Make crispy, flavorful General Tso’s Chicken at home with this easy step-by-step recipe. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce for a restaurant-quality meal the whole family will love.
General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is one of the most popular Chinese-American takeout dishes, known for its crispy chicken and irresistible sweet-and-spicy sauce. This homemade version delivers all the bold flavors you love while allowing you to control the ingredients and customize the heat level.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe pairs beautifully with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and flavorful chicken
- Sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce
- Better than takeout
- Easy to make at home
- Family-friendly
- Ready in under an hour
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the General Tso’s Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towel-lined plate
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs.
In another bowl, combine:
- Cornstarch
- Flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture.
Place coated chicken on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Hoisin sauce
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- Cornstarch
- Chicken broth
Set aside.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches.
Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per batch until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Remove most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
Add the garlic and ginger.
Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Cook the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet.
Add the crushed red pepper flakes.
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet.
Toss until every piece is evenly coated in the glossy sauce.
Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat.
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
General Tso’s Chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried broccoli
- Snow peas
- Vegetable lo mein
- Asian cucumber salad
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months for best texture.
Tips for Success
- Chicken thighs provide extra tenderness and flavor.
- Fry in small batches to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Serve immediately after tossing in the sauce for the crispiest results.
- Double the sauce if you like extra for rice.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 820mg
Final Thoughts
Homemade General Tso’s Chicken brings all the bold flavors of your favorite takeout dish right to your kitchen. With crispy chicken, a perfectly balanced sweet-and-spicy sauce, and simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a delicious meal that’s every bit as satisfying as restaurant takeout.