General Tso’s Chicken

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Introduction

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish featuring crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. This dish is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and heat, making it a crowd-pleaser for both casual dinners and special meals. Although traditionally deep-fried, this version can also be adapted for a healthier approach without compromising the iconic flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup cornstarch (for dredging)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine or dry sherry
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for the marinade)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying or pan-searing

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 3 tablespoons water (to thicken)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1-2 dried red chilies (adjust for heat level)
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or water

For Garnish:

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Optional Additions

  • Broccoli: Add steamed or stir-fried broccoli to make the dish more balanced and vegetable-forward.
  • Peppers: Stir in some bell peppers or spicy red chilies for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Success

  • Frying the Chicken: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken pieces to ensure they become crispy.
  • Quick Tossing: Once the sauce is added, quickly toss the chicken in the sauce to evenly coat the pieces without overcooking.
  • Crispier Chicken: For a crispier finish, use a combination of cornstarch and flour to dredge the chicken.

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
  • In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces, toss to coat, and let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
  1. Prepare the Sauce:
  • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth. Set aside.
  • In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water slurry, which will help thicken the sauce later.
  1. Fry or Pan-Sear the Chicken:
  • Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or skillet over medium-high heat (or use a deep fryer) until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  • In a shallow dish, mix the cornstarch (and optional flour) for dredging. Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then dredge them in the cornstarch, shaking off excess.
  • Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Alternatively, you can pan-sear the chicken in a large skillet with a couple of tablespoons of oil until crispy.
  1. Make the Sauce:
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  1. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
  • Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing to coat them evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well-coated.
  1. Serve:
  • Transfer the General Tso’s Chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice and optionally, a side of stir-fried broccoli or vegetables.

Description

General Tso’s Chicken is a delicious blend of crispy, tender chicken pieces smothered in a sweet, tangy sauce with just the right amount of heat. The balance of flavors – savory soy sauce, rich hoisin, and the tanginess from rice vinegar – makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this homemade version of a takeout classic is sure to be a hit!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Protein: ~25g
  • Fat: ~20g
  • Carbohydrates: ~40g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugar: ~12g
  • Sodium: ~900mg

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

To lighten up this dish, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it, or opt for pan-searing with minimal oil. Reduce the sugar content in the sauce for a lower-sugar version, and add more vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to make it a more balanced meal. Using chicken breast instead of thighs will also lower the fat content while still delivering a delicious result.

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