Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Hey, have you ever craved General Tso’s Chicken but didn’t want to order takeout? I totally get it. I used to think it was too hard to make at home — but guess what?

I found a way to make an easy General Tso’s Chicken right in my kitchen. It’s quick, simple, and tastes like the real deal. And oh my gosh, it’s so good and sticky and sweet!

You don’t need fancy stuff — just basic ingredients and a few steps. I promise, if I can do it, you can too. And the best part? You’ll have dinner ready in no time.

So, are you ready to skip takeout and make this yummy dish with me? Let’s dive right in! Keep reading for the easiest General Tso’s Chicken ever.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Takeout Flavor at Home: Enjoy the same delicious taste of restaurant-style General Tso’s Chicken, made with simple pantry ingredients.
• Perfectly Balanced Sauce: A mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one irresistible sauce.
• No Deep Frying Needed: Get a crispy chicken texture without a deep fryer—just a quick pan-fry with less oil.
• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Ready in less than 1 hour, perfect for busy nights.
• Family Friendly: Mild enough for kids but can be adjusted to spice preferences.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people when paired with rice or vegetables. You can double the recipe to serve a larger family or for meal prep.

Difficulty:
Easy enough for beginners, but satisfying for anyone who loves cooking at home.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this easy and flavorful General Tso’s Chicken, here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Skillet or Wok: For frying the chicken and tossing it in sauce.
• Mixing Bowls: For coating the chicken and mixing the sauce.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: To handle chicken pieces while cooking.
• Whisk: For blending the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping chicken and optional green onions for garnish.

Ingredients for General Tso’s Chicken

Here’s everything you need to create this crowd-pleasing dish (exact measurements will be included in the recipe card below):

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs work too for a juicier texture.
• Cornstarch: Essential for getting that light, crispy coating on the chicken without deep frying.
• Vegetable Oil: For pan-frying. Use neutral oils like canola or avocado oil.
• Garlic: Freshly minced, for deep flavor.
• Ginger: Freshly grated or minced, to add warmth and zest.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, to adjust spice levels to your liking.
• Green Onions: Optional, for garnish and added freshness.
• Cooked Rice: To serve as a base and soak up all that delicious sauce.

Ingredients for the Sauce

The sauce is what makes General Tso’s Chicken so addictive. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium if you prefer less salt.
• Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness and depth.
• Rice Vinegar: For tanginess to balance the sweet and savory.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar or brown sugar for added richness.
• Water: To adjust sauce consistency.
• Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce perfectly.

Variations for General Tso’s Chicken

• Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful bite, substitute thighs for chicken breasts.
• Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to make this a one-pan meal.
• Healthier Version: Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of pan-frying, and reduce the sugar slightly.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin is gluten-free.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. The cornstarch creates a thin, crisp exterior once cooked. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

2. Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water until well combined. In a small separate bowl, mix a bit of cornstarch with water to create a slurry—this will help thicken the sauce later. Set both bowls aside.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken Step-by-Step Instructions (Continued)

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer—avoid overcrowding to keep them crispy.

• Pan-fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
• Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess oil.

4. Prepare the Aromatics

In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind for flavor.
Add minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet.

• Sauté for 30-60 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant—be careful not to burn them.

5. Combine Sauce and Chicken

Give the sauce mixture a quick stir (the cornstarch may have settled at the bottom), then pour it into the skillet with the aromatics.

• Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
• Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat every piece evenly in the glossy sauce.
• Let it cook together for another 1-2 minutes, so the chicken absorbs the flavor.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken

This flavorful chicken is perfect over hot steamed rice to catch all the sauce. Here are some serving suggestions to round out the meal:

• With Rice: Serve over jasmine, basmati, or brown rice for a hearty base.
• With Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, snow peas, or sautéed bell peppers for added freshness and crunch.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce leaves and garnish with green onions.
• With Noodles: Toss into lo mein or rice noodles if you want to skip the rice.

Garnish Ideas:

• Chopped Green Onions: For a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Add a nutty crunch (optional).
• Extra Red Pepper Flakes: If you prefer more heat.

Storing General Tso’s Chicken

Make-ahead and leftovers are easy with this dish:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Freezing: You can freeze General Tso’s Chicken for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Here are some key tips to make sure your General Tso’s Chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Make sure the chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
• Use Cornstarch, Not Flour: Cornstarch gives a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular flour.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to keep the pieces crisp.
• Keep Sauce Ready: Have the sauce mixed and ready to go before cooking, so you can move quickly.
• Adjust Spice Level: Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and increase if you like it spicier.
• Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Use fresh, not powdered, for a more vibrant flavor.

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Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approximate)
Calories	390
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	26g
Sugars	14g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	2.5g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	890mg
Fiber	1g

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

General Tso’s Chicken FAQs

What is General Tso’s Chicken?

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring lightly battered and fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s commonly served in restaurants and takeout spots, but this recipe makes it easy to enjoy at home.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs will give a juicier, more flavorful result. Just be sure to cut them into even, bite-sized pieces for cooking.

Is there a way to make this dish less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar by about 1 tablespoon. The sauce will still be delicious and savory.

How can I make General Tso’s Chicken spicier?

To turn up the heat, add more red pepper flakes, a dash of chili oil, or a bit of sriracha to the sauce. You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference.

Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes! For a lighter version:

• Bake: Place coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air-fry: Air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through. Both methods create a nice texture without extra oil.

Can I freeze General Tso’s Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze it. Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken more when reheated, so you can add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Conclusion

General Tso’s Chicken is one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is easy enough to make anytime. With its crispy chicken pieces and that rich, flavorful sauce, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite. Whether you’re craving takeout flavors or looking for a simple, satisfying homemade meal, this recipe brings everything together in one pan.