General Tso Chicken

Name: General Tso Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced; 1 large egg; ½ cup cornstarch; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp Sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste); Vegetable oil (for frying)

Published: October 21, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This General Tso Chicken

This incredible General Tso Chicken transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious General Tso Chicken:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick; make sure it’s peeled and minced finely.
Eggs: These will help create a crispy coating on your chicken.
Cornstarch: Essential for achieving that delightful crunch.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances out the savory flavors.
Rice Vinegar: A splash provides necessary acidity to brighten up the dish.
Sriracha or Chili Paste: Adjust according to your spice tolerance; it’s where the fun begins!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious General Tso Chicken:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients and chopping them as needed. Dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Marinate That Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together one beaten egg with some salt and pepper. Toss in your chicken pieces until they’re well-coated. Let them marinate while you prepare everything else.

Step 3: Coat with Cornstarch

Sprinkle cornstarch over your marinated chicken pieces. Make sure each piece is well-coated; this step is key to achieving that coveted crunch!

Step 4: Sauté Away

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (but not smoking), add your chicken pieces in batches so they don’t crowd each other. Cook until golden brown and crispy—about four minutes per side.

Step 5: Whisk Up Your Sauce

In another bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sriracha or chili paste, garlic, and ginger. Stir until combined; this sauce is going to be the star of the show!

Step 6: Combine Everything

Once all chicken is cooked, return it all to the skillet and pour in your sauce mixture. Toss everything together until each piece is coated beautifully in that sweet and spicy goodness.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Serve alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for that ultimate takeout experience without leaving home.

There you have it—a delightful recipe for General Tso Chicken that’s bound to impress! Whether it’s date night or just another Tuesday at home, you’ll find yourself basking in culinary glory as you savor every last bite. Enjoy!

You Must Know About General Tso Chicken

This showstopping General Tso Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken pieces while you prep other ingredients. Sear the chicken first for a crispy texture, then stir-fry vegetables and prepare the sauce. Finally, combine everything together for a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for alternatives. Add some heat with crushed red pepper flakes or mix in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to customize your General Tso Chicken.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover General Tso Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop to maintain crispiness rather than using a microwave, which can make it soggy.

Chef's Helpful Tips for General Tso Chicken

This professional-quality General Tso Chicken relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Making this dish always reminds me of that time I hosted a dinner party where my friends raved about this recipe! Their compliments filled the room with laughter and joy as they devoured every last bite of my homemade General Tso Chicken.

FAQs

What is General Tso Chicken?

General Tso Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. The dish typically features deep-fried chicken, which is coated in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and sometimes chili peppers. It is often served with steamed rice and broccoli or other vegetables. Named after a Qing dynasty general, this dish has become a staple in Chinese restaurants across the United States, beloved for its unique balance of flavors.

How can I make General Tso Chicken at home?

To make General Tso Chicken at home, start by marinating bite-sized chicken pieces in soy sauce and cornstarch. Deep-fry the chicken until golden brown. In a separate pan, prepare the sauce using soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Combine the fried chicken with the sauce in the pan until evenly coated. Serve your homemade General Tso Chicken with steamed rice and vegetables for a delicious meal that rivals restaurant versions.

What are some variations of General Tso Chicken?

Several variations of General Tso Chicken exist to cater to different tastes. Some people prefer a spicier version by adding more chili peppers or hot sauce. Others may opt for healthier alternatives by baking the chicken instead of frying it or using tofu as a protein source. You may also encounter vegetarian versions that replace chicken with vegetables or plant-based proteins while keeping the signature sweet and spicy sauce intact.

Is General Tso Chicken gluten-free?

Traditional General Tso Chicken is not gluten-free due to the use of soy sauce and cornstarch in the recipe. However, you can easily make gluten-free adaptations by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Additionally, substitute cornstarch with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or potato starch for coating the chicken before frying. With these adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this beloved dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, General Tso Chicken is an iconic dish that combines crispy chicken with a delectable sweet and spicy sauce. Making it at home allows you to tailor flavors to your liking while enjoying this classic meal alongside rice and vegetables. Whether you’re trying out traditional recipes or exploring variations like vegetarian options, General Tso Chicken remains a favorite among food lovers. Enjoying this dish brings together vibrant flavors that are sure to please any palate!

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