general tso's chicken recipe.

 

🍗 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.

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⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

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🍴 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

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Coat and Fry the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip chicken pieces in egg, then coat evenly in the flour mix.
3. Deep fry in hot oil (350°F / 175°C) until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain on a paper towel and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and broth.
2. Mix in the cornstarch slurry to thicken later.

Step 3: Stir-Fry and Combine

1. In a wok, heat 2 tbsp oil.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in the sauce mixture and cook until it thickens and becomes glossy.
4. 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.

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🍽️ 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.

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❓ 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.

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