Why Make This Recipe

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine known for its crispy chicken and sweet, spicy sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that you can easily make at home. This recipe brings the flavors of takeout right to your kitchen, making it perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

Making General Tso’s Chicken is straightforward and fun. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts (cubed)
1 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp garlic salt
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup white distilled vinegar
1 tsp salt
6 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

How To Make General Tso’s Chicken:

In a bowl, mix the flour, paprika, and garlic salt.
Dredge the cubed chicken in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy. Remove them and set aside.
In the same pan, combine sugar, water, vinegar, salt, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil.
Add red chili pepper flakes if you want some heat.
Once the sauce thickens, add the fried chicken back to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
Cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to blend.
Remove from heat.

How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken

Serve General Tso’s Chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you like. It pairs well with steamed rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with a side of broccoli for some extra veggies.

How to Store General Tso’s Chicken

To store General Tso’s Chicken, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips to Make General Tso’s Chicken

For extra crispy chicken, double fry the chicken pieces. Fry them, remove them to drain, and then fry them again for a couple of minutes.
Adjust the sugar level in the sauce to your taste. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount.
If you want a spicier version, increase the red chili flakes or add some chopped fresh chili to the sauce.

Variation

You can try making a vegetarian version by using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Just ensure to follow the same steps for coating and frying.

FAQs

Can I use cornstarch instead of flour?
Yes, using cornstarch will give the chicken an even crispier texture.
Is General Tso’s Chicken very spicy?
It can be made as spicy as you like. The red chili flakes are optional, so feel free to adjust according to your heat preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken ahead of time. Just combine them when you are ready to serve.