Oven-Baked General Tso's Chicken

Name: Oven-Baked 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, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium); 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp grated ginger; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water); 2 tbsp sesame seeds; 2 stalks green onions (sliced)

50 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Deliciously sticky and sweet General Tso's Chicken, baked to perfection without a deep fryer.

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Total

50 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

General Tso's Chicken is a beloved dish known for its sweet and tangy sauce with a hint of spice. Traditionally deep-fried, this version offers a healthier alternative by baking the chicken, making it accessible for home cooks who prefer to avoid deep frying. The origins of General Tso's Chicken can be traced back to Chinese-American cuisine, where it became a staple in many restaurants. Its irresistible combination of flavours makes it a favourite for many, and this oven-baked variation ensures the same great taste with less oil.

Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Pro tip: Ensure each piece is well-coated to achieve a crispy texture.

Bake the chicken

Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F / 74°C by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken pieces.

Pro tip: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for even crispiness.

Prepare the sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and sriracha. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Pro tip: Adjust the sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness.

Thicken the sauce

Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir continuously until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Pro tip: Keep stirring to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.

Combine chicken and sauce

Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss until well coated.

Pro tip: Use a spatula to gently stir and coat each piece evenly.

Garnish and serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the coated chicken before serving.

Pro tip: Serve immediately for the best flavour and texture.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat.
Coat chicken evenly with cornstarch for a crispy texture.
Preheat the oven for consistent cooking.
Let the sauce thicken before adding to the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is General Tso sauce made of?

General Tso sauce is typically made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and sriracha for heat.

How do I make General Tso's Chicken without a deep fryer?

Coat the chicken in cornstarch and bake it at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes for a healthier version.

What is a quick General Tso sauce recipe?

Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and sriracha, then thicken with a cornstarch slurry.

How do I make sauce for General Tso's Chicken?

Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and sriracha; thicken with a cornstarch slurry.

Can I make General Tso's sauce in advance?

Yes, prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before use.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your General Tso's Chicken over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish pairs well with a light Riesling or a chilled glass of iced tea. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, ensuring the chicken remains crispy.

Nutrition per serving

320

Calories

22g

Protein

Fat

Savour deliciously crispy chicken thighs with shatter-crisp skin, baked to perfection in your oven. Perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.

Easy50 min

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