Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

General Tso’s Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop, Fried
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Description

General Tso’s Chicken is a restaurant favorite featuring crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a bold, tangy, sweet-and-spicy sauce. It’s easy to make at home and tastes even better than takeout!


Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch

  • 2 eggs, beaten

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce

  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 3 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

  • 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice)

Optional Garnish:

  • Sliced green onions

  • Sesame seeds

  • Steamed broccoli (for serving)

  • Cooked white or jasmine rice


Instructions

Fry the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, season chicken with salt and pepper.

  2. Dip each piece into the beaten egg, then dredge in cornstarch until well coated.

  3. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

  4. Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Make the Sauce

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch. Set aside.

  2. In a clean skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat.

  3. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Stir in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook 1–2 minutes until thickened.

3. Combine and Serve

  1. Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

  2. Serve over steamed rice and top with green onions and sesame seeds.


Notes

  • For a lighter version, bake or air-fry the chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

  • Add steamed broccoli or snap peas to make it a full meal.

  • Great for meal prep—just store sauce and chicken separately for best texture.