🍗 General Tso’s Chicken Recipe (Crispy, Sweet & Spicy Takeout Style)
Make restaurant-style General Tso’s Chicken at home! Crispy fried chicken tossed in a bold sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce — perfect for weeknight dinners.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
🍴 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs (or breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tsp chili paste (or to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
For Stir-Frying:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4–5 dried red chilies
- 2 green onions, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Coat and Fry the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces in egg, then coat evenly in the flour mix.
- Deep fry in hot oil (350°F / 175°C) until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and broth.
- Mix in the cornstarch slurry to thicken later.
Step 3: Stir-Fry and Combine
- In a wok, heat 2 tbsp oil.
- Add garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and cook until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the fried chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle green onions on top and serve hot with steamed rice or fried rice.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with jasmine rice, chow mein, or vegetable fried rice.
- Add broccoli or bell peppers for a balanced meal.
- Perfect for family dinners or Asian-inspired feasts.
❓ FAQs About General Tso’s Chicken
Q1: What makes General Tso’s Chicken different from Orange Chicken?
A1: General Tso’s has a spicier, tangier flavor, while Orange Chicken is sweeter and citrusy.
Q2: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A2: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until crispy, then toss with sauce.
Q3: How spicy is this dish?
A3: It’s medium spicy — reduce or skip the chili paste if you prefer it mild.
Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead. Reheat and toss with freshly fried or baked chicken.
Q5: What’s the best oil for frying?
A5: Use vegetable, peanut, or canola oil for a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
💡 Pro Tips
- Double the sauce if you like it extra saucy for rice or noodles.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, tender bites.
- Fry chicken in small batches to keep it crispy.
- Add a dash of sesame oil for authentic aroma.
🍜 Similar Recipes You’ll Love
- Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Sesame Chicken Recipe

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