General Tso Chicken

General Tso Chicken has become a household name for anyone who craves that perfect balance between sweet and spicy flavors. This Chinese-American classic takes tender, juicy chicken thighs and transforms them into crispy, golden bites that are drenched in a glossy, tangy sauce. Whether you’re kicking off a weeknight dinner or planning a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. With just 20 minutes of prep time and another 20 minutes of cooking, even beginner home cooks can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish in under an hour. At around 450 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying option that won’t derail your meal planning.

What really makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. You don’t need an arsenal of exotic ingredients or specialized equipment—just a handful of pantry staples and a skillet. We’re talking soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, a hint of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sugar to create that signature glaze. Toss the chicken in cornstarch, fry it to a crispy perfection, then let it bathe in a sauce that has just the right kick from garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Serve it over fluffy white rice, and you’re in for a treat. As someone who’s made this dish countless times for family and friends, I can tell you that every single time, the plates come back empty and the compliments fly.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN GENERAL TSO CHICKEN

Before diving into the cooking steps, let’s take a closer look at the building blocks of this dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the ultimate sweet-and-spicy experience, from the crispy chicken base to the glossy, flavor-packed sauce.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs

These tender cuts provide the perfect balance of moisture and flavor. Thighs stay juicy during frying and absorb the sauce beautifully.

• Cornstarch

Acts as a light coating to give the chicken its signature crispiness. It also helps the sauce cling to each piece.

• Soy sauce

Brings the salty, umami backbone to the sauce. It deepens overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Rice vinegar

Adds a bright tang that lifts the sauce and cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.

• Hoisin sauce

Contributes a subtle sweetness and a complex depth, rounding out the sauce’s flavor profile.

• Sesame oil

Imparts a nutty aroma and finish, giving that unmistakable hint of sesame with every bite.

• Sugar

Provides sweetness to balance the savory and spicy elements, creating that addictive sticky glaze.

• Ginger, minced

Offers a fresh, zesty punch and fragrance, cutting through the richness of the fried chicken.

• Garlic, minced

Enhances savory notes and pairs perfectly with ginger to build a fragrant base.

• Red pepper flakes

Controls the heat level. A little goes a long way in adding that signature kick.

• Green onions, chopped

Bring a fresh, crunchy garnish and a mild onion flavor to finish the dish.

• Red bell pepper, cut into pieces

Adds a pop of color, crunch, and a mild sweetness that complements the sauce.

• Vegetable oil

Used for frying the chicken and sautéing aromatics, it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

• Chicken broth

Helps to thin out the sauce, adds savory depth, and aids in achieving that perfect silky consistency.

• Cooked white rice

The ideal vessel for soaking up extra sauce and balancing the bold flavors of the chicken.

HOW TO MAKE GENERAL TSO CHICKEN

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients prepped, let’s walk through each step of putting together this mouthwatering dish. It’s straightforward, fun, and totally beginner-friendly.

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until fully coated. Make sure every piece is evenly dusted. This coating is what gives the chicken that irresistible crunch once fried. Set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

2. Prepare the sauce by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl. Ensuring the sugar dissolves completely will give you a smooth, cohesive glaze. Set this mixture aside.

3. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook until each piece turns golden brown and is cooked through, roughly 6–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil, then sauté the ginger and garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let them burn—this step should be quick.

5. Stir in the red bell pepper and continue cooking for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften but still hold a bit of crunch. This gives your dish a pleasing texture contrast.

6. Pour in the prepared sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly, about 2–3 minutes. You’re looking for a glossy, slightly reduced sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

7. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently in the sauce until every piece is well coated and steaming hot. This final step ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.

8. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped green onions for garnish. The heat from the flakes and the freshness from the green onions provide the perfect finishing touches.

9. Serve hot over cooked white rice. Let those tender, crispy bites and that sweet-and-spicy sauce shine on a bed of fluffy grains.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GENERAL TSO CHICKEN

Once your General Tso Chicken is ready, presentation and accompaniments can truly elevate the dining experience. Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner or hosting friends for a casual meal, these tips will help you impress and satisfy every palate. From the right plating to perfect pairings, let’s explore how to make this dish the star of your table.

• Serve over steaming white rice: A classic choice that soaks up every bit of sauce. Use freshly cooked jasmine or long-grain rice for the fluffiest results.

• Add a side of steamed vegetables: Broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy offer vibrant color, added nutrition, and a crisp contrast to the tender chicken. Lightly season them with a pinch of salt.

• Include pickled garnish: Quick-pickled cucumbers or daikon add a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the sauce and refreshes the palate between bites.

• Offer extra sauce: Provide a small pitcher of warmed sauce at the table so guests can drizzle more over their rice or chicken. This is perfect for those who love an extra punch of flavor.

HOW TO STORE GENERAL TSO CHICKEN

Storing leftover General Tso Chicken properly ensures that you can enjoy its flavors again without compromise. Whether you plan to eat it the next day or save it for later in the week, keeping it fresh and retaining that signature crunch and saucy goodness is key. Here are some practical tips to maintain the best texture and taste.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container: Transfer cooled chicken and sauce into a sealed container within two hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. This helps keep moisture locked in and prevents any off-flavors.

• Freeze for longer storage: Allow the dish to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheat gently: To avoid overcooking, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

• Separate rice if possible: If you’ve plated the chicken with rice, store them in separate containers. This prevents the rice from becoming soggy and ensures both components retain optimal texture.

CONCLUSION

General Tso Chicken truly embodies the best of Chinese-American cuisine with its delightful pairing of tender, crispy chicken and a sweet-spicy glaze that everyone loves. Throughout this article, we’ve covered everything from the key ingredients—like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce—to step-by-step instructions that break down each technique, including coating the chicken in cornstarch, sautéing aromatics, and simmering the sauce to perfection. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy dinner idea or a seasoned home cook wanting to add a new favorite to your rotation, this recipe hits all the right notes. Don’t forget that this dish only takes about 40 minutes total, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. With a difficulty level set to “Beginner,” it’s designed so anyone can succeed and impress with minimal effort.

Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or bookmark it in your digital kitchen notebook—you’ll want to revisit it again and again. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section to address common questions and troubleshooting tips, ensuring every batch of General Tso Chicken turns out just right. If you give this recipe a try or have any thoughts, questions, or feedback, please leave a comment. Sharing your experiences helps build our community of home cooks, and I can’t wait to hear how your General Tso Chicken turned out!

Print Recipe

General Tso Chicken

Author: Sophie Reynolds Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 450

Description

This quick and delicious General Tso Chicken combines tender, crispy chicken with a tantalizing sauce that balances sweetness and heat, perfect over fluffy white rice.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

• ¹⁄₄ cup (30 g) cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) ginger, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon (2.5 g) red pepper flakes

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil

• ¹⁄₄ cup (60 ml) chicken broth

• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until fully coated. Set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, roughly 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil, then sauté the ginger and garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Stir in the red bell pepper and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
6. Pour in the prepared sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently in the sauce until it's well coated.
8. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped green onions for garnish.
9. Serve hot over cooked white rice.

Note

• General Tso Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its sweet and spicy flavor.
• You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• For a healthier alternative, try baking the chicken pieces instead of frying.
• This dish is named after a Qing dynasty military leader, General Tso Tsung-tang, though it is not actually part of traditional Chinese cuisine.
• Feel free to add extra vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition.
• Make extra sauce to drizzle over the rice if preferred.

Keywords: General Tso Chicken, Chinese-American cuisine, stir-fry recipe, easy chicken recipes, sweet and spicy dish, easy dinner ideas