The Easiest General Tso Chicken Recipe You'll Ever Make

General Tso's Chicken is a beloved dish in American Chinese cuisine, known for its crispy chicken pieces in a sweet and tangy sauce. This recipe promises to be the easiest General Tso chicken you'll ever make, simplifying the preparation without compromising on flavor or texture. Let's dive into creating this iconic dish at home!

Ingredients for General Tso's Chicken

Here's what you'll need to make this delightful meal:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Marinade:
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 6-8 dried red chili peppers
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 scallions, white parts sliced thinly, green parts cut into 2-inch pieces

Preparation Steps

Marinating the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor and ensure it stays tender during cooking:

1. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and the beaten egg. Mix well.
2. Gradually add the cornstarch, stirring until the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Creating the Sauce

Making the sauce is simple and ensures that your chicken is coated in a deliciously sweet and tangy concoction:

1. In a bowl, mix sugar, soy sauce, chicken stock, vinegar, and Shaoxing wine.
2. In another small bowl, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water.

Frying the Chicken

Now, it’s time to fry the chicken until it’s crispy and golden:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the marinated chicken in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

✨ Note: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to prevent the chicken from becoming greasy or unevenly cooked.

Putting It All Together

Combine the fried chicken with the sauce for that final taste explosion:

1. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the wok, then stir-fry garlic, ginger, and chili peppers until fragrant.
2. Pour in the sauce mixture, bring to a simmer, then thicken with the cornstarch slurry.
3. Return the fried chicken to the wok, toss in the sauce, and let it cook for another minute to meld the flavors.
4. Add the scallions, stir, and remove from heat.

Serving General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed white rice
• Fried rice or noodles
• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bok choy

Notes on Serving

When serving, you might want to consider:

• If you prefer less sauce, adjust the sauce ingredients accordingly.
• For a healthier option, consider using an air fryer to cook the chicken instead of deep frying.

💡 Note: Adjust the amount of sauce to your taste. You might want it more saucy or just lightly coated, depending on your preference.

This recipe offers an easy and quick way to enjoy General Tso's Chicken at home, perfect for a casual dinner or a special treat. By keeping the preparation straightforward and using ingredients readily available, you're sure to impress friends and family with your cooking skills. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy chicken, the sweet tanginess of the sauce, and the fragrant notes of garlic and ginger in this homemade version of a favorite dish.

Can I make General Tso’s Chicken less spicy?

+

Yes, to make it less spicy, simply reduce the number of chili peppers or remove the seeds to tone down the heat.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

+

You can use dry sherry or rice wine as a substitute for Shaoxing wine. If unavailable, a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar can also work.

How do I store leftovers?

+

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove, adding a little water if the sauce thickens too much.