General Tso’s Chicken

This General Tso’s Chicken recipe delivers a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish with a savory-sweet sauce that combines soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a hint of heat from chili paste. Made with boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The dish is paired with broccoli florets for added crunch and nutrition. Whether you fry the chicken in a Dutch oven or deep fryer, the result is a crispy, golden chicken coated in a thick, flavorful sauce. Serve this General Tso’s Chicken with steamed rice or fried rice for a satisfying meal. 

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 2 teaspoons chili paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs + 2 tablespoons sauce mix
• 1 quart peanut oil (or vegetable oil)

For the Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

For Garnish:

• Green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl (or container), mix 1/4 cup cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Add the remaining sauce ingredients—chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, chili paste, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir or shake well to combine, then set aside.
2. Dredge the Chicken: In one bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce mixture. Dice the chicken into bite-sized cubes and pat them dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly covered.
3. Fry the Chicken: In a 3.5 or 4-quart Dutch oven or deep fryer, heat 1 quart of peanut oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on wire cooling racks to drain excess oil.
4. Cook the Broccoli: Take 2 tablespoons of the hot oil from the fryer and place it in a large skillet. Sauté the broccoli for about 5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and bring to a gentle boil. As it thickens, lower the heat. Once it reaches your desired thickness, add the fried chicken and stir to coat it in the sauce. Add the cooked broccoli and mix until combined.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade General Tso’s Chicken brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors to your plate. The crispy, golden chicken coated in a flavorful, thick sauce makes for a satisfying meal. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, and the addition of fresh broccoli adds a healthy crunch to the dish, making it a hit for family dinners or special occasions.

Tips

• Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying the chicken to ensure it stays crispy. Fry in batches for best results.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili paste or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more chili paste or fresh chilies.
• Serve Hot: General Tso’s chicken is best enjoyed immediately after preparing for the crispiest texture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken: You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option, or even try tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Sauce Adjustments: Swap white vinegar for rice vinegar for a milder, less tangy flavor. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar to 1/2 cup.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more color and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli? Fresh broccoli is preferred for the best texture, but you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure it’s thawed and drained before cooking.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before using.

How do I make the chicken crispier? Ensure the oil is hot enough (365°F) before adding the chicken. Frying in batches also helps keep the chicken crispy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve General Tso’s Chicken over a bed of steamed white rice or fried rice.
• Pair with side dishes like egg rolls, dumplings, or wonton soup for a complete meal.
• For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables or a simple Asian-style salad.