Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

How To Make General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 56 reviews

A classic Chinese-American favorite, General Tso’s Chicken features crispy, tender chicken thighs coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. This recipe uses a simple stovetop cooking method to create a deliciously flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lb chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup corn starch
  • 1/4 cup extra light olive oil (for frying, plus more as needed)

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp minced ginger (from a 2-inch piece of ginger)
  • 3 cloves garlic (or 1 Tbsp grated or finely minced)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or added to taste)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 5 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar (or more to taste)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 4 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp corn starch

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Toss the chicken pieces in batches with 1/2 cup cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Arrange the coated chicken on a platter and set aside.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cold water, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch until well combined to create the sauce base.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 1/4 cup extra light olive oil. Fry the chicken in 2 to 3 batches, sautéing each piece until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove each batch from the pan and place it in a bowl. Add more oil as necessary, making sure to leave at least 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan after the last batch.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer while stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer for about 1 minute to cook off the vinegar slightly and thicken the sauce.
  6. Combine and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce or rice vinegar if desired. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss well to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
  • You can use vegetable oil or another neutral oil instead of olive oil if preferred.
  • Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
  • For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/how-to-make-general-tsos-chicken-recipe/