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Homemade General Tso’s Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweetness and spiciness, making it a favorite in Chinese cuisine. This iconic dish has gained universal acclaim, often appearing on menus in Chinese restaurants worldwide. With each bite, you'll experience a delightful explosion of flavors—tender, crispy chicken coated in a rich, glossy sauce that melds the sweetness of sugar with the heat of chilies. This recipe breaks down the steps to create a mouthwatering version of the classic dish, ensuring it's not only delicious but also easy to prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Homemade General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Discover the joy of making homemade General Tso's Chicken, a dish that beautifully blends sweet and spicy flavors. This recipe guides you through crafting crispy chicken pieces coated in a rich sauce made from fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, you can customize the spice level to suit your taste. Dive into this culinary adventure and elevate your cooking skills with this iconic Chinese-American dish!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Marinade:

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the General Tso’s Sauce:

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

2 teaspoons sriracha (or to taste)

3-4 dried red chilies (adjust based on heat preference)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For Serving:

Steamed white or jasmine rice

Broccoli florets (optional)

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Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the sauce and other ingredients.

    Prepare the General Tso’s Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if desired. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and set it aside.

      Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Dip marinated chicken pieces in the beaten eggs first, then coat them evenly in the flour mixture. Ensure they're well-coated for that crispy texture.

        Fry the Chicken: In a deep skillet or wok, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.

          Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, discard excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a boil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

            Combine Chicken and Sauce: Reduce the heat and add the fried chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cook for another 1-2 minutes for the flavors to meld.

              Garnish and Serve: Transfer General Tso’s Chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve it hot over steamed rice, and add broccoli florets if desired for a complete meal.

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                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4