General Tso Chicken Recipe

Craving the savory, slightly sweet flavors of General Tso Chicken? Skip the takeout and dive into making this beloved dish right in your own kitchen. Originating from Chinese cuisine but beloved worldwide, General Tso Chicken combines crispy fried chicken with a rich, tangy sauce that’s irresistible. Follow this step-by-step recipe to recreate this restaurant favorite at home!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
• For the Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons chicken broth or water
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a bowl, whisk the egg with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Add the chicken pieces to the egg mixture, coating them evenly.
• In another bowl, place the cornstarch. Dredge each egg-coated chicken piece in the cornstarch until well coated.

1. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

1. Make the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chicken broth (or water), sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
• Heat sesame oil in a clean skillet or wok over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the sauce mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.

1. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

• Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing gently until each piece is coated evenly.

1. Serve:

• Transfer the General Tso Chicken to a serving plate.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.

Tips for Success:

• Crispy Chicken: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispy chicken pieces.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the cornstarch amount in the sauce to achieve your desired thickness.
• Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade General Tso Chicken, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This recipe brings the essence of Chinese cuisine straight to your table, promising a satisfying meal every time. Embrace the joy of cooking and savor the flavors of this classic dish made with love in your own kitchen!