Easy General Tso’s Chicken: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe for Sweet, Spicy Takeout Flavor
General Tso’s Chicken stands out as a universally loved Chinese-American dish, famous for its distinct glossy, sweet, and moderately spicy sauce that coats perfectly fried pieces of chicken. Many home cooks might find the idea of making this classic dish from scratch daunting, imagining a complex list of exotic ingredients and elaborate steps. However, this recipe is designed to be incredibly easy and straightforward, promising delicious results without any unnecessary complications. Get ready to recreate that authentic takeout flavor right in your own kitchen!
While General Tso’s Chicken is undeniably a crowd-pleaser, it belongs to a family of popular sweet and savory Chinese chicken dishes, including Sesame Chicken and Orange Chicken. Often, the process of preparing these dishes at home is perceived as an overwhelming culinary challenge, filled with various condiments and intricate techniques. But fear not! This recipe simplifies the entire process, making homemade General Tso’s Chicken an achievable and enjoyable task for anyone.
Why Make General Tso’s Chicken at Home?
If local takeout restaurants can whip up countless orders of General Tso’s Chicken with ease, why can’t you? The truth is, with the right approach and a simplified recipe, preparing this delightful dish at home is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. You get to control the quality of your ingredients, adjust the spice level to your preference, and enjoy the freshest possible meal. The inspiration for this particular recipe even came from a surprising source: a generous lady from my church who shared her well-loved recipe after it was a hit at a wedding! We’ve adapted her original large-batch recipe to be perfect for home cooking, adding a little extra heat for those who love a spicy kick.
One of the more unique ingredients in our sauce might surprise you: ketchup. While it might seem out of place in a Chinese recipe, ketchup plays a crucial role in balancing the other flavors, contributing a unique blend of sweetness and acidity that elevates the overall profile of the sauce. It’s a testament to how simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create something truly special. For the best possible outcome, we strongly recommend sticking to the precise proportions outlined in this recipe. Altering an ingredient, even slightly, can easily throw off the delicate balance of flavors, allowing one to overpower the others. Trust the recipe, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly balanced, flavorful General Tso’s Chicken every time.
Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
Part of making cooking easy is knowing your ingredients and understanding potential swaps. Here are a couple of valuable tips:
DID YOU KNOW? Apple cider vinegar makes an awesome rice vinegar substitute?
It was only when I ran out of rice vinegar while preparing sushi that I experimented with apple cider vinegar. To my surprise, the results were equally fantastic! Now, I rarely bother purchasing rice vinegar specifically for these types of dishes when I can achieve such great results with a pantry staple like apple cider vinegar. It offers a similar level of tang and acidity, seamlessly blending into the sauce.
General Tso’s Chicken vs. Sesame Chicken: What’s the Difference?
Many people often confuse General Tso’s Chicken with Sesame Chicken, and sometimes even Orange Chicken. While all three are delicious and widely popular Chinese-American dishes featuring crispy chicken in a sweet sauce, they have distinct characteristics:
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN AND SESAME CHICKEN?
- Sesame Chicken: Typically features a slightly lighter, browner sauce and is generously garnished with toasted sesame seeds, which contribute a nutty flavor and distinctive appearance. The sauce tends to be sweeter and less spicy than General Tso’s.
- General Tso’s Chicken: Known for its deeper, often reddish hue, a thicker, glossier coating, and a more pronounced balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The heat typically comes from dried red chilies or chili flakes.
- Orange Chicken: As the name suggests, this dish has a citrusy profile, with orange zest and juice being prominent in its sweet and tangy sauce. It’s usually less spicy than General Tso’s.
Each offers a unique culinary experience, but if you’re craving that classic sweet-spicy kick with a beautiful glaze, General Tso’s is your go-to!
Craving More Asian-Inspired Recipes?
If you’ve enjoyed making this General Tso’s Chicken and are looking to expand your repertoire of Asian dishes, check out these fantastic recipes:
- Asian Chicken Fingers
- Easy Asian Beef Stir-Fry
- Easy Chinese Noodles Recipe
- Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites
- Lo Mein (Takeout Copycat)
- Sushi Rice & Spicy Tuna Rolls
- Sushi Rolls Recipe (Restaurant Copycat)
- Sushi Rice
- Spicy Mayo
- Teriyaki Wings
Ingredients for General Tso’s Chicken
Gathering your ingredients beforehand, often called “mise en place,” will make the cooking process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s everything you’ll need for this incredible homemade General Tso’s Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch chunks (approximately 2 lbs)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup oil for frying (such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
- 1/3 cup cornstarch for breading
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe breaks down into two main parts: preparing and frying the chicken, and then creating the signature sweet and spicy sauce. Follow these simple steps for a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken chunks thoroughly with the cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This coating is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy texture when fried. Set the coated chicken aside while you prepare your frying setup and sauce.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil for frying, allowing it to get nice and hot. You want the oil to be shimmering, but not smoking, indicating it’s ready for the chicken.
- Whisk the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, red chili flakes, and sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Set this flavorful mixture aside; it will be added to the chicken at the very end.
- Fry and Sauce the Chicken: Carefully add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, usually about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once all the chicken is fried, return it all to the skillet (if you fried in batches). Pour the prepared sauce over the fried chicken. Bring the sauce to a boil over high heat, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds to ensure every piece of chicken is beautifully coated in the glossy, thickened sauce. The sauce will rapidly thicken and cling to the chicken, creating that iconic General Tso’s glaze.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the piping hot General Tso’s Chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired, and serve immediately with steamed white rice and a side of your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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General Tso’s Chicken
Ingredients
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2 large chicken breasts cut into 1 inch chunks (2 lbs)
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1/3 cup soy sauce
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1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
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1/3 cup ketchup
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1/2 tsp red chili flakes
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1 cup sugar
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1/4 cup oil for frying
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1/3 cup cornstarch for breading
Instructions
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Toss the chicken with the cornstarch and set aside.
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Heat a large skillet over med-hi heat and add oil.
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In a small bowl whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, pepper flakes and sugar. Set aside.
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Fry chicken pieces until done. Pour in the sauce and boil over high heat for 30 seconds stirring to coat chicken pieces. Transfer to a serving dish.
Notes
Nutrition per serving
Pro Tips for the Best General Tso’s Chicken
- Achieving Extra Crispy Chicken: For an even crispier bite, consider double frying your chicken. After the first fry until cooked through, remove the chicken from the oil, let it rest for a few minutes, then return it to the hot oil for another 1-2 minutes until deeply golden and extra crunchy.
- Perfect Sauce Consistency: The cornstarch in this recipe (from the chicken coating) helps to naturally thicken the sauce as it boils. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water directly to the boiling sauce, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: General Tso’s Chicken is traditionally served with steamed white rice, which perfectly absorbs the delicious sauce. For a balanced meal, consider adding a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried green beans, or even a simple fresh salad. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions over the top adds both visual appeal and a fresh aromatic touch.
- Make-Ahead and Storage: While best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. The chicken might lose some of its crispiness, but the flavor will still be fantastic!
This easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe proves that you don’t need a professional kitchen or complicated techniques to enjoy an authentic, incredibly flavorful Chinese-American dish at home. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can recreate that beloved takeout experience anytime. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to impress your taste buds and your family with this sweet, spicy, and perfectly glossy chicken!
