If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, crispy texture, and a touch of spice, then you’re going to love this Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. This beloved takeout favorite transforms into a homemade delight that’s surprisingly simple to make, letting you enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory right from your own kitchen. Each bite offers that irresistible crispy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that’s guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors and creating the signature texture that makes this dish so special. From the crisp coating on the chicken to the rich, tangy sauce, these ingredients come together with ease and make the cooking process a joy.
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch, divided: Essential for that crispy chicken exterior and helping thicken the sauce perfectly.
- ½ cup water: Helps dissolve cornstarch and blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- 4 tablespoons sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness that balances the tangy and spicy notes.
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides savory depth and umami richness to the sauce.
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a vibrant tanginess that brightens the overall flavor.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds a slightly smoky, sweet complexity to the sauce.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces: The tender and juicy base of this delicious dish.
- 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying: Ensures the chicken crisps up beautifully without greasiness.
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger: Introduces a warm, zesty aroma that punches up the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory layer that complements the other ingredients.
- Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional): A fresh, crunchy finish that enhances both look and taste.
- Cooked rice, for serving: The perfect base to soak up the luscious sauce.
How to Make Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by whisking together 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch with water, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce in a bowl until the mixture is completely smooth. This sauce mixture will develop into the sticky, flavorful glaze that defines the dish, so take a moment to get it perfectly blended before moving on.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Next, place the chicken pieces into a separate bowl and toss them with the remaining cornstarch. This coating is the secret to that satisfying crunch we all love. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for the best texture when fried.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Cook each batch until golden brown, then transfer the pieces to paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step makes the chicken perfectly crispy while keeping it tender on the inside.
Step 4: Create the Aromatic Base
Carefully pour off all but about one tablespoon of oil from the skillet, leaving just a hint of richness behind. Add minced ginger, red pepper flakes, and garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. This aromatic base adds that punch of flavor that really sets the dish apart.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat with the ginger-garlic mixture. Pour in the sauce you prepared earlier and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully. This step blends the crispy texture with the flavorful sauce, creating the dish’s signature harmony.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with optional sliced green onions to add a fresh, crunchy contrast. Serve your Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
How to Serve Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions are the classic choice here, lending fresh crunch and a mild sharpness that complements the rich sauce. If you want to experiment, toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and an extra little something to the final presentation.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, steamed broccoli or snap peas add a bright, crisp texture and vibrant green color. Alternatively, a simple cucumber salad with a light dressing provides a cooling balance to the spicy, sweet flavors of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option that’s perfect for casual gatherings. You could also plate the chicken over fried rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for an extra-special dinner presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the chicken and rice separate to preserve texture and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Lay the chicken pieces flat in a freezing-safe container or bag to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, use a skillet over medium heat to warm the chicken gently, stirring often so the sauce doesn’t burn. This method keeps the chicken crispy and flavorful compared to microwaving, which can sometimes make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe thanks to their tenderness and richness. They might take a little longer to cook but give a slightly juicier result that many people enjoy.
How spicy is this Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe?
This recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more flakes or omitting them altogether based on your taste preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Otherwise, the recipe as written contains gluten in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken as directed and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning once, until crispy and cooked through. Then toss with the sauce as usual.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or potato starch are excellent substitutes that provide a similar crispiness and help thicken the sauce effectively.
Final Thoughts
This Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that delivers big on flavor while staying approachable and fun to make. Its crispy, saucy goodness is irresistible and perfect for sharing with friends and family. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try so you can experience the joy of homemade takeout done right!
Print
Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe features crispy chicken pieces tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic, ginger, soy, and hoisin flavors, this dish is an irresistible takeout favorite made right at home in under 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
Chicken & Frying Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 4 ½ tablespoons cornstarch (remaining after 1 ½ tablespoons used in sauce)
- 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Other Flavorings & Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch, water, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce until smooth. Set aside.
- Coat Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the remaining 4 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
- Make Sauce Base: Pour off all but about 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet. Add the minced ginger, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat them in the aromatic oil mixture. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir continuously until the sauce is heated through and has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Cooking the sauce until thickened helps it cling well to the chicken.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level for a milder or spicier dish.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Drain fried chicken well on paper towels to avoid sogginess.
