Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

General Tso’s Chicken is one of the most beloved Chinese-American dishes, renowned for its crispy chicken coated in a tangy, savory sauce that has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. This dish has been a staple on Chinese restaurant menus for decades, but making it at home can be surprisingly simple and just as delicious—if not better. With this easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe, you can recreate the perfect crispy chicken, doused in a flavorful sauce that’s full of zest and umami, without the need for complicated ingredients or hours of preparation.

In this article, we’ll dive into why this recipe is a must-try, provide detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to make it, and share tips and variations to personalize this crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese takeout or you’re new to cooking this popular dish, you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is to prepare at home. Plus, this recipe is Halal, ensuring it’s suitable for everyone—no pork, bacon, or wine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed for busy home cooks, with simple ingredients and a straightforward process that results in restaurant-quality General Tso’s Chicken in under an hour.
• Crispy and Tender Chicken: The chicken is double-breaded and fried to crispy perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite, while staying juicy and tender inside.
• Flavorful Sauce: The sweet and tangy sauce is perfectly balanced with the heat of chili peppers and the depth of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Customizable Spice Level: You can adjust the spice level to suit your personal preferences, whether you like it mild or extra fiery.
• Halal-Friendly: This version is completely Halal, ensuring there’s no pork, bacon, or wine involved, making it suitable for everyone.
• Perfect for Family Dinners or Parties: General Tso’s Chicken is always a hit at the dinner table, whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or hosting a party.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes for prep, 30 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 4, but can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 450, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 25g.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): Cut into bite-sized cubes. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result, but chicken breasts will keep the dish leaner.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: For coating the chicken to give it a crispy texture.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: Helps to create a light, crispy coating on the chicken when frying.
• 2 large eggs: Lightly beaten, to help the coating stick to the chicken.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning the chicken pieces.
• Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken. Make sure you have enough oil to deep fry or pan-fry the chicken.

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer less salt in the dish.
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Adds a nice tang to balance the sweetness.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar: To give the sauce a touch of sweetness that complements the salty soy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a nutty flavor to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: For extra savory flavor (ensure it’s made without any pork products to keep it Halal).
• 2 teaspoons garlic: Minced, to provide a rich, aromatic base for the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger: Grated, for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
• 1-2 teaspoons chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust the amount depending on your preferred spice level.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: To thicken the sauce.

Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds: Toasted, for added crunch and a decorative touch.
• Green onions: Sliced, to garnish the dish and add a fresh, mild onion flavor.

Optional Side Dish:

• Steamed white rice or fried rice: To serve alongside General Tso’s Chicken and soak up the flavorful sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation

First Step: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure it fries up crispy.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This will help to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
3. Prepare the Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. The cornstarch helps to create a light, crisp coating, while the flour provides structure.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate.

Second Step: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for the best results when frying.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the chicken from the oil and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Drain the Oil: After frying, carefully discard the oil, leaving just enough in the pan to sauté the aromatics for the sauce.

Third Step: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan used for frying the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Make the Sauce: Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce to the pan. Stir to combine, ensuring the sugar dissolves into the liquid.
3. Adjust the Spice: Add the chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, adjusting the amount depending on your spice tolerance. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then pour the mixture into the simmering sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, which should only take a minute or two.

Fourth Step: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the Chicken to the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, carefully add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan. Stir gently to coat each piece of chicken in the sauce, ensuring it is evenly glazed.
2. Simmer the Chicken: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the coating to soak up some of the sauce without losing its crispy texture.

Fifth Step: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the chicken is fully coated and heated through, transfer it to a serving plate. Sprinkle the dish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Serve the General Tso’s Chicken hot, either over a bed of steamed white rice or fried rice. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the chicken.

How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas for pairing and presenting this delicious recipe:

1. Serve with Rice or Noodles

The dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fried rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, making each bite even more satisfying. For a more adventurous twist, try pairing it with stir-fried noodles or lo mein for a complete meal.

2. As Part of a Chinese Feast

General Tso’s Chicken is perfect for a family-style Chinese meal. Serve it alongside other popular Chinese dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, or Egg Rolls for a balanced and impressive spread.

3. Pair with Vegetables

For a lighter, healthier option, pair General Tso’s Chicken with sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas. The crunch of the vegetables complements the crispy chicken and rich sauce beautifully.

4. As a Party Dish

General Tso’s Chicken is an excellent choice for serving at parties, whether for a casual gathering or a more formal event. Its bold flavors and crispy texture make it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Variations

While the classic General Tso’s Chicken is always a hit, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

1. Adjust the Spice Level

If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili paste or red pepper flakes. Alternatively, for a spicier version, add more chili paste or a fresh chopped chili for an extra kick.

2. Make it Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) in place of regular soy sauce. You can also use arrowroot powder or potato starch as a substitute for cornstarch in the coating.

3. Add More Vegetables

For a more balanced dish, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the stir-fry. These will add color, texture, and nutrition to the meal.

4. Use Different Proteins

While chicken is the traditional protein in General Tso’s Chicken, you can easily swap it out for tofu, shrimp, or even beef for a different take on the dish. For tofu, be sure to press it well and fry it to crispy perfection before coating it in the sauce.

Tips for Perfect General Tso’s Chicken

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy.
2. Use a Thermometer: To make sure the oil is at the perfect frying temperature, use a kitchen thermometer. The ideal temperature is 350°F (175°C) to get that golden, crispy texture.
3. Let the Sauce Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld together. This will create a more flavorful glaze for the chicken.
4. Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the General Tso’s Chicken immediately after coating it in the sauce. The longer it sits, the less crispy the chicken will become.

Conclusion

Easy General Tso’s Chicken is a delicious, customizable, and Halal-friendly dish that brings the best of Chinese-American cuisine to your kitchen. With its crispy chicken and perfectly balanced sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, General Tso’s Chicken is an irresistible and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy the flavors of this classic dish in the comfort of your own home!