General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken Recipe – Crispy Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Sauce

Some dishes feel bold from the start. General Tso’s chicken does exactly that. It delivers crisp texture, rich sauce, and a balance of sweet and heat in every bite. At the same time, it stays comforting and easy to enjoy.

First, cooks coat the chicken in a light batter. Then they fry it until golden and crisp. The outside turns crunchy, while the inside stays tender and juicy. Because of this, the texture becomes one of the dish’s biggest strengths.

Next, they build the sauce. Garlic and ginger go into a hot pan and release strong aroma right away. Then, a mix of soy, sugar, and chili creates that signature sweet and tangy flavor. As a result, the sauce feels bold but balanced.

Meanwhile, the chicken returns to the pan. The sauce coats each piece evenly and creates a glossy finish. In turn, every bite becomes rich, sticky, and full of flavor. The balance between sweetness and spice keeps the dish exciting.

This recipe works well for both casual dinners and special occasions. It comes together quickly but still feels impressive. In addition, it pairs easily with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Finally, serve it hot and fresh. The crisp texture and warm sauce make the dish stand out right away.

Overall, General Tso’s Chicken remains a favorite for a reason. It’s bold, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Category, , DifficultyBeginner

 

Yields4 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time40 mins

For the Chicken:
 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
 1/2 cup cornstarch
 2 eggs, beaten
 Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
 1/4 cup soy sauce
 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
 1/3 cup rice vinegar
 1/4 cup sugar
 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
 1 tablespoon sesame oil
 2-3 dried red chilies (adjust to taste), deseeded and chopped
For Garnish:
 Sesame seeds
 Green onions, thinly sliced

1

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with 1/2 cup cornstarch. Dip each piece in the beaten eggs, then back in the cornstarch. Ensure each piece is well coated.

2

Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

3

Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, and bring to a simmer. Add the garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and dried chilies. Simmer until fragrant. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.

4

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until each piece is well coated.

5

Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of side.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
 1/2 cup cornstarch
 2 eggs, beaten
 Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
 1/4 cup soy sauce
 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
 1/3 cup rice vinegar
 1/4 cup sugar
 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
 1 tablespoon sesame oil
 2-3 dried red chilies (adjust to taste), deseeded and chopped
For Garnish:
 Sesame seeds
 Green onions, thinly sliced
General Tso’s Chicken
For more recipes, step into our guide Chinese Stir-Fry Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Cook Again.

Author

  • Alberto is a Calgary-based hospitality professional and the founder of OvenSource. His background is rooted in restaurant operations, guest experience, and concept-driven dining, with years spent working closely inside hospitality environments where food, service, and atmosphere all matter equally.

    Through OvenSource, he brings together practical restaurant insight, a traveler’s perspective, and a deep personal interest in how food connects people to memory and place.

    View all posts Founder & Editor

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