Best Easy General Tso's Chicken Recipe

Deep-fried chicken chunks are glazed in a spicy-sweet sauce with dried red chilies for a dish that's become a Chinese-American icon. Rich in protein and irresistibly crispy, it's a beloved family dinner staple.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 450 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken thighs 1.5 lbs
  • cornstarch 0.75 cup
  • all-purpose flour 0.5 cup
  • large eggs 2 pieces
  • vegetable oil 2 cups
  • green onions 4 pieces
  • dried red chilies 8 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soy sauce 5 tbsp
  • rice vinegar 2 tbsp
  • hoisin sauce 2 tbsp
  • sugar 3 tbsp
  • garlic 3 cloves
  • fresh ginger 1 tbsp
  • sesame oil 1 tsp
  • chicken broth 0.5 cup
  • cornstarch (for sauce) 1.5 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 48 g 42%
Protein 26 g 23%
Fat 18 g 36%
Serving size 210g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks, pat dry for better frying, and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix 3/4 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.

  3. 3

    Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then dredge them in the flour-cornstarch mix, pressing to adhere.

  4. 4

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (medium-high). Fry chicken in batches, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy (5–6 minutes per batch). Drain on a wire rack.

  5. 5

    For the sauce: whisk soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth in a bowl; dissolve 1.5 tbsp cornstarch with a bit of water, then add in.

  6. 6

    Wipe out the skillet, leave 1 tbsp oil, and heat on medium. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and dried chilies for 30 seconds until fragrant, without burning.

  7. 7

    Pour sauce mixture into the pan, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes glossy (about 2 minutes). Immediately toss in fried chicken and sliced green onions; stir to coat evenly.

  8. 8

    Drizzle in sesame oil, stir, and serve immediately for optimal crispiness.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this General Tso's Chicken recipe?
The star ingredient is boneless skinless chicken thighs, which offer both juiciness and excellent texture. The cornstarch and flour coating, deep-fried until crispy, creates the iconic crunch that defines this dish. Dried red chilies and a balanced savory-sweet sauce further complete its signature flavor.
Q. How do I achieve a perfectly crispy chicken exterior?
Be sure to pat the chicken dry before coating, and dredge thoroughly in the egg and cornstarch-flour mixture. Fry pieces in hot oil (350°F) in small batches, so the oil stays hot and the pieces don’t steam—this guarantees an extra-crispy result.
Q. How can I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy after saucing?
Toss the fried chicken in the thickened sauce quickly and at the last moment, right before serving. This ensures the coating remains crispy; extended contact with sauce will soften the crust.
Q. What are the nutrition highlights per serving?
Each serving (210g) provides approximately 450 kcal, with 48g carbohydrates (42%), 26g protein (23%), and 18g fat (36%). It's a high-protein dish, making it a crowd favorite for those focused on maintaining muscle or satiety.
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