General Tso’s Chicken

Welcome to the world of General Tso’s Chicken, where crispy chicken meets a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors! This dish has a way of making your taste buds dance with joy, offering a tantalizing experience with each bite. Imagine a perfectly breaded chicken, lightly fried to golden perfection, tossed in an irresistible sauce that has just the right balance of heat and sweetness. It’s a comfort food that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Did you know that General Tso’s Chicken is actually named after a 19th-century Chinese general, Zuo Zongtang? While it may not closely resemble traditional Chinese cuisine, this dish has found a special place in American hearts—much like our beloved Chicken Alfredo recipe. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress at your next family get-together, this dish stands out, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare!

What is General Tso’s Chicken?

Now, you may be wondering: who exactly is General Tso? Why is there a chicken dish named after him? The name might throw you off, but let’s be honest—it doesn’t matter! The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and trust me, this dish will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Picture this: a crunchy exterior giving way to tender meat, all enveloped in a sweet-spicy sauce. Doesn’t that just sound delicious? Grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

A Main Dish Highlight

This General Tso’s Chicken is a culinary star that can effortlessly take center stage at any meal. With juicy chicken coated in a crispy layer and a sauce that offers the perfect zing, you’re bound to impress your family and friends. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience!

Cost-Saving Benefits of Cooking at Home

Don’t you just love saving money while cooking at home? Buying pre-made versions of this dish can set you back quite a bit. When you whip it up yourself, you not only save some bucks but also control the ingredients, ensuring they meet halal compliance.

Flavorful Toppings

Maximize the fun by adding some zesty toppings! Consider sprinkling sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or even some crushed peanuts for that delightful crunch. It transforms the dish into something gourmet and Instagram-worthy. Your General Tso’s Chicken will have everyone coming back for seconds! Ready to try it yourself?

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

Quick Overview

Don’t fret; making General Tso’s Chicken is easier than you might think! It’s a satisfying dish with crispy textures and a complex flavor profile. Preparing it will take about 30 minutes, meaning you can enjoy this delightful meal on any busy weeknight without the hassle!

Key Ingredients for General Tso’s Chicken

Gather these ingredients to create your own delicious General Tso’s Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (freshly grated)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (ensure it’s halal)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside for a moment to marinate.
2. Create the Breading: In one bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour. This will give your chicken that delightful, crispy exterior.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pieces of coated chicken, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
5. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken back into the skillet, tossing well to coat every piece with that luscious sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: Serve the General Tso’s Chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Top Tips for Perfecting General Tso’s Chicken

• Substitutions: If you are out of chicken thighs, you can easily swap them with chicken breast for a leaner option.
• Timing: Ensure that your oil is hot enough to get that crispy crust. Test by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this can lead to sogginess. Fry in batches if necessary for that ultimate crunch.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with such a mouth-watering dish!), store your General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. For the best texture, avoid using a microwave as it may make the chicken a bit soggy.

Now, you’re all set to enjoy a delicious bowl of General Tso’s Chicken. Easy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—this dish is sure to become a regular feature on your dinner table! Enjoy cooking, and remember to invite your friends and family to share in the fun!

General Tso’s Chicken

A crispy and sweet dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce, perfect for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Chinese

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce, ensure it's halal
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• green onions, for garnish
• sesame seeds, optional for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside for a moment to marinate.
2. In one bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour. This will give your chicken that delightful, crispy exterior.

Cooking

1. Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pieces of coated chicken, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
3. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Then add the soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add the fried chicken back into the skillet, tossing well to coat every piece with that luscious sauce.

Serving

1. Serve the General Tso’s Chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

If you're out of chicken thighs, you can easily swap them with chicken breast for a leaner option. Ensure that your oil is hot enough to get that crispy crust. Test by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles, you’re good to go! Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; fry in batches if necessary for that ultimate crunch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.