Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my love for General Tso’s chicken! This dish has that perfect crispy texture, and when you bite into it, the tangy sauce just dances on your taste buds. I remember the first time I had it at my favorite Chinese restaurant; I was hooked! I could hardly believe how something so delicious could be made at home. It’s honestly easier than you might think! With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of frying magic, you can recreate that restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it on repeat! It’s not just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed adventure that’ll impress your family and friends!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this amazing General Tso’s chicken! I promise it’s worth it, and you might already have some of these ingredients in your pantry!
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch for that extra crunch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour to help with the coating
- 2 eggs, beaten, to help everything stick together
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying the chicken to golden perfection
- 3 cloves garlic, minced, for that aromatic kick
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced, to add a zesty flavor
- 1/4 cup soy sauce for depth and umami
- 1/4 cup sugar to balance the flavors
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar for that tangy punch
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce for a hint of sweetness
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste, if you like it spicy!
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish and freshness
That’s it! Simple, right? Once you have everything ready, you’ll be just a few steps away from enjoying this delightful dish!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making General Tso’s chicken is super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step so you can nail it. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have that crispy, tangy goodness ready to devour!
Preparing the Chicken
First things first—let’s coat that chicken! In a medium bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour. This combo is your secret weapon for achieving that amazing crunch. Now, take your cubed chicken and dip each piece into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Then, roll the chicken in the cornstarch-flour mixture until it’s completely coated. Just make sure every little bit is covered! This is crucial for that crispy exterior. Oops, don’t forget to shake off any excess flour; we want the coating to stick, but not be too thick!
Making the Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that incredible sauce! In a separate pan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat, then toss in your minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant—oh my goodness, the smell is divine! Next, stir in the soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens; it’ll thicken up and become absolutely delicious!
Frying the Chicken
Time to fry! In a deep pan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of the coated chicken; if it sizzles and bubbles, you’re good to go! Carefully add the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Trust me, the crunch is everything! Once done, place the fried chicken pieces on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Now, for the grand finale! Take that beautiful sauce you made and pour it into the pan where you fried the chicken, and then toss the crispy pieces in the sauce until they’re well-coated. Make sure every bite gets that tangy goodness! If you want, you can turn the heat on low for a minute just to warm everything together. Finally, sprinkle those sliced green onions over the top for a fresh touch. Wow, you’re almost there!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—whip it up in just 35 minutes!
- Incredibly flavorful with that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
- Super satisfying; the crispy chicken and rich sauce will leave you craving more.
- A fantastic way to impress guests; they’ll think you ordered takeout!
- Customizable spice levels so you can make it just the way you like it.
- Perfect for a cozy night in or a fun dinner party!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into this delicious dish, here’s a little note about the nutritional info. Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. But I think you’ll find them pretty handy! Here’s a breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
So, there you have it! This dish is not just a treat for your taste buds but also packs a good punch of protein. Enjoy it guilt-free, and feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs!
Tips for Success
Ready to take your General Tso’s chicken to the next level? I’ve got some pro tips that’ll help you nail this recipe every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a world of difference!
- Check Your Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the chicken will soak up oil instead of crisping up. A thermometer is super helpful here!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to keep the oil temperature steady. Overcrowding can lead to soggy pieces. You want that perfect crunch!
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you like it spicy, go ahead and add more red pepper flakes to the sauce! But if you’re serving kiddos or those who prefer milder flavors, start with less and taste as you go.
- Cook Until Golden Brown: Keep an eye on your chicken while it’s frying; you want it golden brown and cooked through. It should take about 4-5 minutes per batch, but always cut one piece open to check for doneness!
- Let It Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest on paper towels for a minute to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain that crispy texture!
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to add your own twist! Some folks like to toss in a splash of sesame oil for extra flavor or even some veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for a colorful addition.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a deliciously crispy and tangy General Tso’s chicken that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your General Tso’s chicken all ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with! Trust me, the right sides can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are my go-to suggestions:
- Steamed Rice: You can’t go wrong with a fluffy bowl of steamed white or jasmine rice! It’s perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
- Fried Rice: For an extra flavor punch, whip up some fried rice! Toss in some veggies and maybe an egg for a complete dish.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas adds a nice crunch and balances the meal with some greens.
- Egg Rolls: Serve up some crispy egg rolls on the side for an authentic touch. They’re great for dipping in soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce!
- Asian Noodle Salad: A chilled noodle salad with sesame dressing can be a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken.
Feel free to mix and match these sides based on what you have on hand or your personal favorites. The key is to create a delightful spread that complements the sweet, tangy, and crispy goodness of your General Tso’s chicken. Enjoy your feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! General Tso’s chicken is just as tasty the next day, but you’ll want to store it properly to keep that crispy goodness intact. Here’s how I do it:
- Cool it Down: Before storing, let the chicken cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the chicken to an airtight container. I love using glass containers because they keep everything fresh and are easy to reheat!
- Refrigerate: Store your chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have a lot of leftovers, consider portioning them out for easy grab-and-go meals!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I’ve got a couple of methods that work wonders:
- Skillet Method: My favorite way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a tiny splash of oil and toss in the chicken. This way, it regains its crispiness! Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method works great for keeping that crunchy texture!
- Microwave Method: If you’re super pressed for time, you can use the microwave, but be warned—it might make the chicken a bit softer. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps prevent it from drying out), and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Whichever method you choose, just make sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t dry out. Enjoy your delicious leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Print
General Tso’s Chicken Recipe: 7 Steps to Crispy Perfection
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy chicken in a tangy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch and flour.
- Dip chicken in egg, then coat with flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden brown.
- In another pan, sauté garlic and ginger.
- Add soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by varying red pepper flakes.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: general tsos chicken recipe