General Tsos Chicken

Recreate the magic of your favorite Chinese-American takeout with this classic General Tso's Chicken. This recipe delivers everything you love: irresistibly crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a glossy sauce that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Served over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, it's a satisfying meal that brings bold flavors to your dinner table.

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The secret to this dish lies in its two key components: the perfectly fried chicken and the rich, complex sauce. We'll walk you through creating both, ensuring each bite is as delicious as the last. Following these steps will help you master this takeout favorite.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken
• 600 g (1.3 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• 120 g (1 cup) cornstarch
• 60 g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
• For the Sauce
• 120 ml (½ cup) chicken broth
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water (for slurry)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (optional)
• Stir-fry & Garnish
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 6-8 dried red chilies (or 1–2 tsp chili flakes, to taste)
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• Steamed white rice, for serving
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk eggs with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and white pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.

Step 2

In a shallow bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Dredge each chicken piece in the mixture, shaking off excess.

Step 3

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 180°C (350°F). Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.

Step 4

In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine (if using). Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to make a slurry, then stir into the sauce mixture.

Step 5

In a clean wok or large skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add dried chilies, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the sauce and cook, stirring, until it thickens and becomes glossy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 7

Add the fried chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 8

Serve immediately over steamed rice, topped with spring onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the juiciest results, stick with boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they are more forgiving and flavorful. However, chicken breast can be substituted if you prefer leaner meat; just be careful not to overcook it.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the number of dried red chilies or chili flakes to suit your preference. For a lighter meal, the chicken can be baked in the oven or cooked in an air fryer until golden and crisp instead of deep-frying.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the General Tso's Chicken immediately over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice. Garnish generously with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light, aromatic white wine or chilled jasmine tea.

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Enjoy this homemade masterpiece, a dish that's guaranteed to impress and satisfy any craving for classic Chinese-American cuisine.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes General Tso's chicken different from other Chinese dishes?

General Tso's chicken is distinguished by its sweet and tangy sauce with a mild spicy kick, unlike the savory or heavily sauced dishes in traditional Chinese cuisine. The chicken is deep-fried until crispy, then coated in a glossy glaze made with hoisin, sugar, and vinegar, creating that perfect balance of flavors Chinese-American cuisine is known for.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of deep-frying?

Yes, you can bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air-fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ How spicy is General Tso's chicken?

The spice level is mild to medium, depending on how many dried chilies you add. The dish is designed to have just a gentle heat that complements the sweet and tangy sauce. Adjust the amount of chilies or chili flakes to suit your preference.

→ Why use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Chicken thighs are preferred because they remain juicy and tender after frying, while breasts can dry out more easily. The higher fat content in thighs provides better flavor and texture, making each bite succulent even after being coated in sauce.

→ What can I serve with General Tso's chicken?

Steamed white rice is the classic accompaniment, but you can also serve it with fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. A light, aromatic white wine or chilled jasmine tea pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy flavors.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as the chicken may lose its crispiness.