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

Oven-Baked General Tso's Chicken

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.

Ingredients

Servings

Chicken

Sauce

Garnish

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.

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.

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Tips & Tricks

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

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.