Recipes

General Tso’s Chicken

December 26, 2024
christian

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General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. This Chinese-American classic features crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce, making it a favorite for takeout and home cooking alike. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something delicious, this recipe will guide you through creating your own mouthwatering General Tso’s Chicken right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
  5. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot over cooked rice.

FAQs

What is General Tso’s Chicken?

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish made with deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s often served with rice and garnished with green onions.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. The red pepper flakes can be added according to taste, so feel free to omit them for a milder dish.

Can I make General Tso’s Chicken in advance?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

What sides go well with General Tso’s Chicken?

General Tso’s Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with egg rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.

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