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

Crispy General Tso's Chicken

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.

Ingredients

Servings

Chicken and Marinade

Coating and Frying

Sauce

Garnish

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

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

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.