Authentic General Tao Chicken Recipe

Name: Authentic General Tao Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 500 g boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tsp fresh ginger (minced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp chili paste (optional); 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

50 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Deliciously crispy General Tao Chicken with a tangy sauce, perfect for a family meal or special occasion.

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Total

50 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

General Tao Chicken is a beloved dish known for its crispy texture and sweet, tangy sauce. This version sticks to the authentic flavours that make it a favourite in Chinese-Canadian cuisine. Ideal for dinner parties or a comforting family meal, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results at home. The secret to its irresistible taste lies in the balance of spices and the double-frying technique, which ensures the chicken remains crispy even after being coated in the luscious sauce. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or trying it for the first time, this recipe is designed to guide you every step of the way.

Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and coat them evenly with cornstarch. Set aside.

Pro tip: Ensure the chicken is well-coated for maximum crispiness.

Heat the oil

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 180°C (350°F).

Pro tip: Use a thermometer to maintain an even temperature.

First fry

Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes or until light golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Pro tip: Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.

Make the sauce

In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, ketchup, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili paste. Simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.

Pro tip: Stir constantly to prevent burning.

Double fry the chicken

Return the chicken to the hot oil for a second fry, cooking for 2-3 minutes or until deep golden brown and crispy.

Pro tip: This step ensures the chicken stays crispy.

Combine chicken and sauce

Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the prepared sauce until well coated. Serve immediately.

Pro tip: Serve over a bed of rice to soak up the sauce.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh ginger for the best flavour.
Double fry the chicken for extra crispiness.
Let the sauce thicken before adding the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is General Tao Chicken?

General Tao Chicken is a popular Chinese-Canadian dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce.

How do you make General Tao Chicken crispy?

Double frying the chicken pieces ensures they remain crispy after being coated in the sauce.

How many calories are in General Tao Chicken?

This recipe contains approximately 450 calories per serving.

Can I make General Tao Chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to three days, but fry the chicken fresh for best results.

What should I serve with General Tao Chicken?

Serve General Tao Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your General Tao Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. For added freshness, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chicken, once cooked, should be consumed immediately to maintain its crispy texture. If you have leftovers, reheat them in an oven to regain some crispiness.