Crispy & Flavorful General Tso’s Chicken Made Easy

Introduction

General Tso’s Chicken is beloved for its classic combination of crispy, golden-fried chicken with a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce that packs just enough heat. This easy homemade version delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated steps, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or dinner parties. The layered flavors and undeniable crunch make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, every time.

Why This General Tso’s Recipe Is a Standout

What sets this rendition apart is its perfect textural contrast: juicy chicken encased in an ultra-crispy coating, all drenched in a flavor-loaded sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and deeply savory. Using a few clever shortcuts and accessible tools, you’ll save time while achieving that irresistible, crave-worthy finish right at home.

Prepping Your Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

For even slicing and dicing of your aromatics and vegetables, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is indispensable. It streamlines prep and ensures uniform pieces for even cooking. Plus, starting with bite-sized chunks of chicken ensures a quick, even fry and that signature crispy exterior.

Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness, and have all your sauce components measured out beforehand for a truly seamless cooking experience.

Cooking the Crispiest Chicken—Two Methods

You don’t need a wok of bubbling oil for this recipe. Achieve a crunchy coating using either shallow pan-frying or air frying. For healthier results with minimal cleanup and outstanding crispiness, try a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt. An air fryer crisps up the battered chicken with far less oil and produces consistent results every time.

If pan-frying, a sturdy, nonstick skillet, such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, is ideal for golden-brown chicken that releases easily when it’s ready.

Line your tray or basket with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for nonstick convenience and easy cleanup, no matter which cooking method you choose.

Quick and Flavorful General Tso’s Sauce

The key to this dish is the sauce—balanced, sticky, and vibrant. Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and a generous pinch of dried red pepper for heat. For a smooth sauce, blend together liquid ingredients and aromatics using a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender. This guarantees a silky consistency that clings perfectly to every piece of chicken.

After crisping your chicken, toss it in the pan with the simmered sauce until beautifully glazed and aromatic.

Serving Suggestions and Enjoying General Tso’s at Its Best

This dish pairs flawlessly with hot steamed jasmine rice or fresh stir-fried vegetables. Leftovers store well, so consider using divided containers like the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for easy meal prep and take-along lunches.

Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds for a classic finishing touch, and serve while piping hot for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 4 hearty servings, each with approximately 410–480 calories (depending on cooking method). You can reduce calories by air frying and using less oil, making this comfort food dish a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor or crunch.

Easy & Flavorful General Tso’s Chicken (Recap)

This easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe delivers all the crispy texture and rich flavor you expect from your favorite takeout, but streamlined for weeknight cooking at home. Its addictive sauce, shatteringly crisp chicken, and approachable prep make it a go-to for impressing both family and guests.

Instructions

1. Set up breading stations: Whisk eggs with salt and pepper in one bowl; place cornstarch in another. Dredge chicken pieces first in egg, then in cornstarch, coating thoroughly. Set aside.
2. For air fryer: Line basket with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer. Spritz lightly with oil using a YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking. Air fry at 400°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway.
   
   For stovetop: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high. Cook chicken in batches, turning to brown on all sides, until just cooked through and crispy (5–7 minutes per batch). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. While chicken cooks, blend all sauce ingredients until smooth in a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender.
4. In the same pan or a large clean skillet, add remaining oil. Sauté white scallion parts, garlic, ginger, and chilies for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in blended sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and stir in cornstarch slurry (2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water), stirring until thickened (about 2 minutes).
5. Add crispy chicken back into the pan, tossing to coat in sauce until evenly glazed.
6. Serve hot over steamed rice. Garnish with green scallion parts and sesame seeds.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy restaurant-quality General Tso’s chicken with all the punchy flavors and none of the fuss—right in your own kitchen!