General Tso Chicken (Better Than Takeout)

Juicy fried chicken tossed in a sweet soy sauce, this Chinese takeout classic General Tso Chicken is one you can't go wrong with

What is General Tso chicken?

General Tso chicken features crispy chicken coated in a sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and sometimes chili peppers. Despite its association with General Tso Tsung-t'ang, a Qing dynasty leader, its exact origins are unclear. It's believed to have originated in Taiwan in the mid-20th century, drawing inspiration from Hunanese cuisine.

While it gained popularity in Chinese-American restaurants, especially in New York City, it's important to note that General Tso chicken isn't a traditional Chinese dish. Instead, it's been adapted to suit American tastes.

Today, General Tso chicken is enjoyed worldwide for its delicious flavors and textures, making it a staple of American Chinese cuisine. So, next time you're craving a tasty meal, consider indulging in some General Tso chicken—a dish that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

Chicken

• Chicken Thigh: Provides the main protein component of the dish. Chicken thigh meat tends to be juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breast, making it ideal for this dish.
• Cornstarch: Coats the chicken pieces before frying, creating a crispy outer layer. It also helps to seal in the moisture of the chicken, preventing it from becoming dry during frying.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken. They add depth and balance to the dish.

Sauce

• Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami flavor and saltiness to the sauce.
• Hoisin Sauce: Contributes sweetness, depth, and complexity to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.

• Sesame Oil: Infuses the sauce with a nutty aroma and flavor.
• Chicken Stock: Adds depth of flavor and richness to the sauce base.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce, balancing out the saltiness and acidity.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, helping to give the sauce a glossy consistency and allowing it to cling to the chicken and vegetables.

Stir-frying

• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Ginger: Provides a fresh, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor to complement the other ingredients.
• Chili Flakes: Adds heat and a subtle smoky flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
• Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and freshness to the dish. They can be used both in the stir-fry and as a garnish.

Garnish

• Sesame Seeds: Adds texture, visual appeal, and a nutty flavor to the finished dish.
• Green Onions: Provides a pop of color and freshness as a garnish, enhancing the presentation of the dish.

Tips for frying the chicken

Use Enough Oil

Make sure the chicken is submerged in the oil for even frying. You'll need enough oil to cover at least half of the chicken pieces. Use a deep skillet or a wok for frying to prevent splattering.

Fry in Batches

Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches, leaving enough space between the pieces for proper browning and crispiness.

Test the Oil Temperature

Before adding the chicken, test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of bread or a pinch of flour into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready for frying.

Drain Excess Oil

Once the chicken is fried to a golden brown color and crispy texture, remove it from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Keep Warm in the Oven

If you're frying multiple batches of chicken, keep the cooked batches warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish frying the remaining batches. This will help retain their crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thigh?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for chicken thigh if you prefer. However, chicken thigh tends to be juicier and more flavorful.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

While frying the chicken provides a crispy texture, you can bake it as an alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Additionally, ensure that the chicken stock you use is gluten-free or substitute it with water.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to cook, simply give it a good stir before adding it to the stir-fry.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the chili flakes. Conversely, if you enjoy extra heat, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add some freshly chopped chili peppers.

Can I freeze General Tso Chicken?

While the chicken itself can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change upon thawing. It's best to freeze the fried chicken separately and make a fresh batch of sauce when reheating.

What can I serve with General Tso Chicken?

General Tso Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Can I customize the recipe to make it vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of General Tso Chicken by substituting the chicken with tofu or your favorite meat alternative. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and ensure that all sauce ingredients are vegan-friendly.

General Tso Chicken - Better Than Takeout

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Juicy fried chicken tossed in a sweet soy sauce, this Chinese takeout classic is one you can't go wrong with

• Author: Genio Ng
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 Servings 1x
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Easy
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 500 g chicken thigh, diced
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• ½ cup chicken stock
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For Stir-frying:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced

Garnish:

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

• In a bowl, toss the diced chicken thigh with cornstarch until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
3. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
4. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chicken stock, brown sugar, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.

Stir-fry 

1. In the same skillet or wok used for frying the chicken, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic, minced ginger, and chili flakes. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Return the fried chicken to the skillet.
4. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
5. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce.
6. Cook the chicken and sauce mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken pieces.
7. Garnish the General Tso Chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade General Tso Chicken!

Genio Ng

Hi there, I'm Genio. I really appreciate you taking your time and visiting me here. As an international student from Indonesia coming to Sydney right after Covid lockdown - it was challenging for me to make friends and find myself in a new city. I've never cooked before but I found my passion in food content creation and testing Asian inspired recipes - I learnt that cooking can be incredibly easy, cheap and fun so I'm super happy to be able to share this with you! Please come by my socials and say Hi - always keen to make new friends! Genio

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