General Tso’s chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy chicken pieces drenched in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. If you’ve ever wondered how to make this takeout favorite at home, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through a straightforward recipe and helpful tips to get that perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients Breakdown
For the Chicken
– Chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized pieces – thighs are juicier and less likely to dry out than breast meat.
– Cornstarch and all-purpose flour for a light, crispy coating.
– Eggs to help the coating stick.
– Salt and pepper for seasoning.
– Vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut oil works well).
For the Sauce
– Soy sauce (low sodium preferred).
– Rice vinegar or for a richer tang, try Chinkiang vinegar (Chinese black vinegar).
– Hoisin sauce for sweetness and depth.
– Brown sugar or honey to balance the acidity.
– Garlic and ginger, minced, for aromatic punch.
– Red chili flakes for a mild heat.
– Cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
Step-by-Step: Making General Tso’s Chicken at Home
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. In one bowl, beat eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another bowl or ziplock bag, combine cornstarch and flour. Dip chicken pieces first into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the cornstarch-flour mix. This double coating ensures a crispy crust.
2. Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches (do not overcrowd the pan) until golden and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per batch. Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
4. Combine and Serve
Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately with steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Tips for Perfect General Tso’s Chicken
– Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying to keep the chicken crispy.
– Use a non-stick skillet to protect the delicate coating.
– Let the chicken cool briefly before tossing in the sauce to maintain crispness.
– Adjust sweetness and tanginess by tasting the sauce and adding more sugar or vinegar as needed.
– For a more authentic tang, try Chinkiang vinegar, which adds a rich, malty flavor distinct from regular rice vinegar.
– If you want less oil usage, pan-frying with a small amount of oil works well and still yields crispy chicken.
General Tso’s chicken is a fantastic dish to make at home because it’s customizable, budget-friendly, and far more satisfying than takeout. With this recipe, you can enjoy the perfect balance of crispy chicken and sticky, flavorful sauce anytime you want. Give it a try and impress your family or friends with your homemade Chinese-American classic!
Ready to try it out or want tips on side dishes to pair with General Tso’s chicken? Just ask!