Delicious Homemade General Tso Chicken Recipe

Craving the bold flavors of Chinese takeout? This homemade General Tso Chicken is an easy and satisfying dish that utilizes pantry staples and leftover chicken. Serve it over rice or noodles for a quick, tasty dinner that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup corn starch + 1 tablespoon
• Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or avocado oil)

Sauce

• 3-4 dried red chili peppers
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or chicken stock
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and corn starch until evenly coated.
2. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same pan, add a bit of oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies until fragrant. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and chicken broth. Simmer for a few minutes.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water; stir into the sauce and cook until thickened.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Add the crispy chicken pieces back to the pan, tossing well to coat in the sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot alongside white rice, lo mein, or chow mein.

This heartwarming General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to savor traditional Chinese flavors at home. It’s perfect for utilizing leftover chicken or simple pantry ingredients.

General Tso Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs add juiciness and flavor. Just ensure they are cut into even pieces for consistent cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool down the chicken to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! Coat the chicken as directed, then air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.

Is Orange Chicken the same as General Tso’s Chicken?

Not quite! While both dishes feature crispy chicken in a sticky sauce, orange chicken boasts a sweet, citrusy flavor, while General Tso’s offers a savory, sweet, and spicy experience.

Enjoy cooking this flavorful dish and impress your family with this delightful homemade version of General Tso Chicken!