General Tso’s Chicken: A Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy Delight

Have you ever craved a dish that’s crispy, sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor? General Tso’s Chicken is exactly that—a Chinese-American classic loved by millions. This dish is all about crispy chicken coated in a bold, tangy sauce with just the right amount of heat. Whether it’s your favorite takeout or a recipe you’ve been eager to try, making General Tso’s Chicken at home is easier than you think and just as delicious.

With this recipe, you’ll master the art of creating tender chicken bites, a perfectly balanced sauce, and the kind of dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love General Tso’s Chicken

• Perfectly Crispy: Coated in cornstarch and fried to golden perfection.
• Flavor-Packed Sauce: Sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy all in one bite.
• Adjustable Heat: Control the spice level to suit your taste.
• Homemade Better Than Takeout: Fresh, flavorful, and guilt-free.

Ingredients for General Tso’s Chicken

Category	Ingredient	Quantity
For the Crispy Chicken	Dried red chiles	10
	Hot water (to soak chiles)	As needed
	Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (diced)	10 ½ oz (300 g)
	Cornstarch (seasoned with ¼ tsp salt & pepper)	1 ¾ cups (210 g)
	Fresh ginger (peeled, finely sliced)	½ thumb-sized piece
	Garlic (finely sliced)	2 cloves
	Scallions (finely sliced)	2
	Mild vegetable oil (for frying)	As needed
For the General Tso Sauce	Granulated sugar	2 tablespoons
	Sriracha sauce	1 teaspoon
	Sweet chili sauce	1 tablespoon
	Oyster sauce	1 tablespoon
	Black rice vinegar	½ tablespoon
	Light soy sauce	1 tablespoon
	Dark soy sauce	½ teaspoon
	Water	¼ cup (60 ml)
For the Marinade	Sesame oil	1 teaspoon
	Granulated sugar	½ teaspoon
	Light soy sauce	1 tablespoon
	Egg (lightly beaten)	1 large
To Serve	Sliced red chile	Optional
	Sliced scallions	Optional
	Steamed rice	As desired
	Flash-fried green vegetables	Optional

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

1. Soak the Chiles

Place the dried red chiles in hot water and let them soak for 10 minutes to soften. Drain and set aside.

2. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine sesame oil, granulated sugar, light soy sauce, and the beaten egg. Add the diced chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes.

3. Coat the Chicken

In a shallow dish, mix the seasoned cornstarch with salt and pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.

4. Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in small batches for 4-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

5. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together sugar, Sriracha, sweet chili sauce, oyster sauce, black rice vinegar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and water. Set aside.

6. Sauté the Aromatics

Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the ginger, garlic, and softened red chiles, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

7. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and pour the sauce over it. Stir well, ensuring each piece is coated in the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken.

8. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, garnish with sliced red chiles and scallions, and serve immediately with steamed rice and green vegetables if desired.

Tips for Success

• Double-Fry for Extra Crunch: For even crispier chicken, fry the pieces once, let them cool, and fry them a second time.
• Use Chicken Thighs: These are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
• Adjust the Heat: Add more dried chiles or Sriracha if you like it spicier, or reduce them for a milder dish.
• Serve Fresh: General Tso’s Chicken tastes best when served immediately to preserve its crispy texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	16g
Sodium	860mg

FAQs About General Tso’s Chicken

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs offer better flavor and tenderness.

2. What can I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?

Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables pair beautifully with this dish.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free.

4. Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to regain some crispiness.

6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the sauce ingredients in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Your New Favorite Takeout Classic

Making General Tso’s Chicken at home is easier than you might think and so much more satisfying than takeout. This recipe delivers everything you love about the dish—crispy chicken, a bold and flavorful sauce, and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, heat up your wok, and create this irresistible dish in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a family dinner or a meal to impress friends, General Tso’s Chicken is guaranteed to be a hit!