General Tso Chicken
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General Tso Chicken Recipe: 5 Easy Steps for Perfect Flavor

General Tso Chicken is a beloved classic in Chinese American cuisine, known for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through 5 easy steps to create the most flavorful and authentic General Tso Chicken you’ve ever had. Follow this comprehensive guide for a restaurant-quality dish at home.


General Tso Chicken

Ingredients You Will Need

Before we dive into the steps, ensure you have all the essential ingredients for a flavorful General Tso Chicken:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening, mixed with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry)
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2-3 dried red chilies (optional, for extra heat)

For Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, coat the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Coat with Cornstarch and Egg: Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs and then coat thoroughly with cornstarch. This creates a crispy exterior when fried.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F. Fry the chicken in small batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chicken broth, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Prepare Aromatics: In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce later.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

  1. Add Sauce Base: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok with the sautéed aromatics. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Thicken the Sauce: Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

  1. Toss the Chicken: Add the fried chicken pieces to the wok with the sauce. Toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
  2. Heat Through: Cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Add Garnishes: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish for an authentic touch.
  2. Serve Hot: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy with steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect General Tso Chicken

  1. Choose the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and remain tender when fried, but chicken breasts work if you prefer a leaner option.
  2. Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the wok lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in small batches for optimal crispiness.
  3. Balance Flavors: Adjust the sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar in the sauce to suit your personal taste preferences.
  4. Add Heat Carefully: Start with a small amount of red chili flakes and adjust based on your spice tolerance.
  5. Serve Immediately: General Tso Chicken is best enjoyed fresh to retain its crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

Yes! Replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure the hoisin sauce you use is gluten-free.

2. Can I Bake the Chicken Instead of Frying?

Absolutely. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F, coat the chicken with egg and cornstarch, and arrange on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.

3. How Can I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover General Tso Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain some crispiness.


Mastering this General Tso Chicken Recipe ensures a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying dish every time. With its balance of bold flavors and crunchy texture, it’s no wonder this recipe is a crowd favorite.

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