Easy General Tso's Chicken

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Do you love Chinese takeout? Are you a fan of those deliciously tangy and slightly spicy flavors that come together in dishes like General Tso's Chicken?

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Easy General Tso's Chicken
Prep
22 min
Total
22 min
Servings
4

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

  2. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the green beans with 1 tablespoon of oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.

  3. Roast the green beans in the oven, tossing them once halfway through, until they are crisp-tender and have blackened spots, which should take about 12-15 minutes.

  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, 1½ teaspoons of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper.

  5. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over high heat.

  6. Add the chicken to the cornstarch mixture and toss to coat the chicken.

  7. Cook half of the chicken in the skillet, turning it occasionally, until it is cooked through and forms a light brown crust, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

  8. In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, Sriracha, tomato paste, ginger, 3 tablespoons of water, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.

  9. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.

  10. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil in the skillet over high heat.

  11. Cook the remaining chicken for 5 minutes, then add the chiles (you can add more if desired) and cook, stirring and ensuring that the chiles make contact with the bottom of the pan

About this recipe

Do you love Chinese takeout? Are you a fan of those deliciously tangy and slightly spicy flavors that come together in dishes like General Tso's Chicken? If so, you're in luck! In this article, we'll explore an easy recipe for making General Tso's Chicken at home. No need to wait for delivery or spend a fortune at a restaurant. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be able to enjoy this popular Chinese dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let's make sure we have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You'll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and green onions. These ingredients can typically be found at your local grocery store or Asian market.

Preparing the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Once the chicken is cut, you'll want to coat it in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. This will help infuse the chicken with a savory and aromatic taste.

The Sauce

The sauce is what gives General Tso's Chicken its distinctive flavor. In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch. This mixture will create a thick and glossy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. It's the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that we all love.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until it's browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir the chicken occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

The Final Touches

Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over it and stir to coat evenly. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Serve your homemade General Tso's Chicken over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Now that you know how to make Easy General Tso's Chicken at home, you can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start cooking!

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. Just keep in mind that chicken breast tends to be leaner and may not be as juicy as chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken doesn't dry out.

. Is General Tso's Chicken spicy?

General Tso's Chicken is typically mildly spicy. However, you can adjust the heat level according to your preference by adding more or less red pepper flakes or chili sauce.

. Can I make General Tso's Chicken vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower. The cooking process remains the same, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

. How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

. Can I freeze General Tso's Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze General Tso's Chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.

. Can I make General Tso's Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, you can make General Tso's Chicken gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Make sure to check the labels of the sauces you use to ensure they are gluten-free.

. What other vegetables can I add to General Tso's Chicken?

In addition to the traditional green onions, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to add more color and texture to the dish. Simply sauté them with the chicken before adding the sauce.

. Is General Tso's Chicken a traditional Chinese dish?

No, General Tso's Chicken is not a traditional Chinese dish. It is believed to have been created in the United States by Chinese immigrants. However, it has become a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine.

Now that you're armed with all the information you need, it's time to get cooking! Enjoy your homemade General Tso's Chicken and savor the flavors of this delicious Chinese-American dish.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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