Homemade Authentic General Tso Chicken Recipe to Try Now!

Welcome to the tantalizing world of General Tso Chicken, where crispy bites of succulent chicken meet the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Originating from the heart of Chinese-American cuisine, this iconic dish has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts around the globe.

Its complex blend of ingredients and textures makes it a true culinary masterpiece, worthy of both weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a journey to demystify the art of crafting the perfect General Tso Chicken.

From understanding the rich history behind the dish to mastering the techniques that elevate it from good to extraordinary, we leave no stone unturned in our quest for culinary excellence.

General Tso Chicken’s roots trace back to the Hunan province of China, where bold flavors and aromatic spices reign supreme.

It’s a dish that embodies the essence of Chinese cuisine – a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation.

Legend has it that General Tso Chicken was named after a renowned military leader, yet its exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, adding an air of intrigue to its already captivating allure.

At its core, General Tso Chicken is all about achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Tender pieces of chicken are first marinated to infuse them with depth and complexity.

Then, they’re coated in a light, crispy batter that achieves the ideal crunch with every bite.

The sauce, a symphony of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, brings everything together in a glorious crescendo of flavor.

But mastering the art of General Tso Chicken goes beyond following a simple recipe.

It requires an understanding of the ingredients, the techniques, and the subtle nuances that make each iteration unique.

It’s about embracing creativity and experimentation, allowing your culinary instincts to guide you on a delicious adventure.

Throughout this journey, we’ll explore the essential components of a stellar General Tso Chicken recipe – from selecting the perfect cuts of chicken to crafting the ultimate sauce.

We’ll delve into the secrets of achieving crispy perfection without deep frying, making this dish not only delicious but also healthier and more accessible.

Authentic General Tso Chicken Recipe to Try Today

Whether you’re a seasoned chef looking to expand your repertoire or a home cook eager to impress, this guide is your passport to culinary greatness.

So roll up your sleeves, sharpen your knives, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that’s as rewarding as it is delicious.

The world of General Tso Chicken awaits – let’s dive in and discover its irresistible charms together.

What Equipment Do You Need for This Recipe? 

To prepare General Tso Chicken, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment along with a few specialized tools to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly.

Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Large Skillet or Wok:

A large skillet or wok is essential for cooking the chicken and sauce. The wide surface area allows for even heating and ample space to toss the ingredients.

Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board:

A sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board are necessary for prepping the ingredients, such as cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping vegetables.

Mixing Bowls:

You’ll need mixing bowls for marinating the chicken, preparing the batter, and mixing the sauce. Opt for bowls of various sizes to accommodate different ingredients.

Whisk:

A whisk is handy for mixing the batter and ensuring it’s smooth and free of lumps.

Tongs or Slotted Spoon:

Tongs or a slotted spoon are useful for flipping the chicken pieces while frying and for transferring them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Measuring Spoons and Cups:

Accurate measurement is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in the sauce and batter. Keep measuring spoons and cups handy for precise ingredient quantities.

Thermometer (Optional):

While not essential, a kitchen thermometer can be helpful for monitoring the temperature of the oil when frying the chicken.

This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispiness without burning.

Plate or Platter:

You’ll need a plate or platter for serving the finished General Tso Chicken. Choose a dish that’s large enough to accommodate all the chicken pieces and garnishes.

Paper Towels:

Keep paper towels nearby to absorb excess oil from the fried chicken and to line the serving plate or platter.

Serving Utensils:

Don’t forget serving utensils like forks or chopsticks for enjoying your General Tso Chicken once it’s ready to be served.

With these essential kitchen tools at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the General Tso Chicken recipe with confidence and finesse.

How to Make General Tso Chicken? Step by Step Process

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making General Tso Chicken:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to make the marinade.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes until well combined. Set the sauce aside.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

• Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
• Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish.
• Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess cornstarch.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces, adding more oil to the pan if needed.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

• After frying all the chicken, discard any excess oil from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon behind.
• Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat.
• Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the thickened sauce.
• Toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

• Transfer the General Tso Chicken to a serving plate or platter.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
• Serve hot with cooked rice on the side.

Enjoy your homemade General Tso Chicken, a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that’s sure to impress!

What Goes Well With General Tso Chicken?

General Tso Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some options to consider:

Steamed Rice:

White or brown rice serves as a perfect base for General Tso Chicken, soaking up the delicious sauce and providing a neutral counterpart to the dish’s bold flavors.

Fried Rice:

For an extra indulgent meal, serve General Tso Chicken with fried rice. The combination of savory fried rice and the sweet-spicy chicken is unbeatable.

Stir-Fried Vegetables:

A side of stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms adds color, freshness, and a nutritious element to the meal.

The crisp-tender veggies complement the tender chicken and rich sauce beautifully.

Asian Slaw:

A crunchy Asian slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and a tangy sesame ginger dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the General Tso Chicken.

Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls:

Crispy egg rolls or spring rolls stuffed with vegetables or shrimp make for a delightful appetizer or side dish to accompany General Tso Chicken. The contrast in textures and flavors adds depth to the meal.

Steamed or Stir-Fried Dumplings:

Serve steamed or stir-fried dumplings filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables alongside General Tso Chicken for a complete Chinese-inspired feast.

The dumplings offer another dimension of flavor and texture to the meal.

Fresh Fruit:

A platter of fresh fruit, such as pineapple chunks, orange slices, or grapes, provides a refreshing and palate-cleansing option to enjoy alongside the bold flavors of the chicken dish.

Asian Noodles:

Cooked noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein noodles, tossed with stir-fried vegetables and a savory sauce, make for a satisfying and filling side dish that complements the General Tso Chicken.

Asian-inspired Salad:

A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a sesame ginger dressing can balance out the richness of the chicken dish while providing a healthy option.

Soy Sauce or Sweet Chili Sauce:

Offer soy sauce or sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the General Tso Chicken for those who prefer an extra punch of flavor.

Choose one or more of these side dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that complements the bold and flavorful General Tso Chicken.

How to Store General Tso Chicken?

To properly store General Tso Chicken and maintain its freshness and flavor, follow these guidelines:

Cooling Down:

Allow the cooked General Tso Chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing it.

This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to sogginess.

Refrigeration:

Once cooled, transfer the General Tso Chicken to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent oxidation and maintain the chicken’s texture. Store in the refrigerator.

Timing:

General Tso Chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Beyond that, the quality may start to degrade, and the flavors may diminish.

Separate Containers:

If storing leftovers with side dishes such as rice or vegetables, it’s best to store them in separate containers to maintain their individual textures and flavors.

Reheating:

When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the General Tso Chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

If the sauce has thickened too much in the refrigerator, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

Safe Handling:

Always practice safe food handling practices when storing and reheating leftovers.

Ensure that the chicken is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria.

Freezing (Optional):

If you anticipate not consuming the General Tso Chicken within a few days, you can freeze it for longer-term storage.

Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.

Frozen General Tso Chicken can typically be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

By following these storage guidelines, you can preserve the deliciousness of your General Tso Chicken and enjoy it as a convenient and satisfying meal option whenever the craving strikes.

What is General Tso Chicken?

General Tso Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish consisting of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are coated in a cornstarch batter, deep-fried until crispy, and then tossed in a sweet and savory sauce.

The sauce typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, creating a flavorful combination of tastes and textures.

Where does General Tso Chicken originate from?

General Tso Chicken originated in the United States, specifically within the Chinese-American culinary landscape.

While its exact origins are debated, it is believed to have been inspired by Hunanese cuisine, with its bold flavors and use of ingredients like garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.

The dish is named after General Tso Tsung-t’ang, a Qing dynasty military leader, although it’s unclear if he had any direct connection to the recipe.

Can I make General Tso Chicken without deep frying?

Yes, you can make General Tso Chicken without deep frying by using alternative cooking methods such as baking or stir-frying.

Baking the coated chicken in the oven until crispy can result in a healthier version of the dish, while stir-frying the chicken in a skillet with a small amount of oil is another option for achieving a crispy texture without deep frying.

How can I make General Tso Chicken gluten-free?

To make General Tso Chicken gluten-free, you’ll need to ensure that all ingredients used in the recipe are gluten-free.

This includes using gluten-free soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch for coating the chicken and thickening the sauce.

Additionally, be mindful of any other ingredients that may contain gluten and opt for certified gluten-free alternatives when possible.

Can I use tofu instead of chicken in General Tso Chicken?

Yes, you can use tofu as a substitute for chicken in General Tso Chicken to create a vegetarian or vegan version of the dish.

Simply cut firm tofu into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps for marinating, coating, and cooking as you would with chicken.

Tofu absorbs flavors well and can be a delicious alternative for those looking to avoid meat.

Is General Tso Chicken spicy?

The level of spiciness in General Tso Chicken can vary depending on the recipe and personal preference.

Traditionally, General Tso Chicken is moderately spicy due to the addition of chili flakes or chili sauce in the sauce.

However, you can adjust the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether to control the heat level to your liking.

Can I freeze General Tso Chicken for later?

Yes, you can freeze General Tso Chicken for later consumption.

Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Frozen General Tso Chicken can typically be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.