Effortless General Tso’s Chicken Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved takeout dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. This effortless homemade version delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 25–30 minutes.
• Crispy Yet Light – Achieves a crunchy texture without excessive breading.
• Balanced Flavors – The sauce is the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip chicken pieces in beaten egg, then coat them with the cornstarch-flour mixture.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 3–4 minutes per side). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, ginger, garlic, and chicken broth.
2. Pour the sauce mixture into a pan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).

3. Combine and Serve

1. Add the crispy chicken to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately over steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Recipe Variations

• Baked Version – Instead of frying, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
• Healthier Alternative – Use skinless chicken breast and air-fry for a lighter version.
• Extra Spicy – Increase the red pepper flakes or add Sriracha.
• Vegetarian Option – Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
• Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use a mild hoisin sauce.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, but thighs remain juicier.

What is the best oil for frying?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are great choices for frying.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace the flour with additional cornstarch.

What can I serve with General Tso’s Chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can fry the chicken and make the sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Why is my chicken not crispy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I air-fry the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, air-fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Add a bit more cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.

Is this recipe authentic?

General Tso’s Chicken is an American-Chinese dish, inspired by Hunan flavors but adapted for Western tastes.

Conclusion

This effortless General Tso’s Chicken recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and far better than takeout. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a homemade favorite in no time!

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