Authentic General Tso’s Chicken

Introduction

Authentic General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish from Chinese-American cuisine, featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. While the dish is often associated with Chinese cuisine, its origins are actually tied to the U.S. The rich sauce, with a balance of flavors from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a hint of heat, pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.

I first tried this dish at a local restaurant, and it quickly became a favorite. The crunch of the chicken with that perfect sauce coating had everyone asking for more. What’s fantastic about this recipe is that it’s just as delicious when made at home! The sweet, tangy sauce combined with the crispy chicken creates the perfect comfort food, whether you’re cooking for a family meal or serving it up at a dinner party. It’s a dish that’s both flavorful and fun, making it a crowd-pleaser every time!

Perfect for:

• Family dinner
• Dinner parties
• Meal prep
• Chinese takeout cravings
• Lovers of sweet and spicy flavors

Why You’ll Love This Authentic General Tso’s Chicken

Here’s why Authentic General Tso’s Chicken will become your new favorite:

• Crispy and Tender Chicken: The chicken is coated in a light batter and fried to a crispy perfection, making every bite a satisfying crunch followed by a juicy interior.
• Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and spice, creating an irresistible flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: Though it’s a popular restaurant dish, this recipe is simple to make at home with a few ingredients, making it a great option for home cooks.
• Customizable: You can adjust the level of spiciness to your preference, whether you like it mild or extra hot.
• Authentic Flavor: With this recipe, you can recreate the deep, flavorful dish just like it’s served in Chinese restaurants.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-500 calories (depending on portion size)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Authentic General Tso’s Chicken:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably light soy sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1-2 teaspoons chili paste or Sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ cup water or chicken broth
• For Garnish:
  • 2-3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Using boneless, skinless chicken provides a tender and juicy bite, with the thighs adding a bit more flavor.
• Cornstarch & Flour Coating: The cornstarch and flour combination creates a light, crispy texture for the fried chicken pieces.
• Soy Sauce and Hoisin Sauce: These two sauces give the dish its umami depth, with soy sauce providing saltiness and hoisin sauce adding sweetness and complexity.
• Rice Vinegar: This adds the necessary tang to balance out the richness of the sauce and sweetness.
• Chili Paste or Sriracha: For the spicy kick that makes General Tso’s Chicken distinctive. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the sauce, making it more authentic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Authentic General Tso’s Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken Pieces: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season the pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten egg, then coat it evenly in the cornstarch mixture.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Sauce:

4. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and chili paste or Sriracha. Add water or chicken broth and stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
5. Cook the Sauce: In a large pan or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the sauce mixture to the pan and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces into the sauce, tossing to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Garnish and Serve:

7. Garnish: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional) over the chicken before serving.
8. Serve: Serve the General Tso’s Chicken with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Serve Authentic General Tso’s Chicken

Authentic General Tso’s Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with:

• Steamed Rice: The perfect base to soak up the sweet and savory sauce.
• Vegetables: Serve with sautéed broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers for added freshness and color.
• Appetizer: Serve as part of a Chinese-themed meal with appetizers like spring rolls or dumplings.
• Stir-fried Noodles: Pair with chow mein or lo mein noodles for a hearty meal.

Additional Tips for Authentic General Tso’s Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Authentic General Tso’s Chicken is perfect every time:

• Double Coat the Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, coat the chicken pieces with a second layer of cornstarch and flour before frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy and golden.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like a spicier sauce, add more chili paste or Sriracha, or even sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes.
• Make the Sauce in Advance: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before adding the chicken.
• Fry the Chicken Twice: For a super crispy texture, fry the chicken once to cook it, then remove it and let it rest for a few minutes before frying again to get it extra crispy.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.

Recipe Variations for Authentic General Tso’s Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Authentic General Tso’s Chicken:

• General Tso’s Tofu: Substitute the chicken for tofu to create a vegetarian version of this dish.
• General Tso’s Shrimp: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
• Mild General Tso’s Chicken: Reduce the chili paste or Sriracha to make a milder version for those who prefer less heat.
• General Tso’s Chicken with Broccoli: Add steamed or sautéed broccoli to the dish for added vegetables and a more complete meal.
• Spicy General Tso’s Chicken: Add extra chili paste or fresh chilies to make a spicier version.
• Baked General Tso’s Chicken: For a healthier version, bake the coated chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• General Tso’s Cauliflower: Swap the chicken for crispy battered cauliflower for a vegetarian version with the same crispy texture.
• General Tso’s Chicken with Cashews: Add roasted cashews for an extra crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free General Tso’s Chicken: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce.
• Honey General Tso’s Chicken: Swap sugar for honey in the sauce for a more natural sweetness.

Freezing and Storage for Authentic General Tso’s Chicken

• Freezing: To freeze General Tso’s Chicken, cook the chicken, then allow it to cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment for Authentic General Tso’s Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Authentic General Tso’s Chicken easier:

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for frying and tossing the chicken in the sauce, but a large skillet will also work.
• Thermometer: Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil when frying the chicken to ensure it’s hot enough (around 350°F).
• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for the cornstarch coating and sauce preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements for the sauce ingredients will ensure the right balance of flavors.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For easy handling of the chicken while frying and draining excess oil.

Frequently Asked Questions for Authentic General Tso’s Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs will add more flavor and stay juicier in the dish.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   You can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken in advance, but it’s best to toss them together just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian or vegan option.
4. How can I make the dish spicier?
   Add more chili paste or Sriracha to the sauce to increase the heat.
5. Can I freeze General Tso’s Chicken?
   Yes, the chicken can be frozen after cooking, and then reheated on the stovetop.

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Conclusion

Authentic General Tso’s Chicken is a classic favorite that perfectly blends savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. With its crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen. The sauce has just the right balance of heat and sweetness, making it irresistible when paired with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.

This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare and will impress guests or family members alike. It’s perfect for everything from casual dinners to celebratory feasts. Once you make this, it’s sure to become a go-to in your cooking repertoire!

I’d love to see how your General Tso’s Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and be sure to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Happy cooking!