General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine craving that irresistible crunch and fiery-sweet glaze of General Tso’s Chicken after a long day, but without the wait for takeout. This homemade General Tso’s Chicken recipe from cookingwithemy.com solves that dilemma, delivering authentic Chinese-American flavors in just 25 minutes. With our secret to extra-crispy breading, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. Whether you’re a busy parent or a novice cook, this easy General Tso’s Chicken dish is your go-to for quick, customizable meals that impress. Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out as the ultimate guide for mastering this beloved favorite.

The moment you bite into these golden, crispy pieces of General Tso’s Chicken, you’ll be hit with a symphony of sensations. The chicken boasts a shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat inside, all enveloped in a glossy sauce that’s a perfect harmony of sweet brown sugar, spicy chili paste, and savory soy undertones. Aromas of fresh garlic and ginger waft through your kitchen, promising a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful. Each forkful delivers a tantalizing mix of heat from the chili and a subtle tang, making General Tso’s Chicken an addictive treat that keeps you reaching for more.

What sets this General Tso’s Chicken recipe apart on cookingwithemy.com is our commitment to making it foolproof and superior. Drawing from years of testing and refining, we’ve incorporated a “Chef’s Secret” that elevates the texture and taste beyond standard versions. You’ll learn insider tips, from achieving the crispiest coating to balancing flavors perfectly, ensuring success every time. Stick with us as we break down ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and more, turning you into a confident home chef ready to wow your family with this General Tso’s Chicken masterpiece.

Why This General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret: Our unique angle lies in the extra-crispy breading technique, achieved by double-dipping the chicken in egg and seasoned flour before frying. This method creates a barrier that locks in moisture while promoting an ultra-crispy exterior, setting this General Tso’s Chicken recipe apart from others that might result in soggy coatings. By ensuring the oil is at the perfect shimmering temperature, the chicken fries evenly, resulting in that crave-worthy crunch without excess greasiness.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind this texture comes from the protein in the eggs bonding with the flour, forming a sturdy crust that withstands the sauce. When fried in hot oil, the Maillard reaction—browning sugars and proteins—enhances flavor and creates that signature crispiness. This process not only makes the chicken more appealing but also helps it hold up when tossed in the sticky sauce, preventing sogginess that plagues lesser recipes.

Foolproof for a Reason: We’ve tested this General Tso’s Chicken recipe multiple times in real home kitchens to guarantee consistent results. From adjusting the chili paste for the right heat level to ensuring the sauce thickens perfectly, every detail has been refined for reliability. Novice cooks can trust this version to deliver success on the first try, making it the best resource for anyone looking to master General Tso’s Chicken without frustration.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: As the star of this General Tso’s Chicken recipe, these provide a lean, tender base that absorbs flavors beautifully. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken to ensure juiciness; poor-quality meat can become tough. If you’re looking for a substitution, try chicken thighs for extra moisture, as they have more fat content that withstands frying without drying out.

Large Eggs: These act as the binding agent in the breading process, helping the flour adhere to the chicken for that extra-crispy finish. Fresh eggs create a better emulsion, leading to a more even coat. For those with egg allergies, a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) works as a vegan substitute, though it may slightly alter the texture.

All-Purpose Flour: This forms the crispy outer layer when fried, providing structure and a neutral base for seasonings. Choose unbleached flour for better taste and texture; bleached varieties can sometimes impart a chemical aftertaste. If you’re gluten-free, swap it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the breading intact without compromising the General Tso’s Chicken’s signature crunch.

Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying, this oil’s high smoke point ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, achieving golden perfection. Use a neutral oil like canola or refined vegetable oil for the best results; cheaper oils might break down and affect flavor. For a healthier twist, substitute with avocado oil, which has a similar smoke point and adds a subtle nutty note.

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This ingredient anchors the sauce’s savory profile, balancing the sweetness and spice in General Tso’s Chicken. Quality matters here—opt for low-sodium to control salt levels and avoid overwhelming the dish. A great substitution is tamari for a gluten-free option, which offers a richer, less salty taste while maintaining the authentic umami.

Brown Sugar: It provides the sweet backbone that makes General Tso’s Chicken so addictive, caramelizing in the sauce for a glossy finish. Use dark brown sugar for deeper molasses flavor; light versions are milder. If you’re watching sugar intake, coconut sugar can replace it one-to-one, adding a slight tropical hint without spiking sweetness too high.

Garlic Cloves and Fresh Ginger: These aromatics add a pungent, zesty kick that elevates the sauce’s complexity. Fresh is key for maximum flavor—pre-minced versions lack potency. For substitutions, garlic powder can replace fresh in a pinch (1/2 teaspoon per clove), and ground ginger works similarly, though it won’t have the same fresh zing, so adjust to taste.

Chili Paste: This brings the heat, allowing you to customize the spice level in your General Tso’s Chicken. Choose a high-quality brand like sambal oelek for authentic flavor without additives. If unavailable, sriracha or red pepper flakes can substitute, but start with less to avoid overpowering the dish’s balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by cutting 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the breading to coat properly. Aim for pieces about 1-inch cubes to promote quick frying without overcooking the interior.

Pro Tip: Chill the chicken in the refrigerator for 10 minutes after cutting; this helps the breading adhere better and results in a crispier finish for your General Tso’s Chicken.

Step 2: Beating the Eggs and Seasoning the Flour

In one bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth and frothy. In another bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and season it generously with salt and pepper to taste. This setup creates the perfect dredging station for coating the chicken evenly.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip seasoning the flour, as unseasoned breading can lead to bland General Tso’s Chicken; always taste and adjust for the right flavor balance to prevent a flat-tasting dish.

Step 3: Coating the Chicken

Dip each piece of prepared chicken first into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then transfer it to the seasoned flour and press gently to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour to avoid a heavy, greasy result when frying.

Pro Tip: Use one hand for the wet egg mixture and the other for the dry flour to keep things tidy and efficient, enhancing your workflow for this General Tso’s Chicken recipe.

Step 4: Frying the Chicken

Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer until it shimmers (around 350°F). Fry the coated chicken in batches for about 5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcrowding the pan can drop the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken; fry in small batches to maintain crispiness in your General Tso’s Chicken.

Step 5: Making the Sauce

In a separate pan over medium heat, combine ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger, and chili paste to taste. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a glossy sauce.

Pro Tip: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the chili paste gradually; this ensures your General Tso’s Chicken has the perfect heat level tailored to your preferences.

Step 6: Coating the Fried Chicken

Once the sauce is ready, add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss gently until they’re evenly coated in the sauce. Remove from heat immediately to keep the crispiness intact.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Letting the chicken sit in the sauce too long can make it soggy; toss quickly and serve right away for the best texture in General Tso’s Chicken.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of your General Tso’s Chicken, arrange the sauced pieces on a platter with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. This not only enhances visual appeal but also adds subtle flavor layers. Serve alongside steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce or pair with sautéed broccoli for a balanced, nutritious meal that complements the dish’s bold flavors.

Get creative by plating in individual bowls for family-style dining, allowing everyone to customize their portions. For a complete Chinese-American feast, consider sides like egg rolls or stir-fried vegetables, which provide contrasting textures and keep the focus on the star—your perfectly crispy General Tso’s Chicken.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prep the chicken pieces and sauce components up to 3 days in advance. Cut and coat the chicken, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the sauce, mix all ingredients except chili paste and keep it chilled; add the paste just before cooking to preserve freshness.

Storing Leftovers: Cool any leftovers completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned bags for up to 2 months to maintain quality.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original crispy texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy; this method ensures your General Tso’s Chicken tastes freshly made.

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General Tso’s Chicken

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• Author: Chef mia

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Description

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved staple in Chinese-American cuisine, celebrated for its perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. This easy-to-follow recipe brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Crispy pieces of chicken are coated in a rich, glossy sauce that tantalizes every taste bud. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit everyone’s palate. Serve it alongside steamed rice or sautéed broccoli for a wholesome meal that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2large eggs
• 1 cupall-purpose flour
• 2 cupsvegetable oil (for frying)
• ¼ cuplow-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cupbrown sugar
• 2garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoonfresh ginger (minced)
• Chili paste (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In one bowl, beat eggs; in another, season flour with salt and pepper.
3. Dip chicken in egg mixture then coat with flour.
4. Heat vegetable oil until shimmering; fry chicken until golden brown (about 5 minutes per batch). Drain on paper towels.
5. In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili paste; stir until thickened.
6. Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 20g