What should I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fried rice, like our Egg Fried Rice with Veggies. You might also enjoy it with Creamed Potatoes and Peas for a comforting side, or balance the bold flavors with a light option like our Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 45 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
Delicious Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors will have your taste buds dancing.
Homemade Quality: Enjoy the satisfaction of making a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Family Favorite: This dish is sure to impress your family and friends, making it a go-to for gatherings.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your General Tso’s Chicken, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t skip marinating: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
Maintain oil temperature: If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become soggy. Use a thermometer if needed.
Fry in batches: Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Fry small batches for that perfect crisp.
Adjust the sauce: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken. You can tweak the sweetness or spice to your liking.
Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve your General Tso’s Chicken right after cooking to keep it crispy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store your leftover General Tso’s Chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. This will keep it fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is key to maintaining that crispy texture. I recommend using an oven or an air fryer for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!