General Tso’s Chicken: The Ultimate Crispy, Sticky, and Irresistible Recipe!

Craving that iconic sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor explosion of General Tso’s Chicken? Forget takeout! With this detailed and easy-to-follow recipe, you can create restaurant-quality General Tso’s Chicken right in your own kitchen. We’re talking perfectly crispy chicken coated in a luscious, homemade sauce that will have everyone begging for more. This recipe is designed to be foolproof, even for beginner cooks, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

[Image Placeholder: A stunning, high-resolution photo of perfectly cooked General Tso’s Chicken served over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.]

Recipe Overview

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry). Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and the beaten egg. Add the marinated chicken to the batter and toss to coat evenly.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the battered chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This step is crucial for achieving truly crispy General Tso’s Chicken.
4. Double Fry (Optional but Recommended): For extra crispiness, fry the chicken a second time for 1-2 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This step ensures the chicken stays crispy even after being coated in the sauce.
5. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is frying, prepare the General Tso’s sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside.
6. Cook Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the dried red chili peppers (break them in half to release more flavor), minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
7. Combine Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the wok and bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Coat the Chicken: Add the fried chicken to the wok with the thickened sauce. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring every piece of chicken is covered in the delicious General Tso’s sauce.
9. Serve: Serve the General Tso’s Chicken immediately over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions (scallions) and sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy your homemade General Tso’s Chicken!

Serving Suggestions

General Tso’s Chicken is traditionally served with steamed white rice or brown rice. It also pairs well with:

• Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• Wonton soup
• Lo mein or chow mein noodles

For a complete meal, consider adding a side of stir-fried vegetables to complement the richness of the General Tso’s Chicken. The slight spice of the dish also works well with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Tips and Notes for Perfect General Tso’s Chicken

• Chicken Selection: Chicken thighs are preferred for General Tso’s Chicken because they remain tender and juicy during frying. However, you can also use chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook it.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of dried red chili peppers to control the spice level. For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the peppers before adding them. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Crispy Chicken Secret: The double frying technique is the key to achieving ultra-crispy chicken. The first fry cooks the chicken through, while the second fry crisps up the exterior. Don’t skip this step!
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, add a little more cornstarch slurry (1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water).
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply fry the chicken and combine it with the sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu, cut into cubes. Press the tofu to remove excess water before coating it in cornstarch and frying.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Also, use gluten-free all-purpose flour or a blend of rice flour and tapioca starch for coating the chicken.

Experiment with different variations of General Tso’s Chicken by adding other ingredients to the sauce, such as pineapple chunks, bell peppers, or peanuts. The possibilities are endless! This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create a truly unforgettable meal that rivals your favorite takeout. So, ditch the delivery menus and get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to deliver perfect results every time. The irresistible combination of crispy chicken and tangy-sweet sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s also a great way to introduce your family to the flavors of Chinese cuisine. The satisfaction of creating a delicious and authentic meal from scratch is unparalleled. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with this amazing General Tso’s Chicken recipe! Remember to adjust the spice level to your liking and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Happy cooking!

This recipe for General Tso’s Chicken aims to provide a detailed and easy-to-follow guide for recreating this classic dish at home. By using simple ingredients and techniques, anyone can achieve restaurant-quality results. This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a testament to the power of home cooking and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. So, go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed! The combination of crispy chicken and flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. This General Tso’s Chicken dish is a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress. So, embrace your inner chef and create a memorable meal with this fantastic recipe! From the crispy chicken to the tangy sauce, every element of this dish is designed to tantalize your taste buds. This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a celebration of flavor and texture. So, treat yourself and your loved ones to this amazing culinary experience! The aroma of the frying chicken and simmering sauce will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. So, savor every moment and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade General Tso’s Chicken!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us! Tag us on social media with your photos and let us know what you think of the recipe. We love to see your culinary masterpieces! Remember that this General Tso’s Chicken recipe is about experimenting and finding what works best for you. So, don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients and techniques to suit your personal preferences. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and create a dish that you love. This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a blank canvas – feel free to add your own personal touches! So, let your creativity shine and create a culinary masterpiece that’s uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless! This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a starting point – use it as a foundation to build upon and create your own signature dish. So, embrace your inner chef and let your imagination run wild! The world of cooking is full of possibilities – don’t be afraid to explore and experiment. This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is just the beginning of your culinary journey! So, embark on this adventure with enthusiasm and create something truly amazing. The rewards are well worth the effort!