General Tso’s Chicken is one of the most iconic dishes to come out of Chinese-American cuisine. Crispy, golden-fried chicken pieces are tossed in a glossy sauce that perfectly balances sweetness, tanginess, umami, and gentle heat. While it’s inspired by Hunan-style Chinese flavors, this dish has evolved into a beloved takeout classic across the world—especially popular in restaurants and home kitchens alike.
What makes General Tso’s Chicken truly special is its contrast of textures and flavors: crunchy chicken on the outside, tender and juicy inside, coated in a sticky sauce infused with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and dried red chilies. It feels indulgent, comforting, and exciting all at once—making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home without being overly complicated. The sauce is bold and addictive, the chicken stays crispy, and every bite feels satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that instantly lifts your mood and makes dinner feel special—even on a regular day.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory
- Crispy texture with juicy chicken
- Easy to customize spice level
- Better and fresher than takeout
- Loved by both kids and adults
Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Chinese-American / Asian-Inspired
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~430–480 calories per serving (approx.)
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for deep frying
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsp sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup water or chicken stock
For Stir-Frying
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 4–6 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Directions (Quick Overview)
- Coat chicken and deep fry until crispy
- Prepare the sauce mixture
- Stir-fry aromatics
- Add sauce and thicken
- Toss fried chicken in sauce
- Garnish and serve
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with egg, soy sauce, black pepper, cornstarch, and flour until well coated.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry chicken in batches over medium-high heat until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Aromatics
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or pan. Add garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Cook while stirring until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 6: Combine
Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 7: Finish
Drizzle sesame oil, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and remove from heat.
How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken
- Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice
- Pair with fried rice or noodles
- Add a side of stir-fried vegetables
- Enjoy with chopsticks or fork
Recipe Tips
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
- Double-fry chicken for extra crispiness
- Adjust sugar and chilies to taste
- Add sauce just before serving to keep chicken crispy
Variations (In Detail)
Spicy General Tso’s Chicken
Add chili paste or chili oil for extra heat.
Healthier Version
Air-fry or shallow-fry the chicken and reduce sugar.
Vegetarian Version
Replace chicken with crispy tofu, cauliflower, or mushrooms.
Gluten-Free Version
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch only.
Honey General Tso’s Chicken
Replace sugar with honey for a richer sweetness.
Freezing and Storage
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
Freezer
- Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Reheating
- Reheat in a pan for best texture
- Avoid microwave if possible to keep chicken crispy
Special Equipment Needed
- Wok or deep frying pan
- Deep-fry thermometer (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Conclusion
General Tso’s Chicken is a timeless favorite that brings bold flavors, satisfying crunch, and irresistible sauce together in one unforgettable dish. Whether you’re recreating a takeout classic or impressing guests with a homemade Asian-inspired meal, this recipe delivers every time. Once you try it at home, it’s guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner table—crispy, saucy, and absolutely delicious.
General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is one of the most iconic dishes to come out of Chinese-American cuisine. Crispy, golden-fried chicken pieces are tossed in a glossy sauce that perfectly balances sweetness, tanginess, umami, and gentle heat.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
For the Sauce
For Stir-Frying
Garnish
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken : In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with egg, soy sauce, black pepper, cornstarch, and flour until well coated.
-
Step 2: Fry the Chicken : Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry chicken in batches over medium-high heat until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
-
Step 3: Make the Sauce : In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
-
Step 4: Stir-Fry Aromatics : Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or pan. Add garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Step 5: Add Sauce : Pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Cook while stirring until it thickens and becomes glossy.
-
Step 6: Combine : Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
-
Step 7: Finish : Drizzle sesame oil, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and remove from heat.
