General Tso’s Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to Making it at Home

General Tso’s Chicken: just the name conjures up images of glistening, mahogany-red chicken, coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. But did you know that this iconic dish, a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, isn’t actually found in China? Its origins are shrouded in a bit of mystery, with claims tracing back to different chefs in Taiwan and New York in the mid-20th century. Regardless of its exact birthplace, General Tso’s Chicken has become a beloved comfort food for millions.

What’s not to love? The crispy, perfectly fried chicken pieces offer a delightful textural contrast to the sticky, flavorful sauce. That sauce, a symphony of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, is what truly makes this dish irresistible. It’s a flavor explosion that dances on your tongue, leaving you wanting more with every bite. Beyond the incredible taste, General Tso’s Chicken is also incredibly satisfying and relatively easy to make at home. So, ditch the takeout menu and let’s embark on a culinary adventure to create your own restaurant-quality version of this classic dish!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• For the Aromatics:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2-3 dried red chilies, halved (optional)
• For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, beaten egg, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Make sure every piece gets a good coating – this is key for that crispy texture!
2. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. If it’s too low, the chicken will be greasy; too high, and it’ll burn before it’s cooked through.
3. Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps keep the chicken crispy.

Making the General Tso’s Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, dry sherry (if using), ground ginger, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.

Cooking the Sauce and Combining with Chicken:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and dried red chilies (if using) to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this will make the sauce bitter.
3. Pour the sauce mixture into the wok or skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
4. Add the fried chicken to the wok or skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is nicely glazed with that delicious General Tso’s sauce!
5. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to further adhere to the chicken.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Remove the General Tso’s Chicken from the heat and transfer it to a serving platter or individual bowls.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
3. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. This dish is best enjoyed fresh!

Tips for the Best General Tso’s Chicken:

• Chicken Quality: Using high-quality chicken thighs will result in a more tender and flavorful dish.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for crispy chicken. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pot, which will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the amount of cornstarch in the sauce to achieve your desired thickness.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• Marinating the Chicken: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before frying.
• Double Frying: For extra crispy chicken, you can double fry it. Fry the chicken once at a lower temperature (325°F) for about 5 minutes, then fry it again at a higher temperature (375°F) for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or egg rolls for a complete meal.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The chicken may lose some of its crispness upon reheating.

Variations:

• Vegetarian General Tso’s: Substitute the chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets. Press the tofu to remove excess water before coating and frying.
• General Tso’s Shrimp: Use large shrimp instead of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Pineapple General Tso’s: Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Orange General Tso’s: Add orange zest and orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy flavor.
• Sesame General Tso’s: Add more sesame oil and sesame seeds to the sauce and garnish for a nutty flavor.

Troubleshooting:

• Chicken is not crispy: Make sure the oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pot. Double frying can also help.
• Sauce is too thick: Add more chicken broth to thin it out.
• Sauce is too thin: Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it.
• Sauce is too sweet: Add more rice vinegar or soy sauce to balance the sweetness.
• Sauce is too salty: Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of rice vinegar to balance the saltiness.

This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your ticket to restaurant-quality General Tso’s Chicken right in your own kitchen! I know, I know, that’s a bold statement, but trust me on this one. From the perfectly crispy chicken to the tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce, every element of this dish has been meticulously crafted to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience. We’ve cut out the unnecessary steps and focused on techniques that truly elevate the flavor and texture, making it surprisingly easy to achieve that authentic taste you crave.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, the joy of sharing it with loved ones, and the bragging rights that come with mastering a dish that rivals your favorite takeout spot. Forget greasy, overly sweet versions – this recipe allows you to control the ingredients and customize the spice level to your exact preference. You’re in charge!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are endless possibilities for variations. For a lighter option, try using chicken breast instead of thighs. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of Sichuan peppercorns to the sauce for a numbing, tingling sensation. And for a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with crispy fried tofu or even cauliflower florets. The key is to have fun and experiment until you find your perfect version of General Tso’s Chicken.

As for serving suggestions, the classic pairing is, of course, steamed white rice. But don’t be afraid to get creative! Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice are all excellent alternatives. To complete the meal, add a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple Asian slaw. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for an extra touch of elegance. And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, a side of crispy spring rolls or egg rolls would be the perfect complement.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The flavors are bold and satisfying, and the process is surprisingly simple. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some culinary magic.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade General Tso’s Chicken. Once you’ve given it a go, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!