Can I use store-bought General Tso sauce?

Yes, store-bought General Tso sauce can be used for convenience. However, bottled versions are often sweeter and may lack depth. For better flavor, taste the sauce first, add a splash of rice vinegar to balance sweetness, and enhance it with fresh minced garlic or ginger.

What type of noodles work best for General Tso chicken chow mein?

Traditional chow mein noodles are the best option because they hold their texture during high-heat cooking and absorb sauce well. Egg noodles are another great choice with a chewy bite. Lo mein noodles can also work, though they are softer. Cooking noodles slightly under al dente helps prevent them from becoming mushy.

Is General Tso chicken chow mein very spicy?

The dish can be mild or spicy depending on your preference. Heat typically comes from dried red chilies or chili oil rather than the base sauce. For a milder version, reduce or skip the chilies and chili oil. For more heat, gradually add chili flakes while balancing with sweetness.

Can I make General Tso chicken chow mein ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare parts of the dish ahead. Fry the chicken separately, cook the noodles, and mix the sauce in advance. When ready to serve, combine everything in a quick stir-fry to maintain the contrast between crispy chicken and saucy noodles.

How long does General Tso chicken chow mein stay fresh in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, the dish stays fresh for about 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and balance.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent option and often stay juicier during frying because they contain more fat. Chicken breast can also be used, but it cooks faster and should not be overcooked to prevent dryness.

General Tso Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Easy

General Tso-Style Chicken Chow Mein

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Savor General Tso Chicken Chow Mein, spicy-sweet, saucy noodles packed with crispy chicken bliss.

Author: Genio Ng
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Category: Chicken
Method: Easy
Cuisine: Chinese - American

Ingredients

Scale

Marinated Chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
4 tsp dark soy sauce
2 tsp chicken powder
2 tsp white pepper
6 cloves garlic, grated
2 tbsp oil

Noodles & Stir-Fry

500–600g chow mein noodles
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, diced
1 onion, sliced
8–10 dried chilies (adjust heat)
6 green onions (green parts only), cut into 2” pieces
3–4 tbsp cooking oil (total)

Sauce

2 tbsp water
4 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2–4 tsp sugar (to taste)
2 tbsp sesame oil
4 tsp chili oil

Garnish

Sesame seeds
Sliced scallions

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine sliced chicken thighs with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chicken powder, white pepper, grated garlic, and oil.

Mix well and marinate for 15–20 minutes, or longer for deeper flavour.

Prepare the Noodles

Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions.

Rinse under cold water, drain thoroughly, and set aside.

Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and chili oil.

Adjust sweetness or tang to your preference.

Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.

Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until browned and fully cooked.

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same wok, add 1–2 tbsp cooking oil.

Add minced garlic, diced shallots, sliced onion, and dried chilies.

Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the chilies darken slightly.

Add the Noodles

Add cooked chow mein noodles to the wok.

Toss to combine with the aromatics and lightly fry the noodles.

Add Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the wok.

Pour the prepared sauce over everything.

Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles and chicken evenly.

Finish With Green Onions

Add the green onion pieces.

Toss for 30 seconds to keep them bright and crisp.

Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a plate or bowl.

Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.

Serve hot.

Find it online: https://cookingwithgenius.com/general-tso-chicken-chow-mein/