General Tso’s Chicken Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Asian-Inspired Dinner

Introduction

Few entrees deliver the perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and savory like General Tso’s Chicken. This quick and delicious Asian-inspired dinner is an all-time favorite thanks to its craveable sauce, crispy chicken bites, and totally customizable flavor profile. It’s a standout meal that’s guaranteed to please both takeout fans and home cooks looking for a fuss-free, flavor-packed dish that tastes even better than restaurant versions.

The Allure of Homemade General Tso’s Chicken

What sets this recipe apart is how remarkably simple it is to make authentic-tasting General Tso’s Chicken at home—with ingredients you can easily find. The zesty sauce melds soy, garlic, vinegar, ginger, and a hint of sweetness to create bold flavors in every bite. Paired with lightly crisped, juicy chicken, this satisfying dish will leave everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

Making the Signature Sauce for General Tso’s Chicken

The secret to amazing General Tso’s Chicken lies in its iconic sauce. Start by whisking together low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a little brown sugar. Chili flakes or sriracha add just the right amount of kick. The glossy, thickened sauce clings to each piece of chicken, boasting a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that give this dish its instant crowd-pleasing reputation.

Easy Steps for Crispy, Flavorful Chicken

To nail that signature crunch, toss chicken pieces in cornstarch or potato starch before pan-frying. A quick sear in hot oil renders them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce. Once the chicken is golden, toss it with the simmering sauce until each piece is perfectly coated.

Serving Suggestions for General Tso’s Chicken

Serve your General Tso’s Chicken over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice for a satisfying meal. For extra color and veggies, toss in steamed broccoli or snow peas when you combine chicken and sauce. Sprinkle with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch that elevates both flavor and presentation.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 generous servings. A typical portion contains roughly 350 to 400 calories (not including rice), making it a lighter option than traditional takeout. It’s a standout main course, perfect for busy weeknights or easy meal prep.

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and toss with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients except cornstarch slurry.
4. Pour sauce into the same skillet and bring to a simmer. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry, then stir into the sauce. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
5. Add chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in sauce and heat through, about 2 minutes.
6. Serve immediately over steamed rice and vegetables, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

General Tso’s Chicken makes the perfect star for your weekly dinner lineup. Save and schedule this recipe to easily plan your meals and let CookifyAI generate a smart shopping list that includes every ingredient for the week.

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Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes