Mouthwatering General Tso's Chicken

Name: Mouthwatering General Tso's Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Oil for frying; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

I absolutely love making this Mouthwatering General Tso's Chicken at home! The combination of crispy chicken and the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes it a family favorite. It’s surprisingly straightforward to whip up, and the sauce is made from scratch, infused with fresh ingredients that truly elevate the dish. Every time I serve it, I see smiles all around the table, and it's always a hit during our gatherings. I can't wait for you to try it and enjoy the flavors that come together so beautifully!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T19:54:28.119Z

Making Mouthwatering General Tso's Chicken at home has been a game-changer for my weeknight dinners. I experimented with different sauces, ultimately using a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for that authentic taste. A crucial tip I learned is to double-fry the chicken for an extra crispy texture, which contrasts beautifully with the sauce's richness.

While preparing the dish, I discovered that adding a handful of steamed broccoli not only complements the dish in color but adds a nutritious element too! Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors, and the leftovers? They taste even better the next day!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy chicken enveloped in a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce
Customizable heat level to suit your taste preferences
A homemade meal that rivals your favorite takeout

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of chicken thighs in this recipe is purposeful; they are juicier and more flavorful than breast meat, which can dry out easily during the frying process. By cutting them into bite-sized pieces, you ensure that each piece cooks evenly and gets perfectly crispy. The cornstarch coating plays a crucial role too, creating an extra crunchy texture while sealing in moisture. For a lighter alternative, you can use chicken breast; just be sure to monitor frying times closely to avoid overcooking.

Every component of the sauce has a role to play. The balance of soy sauce and rice vinegar provides umami depth and tanginess, while sugar counteracts the acidity and lends a delightful caramelization during cooking. Garlic and ginger are classic aromatics that brighten the dish, while red pepper flakes allow you to control the level of heat. Adjusting these ingredients can cater directly to your family's preferences, making it a truly customizable recipe.

Frying Techniques for Perfect Crispiness

When frying the chicken, make sure the oil reaches a temperature of around 350°F (175°C) before adding the coated pieces. This prevents the chicken from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature; overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and result in soggy chicken. Each batch should take about 5-7 minutes to cook, achieving a beautiful golden brown color that indicates it's time to remove the chicken.

Draining the fried chicken on paper towels is an essential step that allows any excess oil to be absorbed. I recommend placing the cooked chicken on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet if you have one, as it enables air circulation and keeps the chicken crispy instead of steaming it in an enclosed space. This little trick is one of my go-to steps for ensuring that every piece retains that satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make this delightful dish.

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
Oil for frying

For the Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with salt and cornstarch until well-coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Sauce

In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring it to a simmer and allow it to thicken for about 3-5 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions, and enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade General Tso's Chicken with steamed rice or noodles!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, you can add chopped peanuts or cashews to the dish before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're preparing this General Tso's Chicken ahead of a gathering, consider making the sauce in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week; just be sure to give it a good stir before use, as the ingredients may separate. You can also marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a couple of hours or overnight. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the chicken even more irresistible once it's cooked.

For leftovers, store the chicken separately from the sauce to maintain its texture. Place the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes for optimal crispness. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave just until warm. This method avoids the rubbery texture that can happen with microwave reheating for the chicken.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

General Tso's Chicken is traditionally served with steamed white rice or fried rice, which beautifully soaks up the sauce. For a healthier twist, serve it over steamed broccoli or a vibrant stir-fry of mixed vegetables. Both options add color and nutrition, making for a well-rounded meal that pleases the eyes and the palate alike. If you want to increase the heat, a drizzle of Sriracha or a sprinkle of chopped fresh chili peppers can elevate the dish further.

Consider experimenting with different proteins or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using tofu, press it well to remove excess moisture, then coat it in cornstarch before frying. This creates a delightful texture similar to that of the chicken. For a sweeter version, you might add a touch of pineapple juice to the sauce, creating a unique twist that adds a summery flair to the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well but may be less juicy. Ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ How can I make it less spicy?

Simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether for a milder flavor.

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

→ What can I serve with General Tso's Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles.