Crispy General Tso's Chicken

Name: Crispy General Tso's Chicken
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 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 cup cornstarch; 2 cups canola oil (for frying); 3 tbsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 3 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 4 pcs dried red chilies (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp water; 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with water); 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 2 pcs green onions (sliced)

50 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Enjoy a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy General Tso's chicken with a delightful soy-vinegar glaze and dried chilies.

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Total

50 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

General Tso's Chicken is a beloved dish known for its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavours. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, it's a favourite at many restaurants and a treat to make at home. Our version of General Tso's Chicken focuses on achieving a perfect crispy texture and a glaze that clings deliciously to each piece of chicken. By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to recreate this takeout classic with ease.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Pro tip: Marinating helps infuse the chicken with flavour.

Prepare the Coating

Place cornstarch in a shallow dish. Coat each piece of marinated chicken in cornstarch, shaking off excess.

Pro tip: Ensure an even coat for better frying.

Fry the Chicken

Heat canola oil in a large pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Pro tip: Double fry for extra crispiness.

Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and dried chilies. Heat until sugar dissolves.

Pro tip: Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water, then add to the saucepan. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Pro tip: A glossy sauce indicates it's ready.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

Pro tip: The chicken should be well coated without soaking.

Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.

Pro tip: For extra crunch, add more sesame seeds.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use a high smoke-point oil like canola for frying.
Double fry the chicken for extra crispiness.
Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the number of dried chilies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is General Tso's Chicken?

General Tso's Chicken is a Chinese-American dish featuring fried chicken in a sweet and spicy glaze.

How do I make General Tso's Chicken?

Prepare and marinate chicken, fry it until crispy, then coat with a sweet and spicy soy-vinegar glaze.

What temperature should I fry chicken for General Tso's Chicken?

Fry the chicken at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and crispy.

What is the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken?

The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C).

Can I make General Tso's Chicken spicy?

Yes, adjust the number of dried chilies to increase or decrease the spiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve General Tso's Chicken hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal. Pair it with sautéed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad to add a refreshing balance. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Nutrition per serving

450

Calories

25g

Protein

20g

Fat

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Medium50 min

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