Homemade General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

I know I have mentioned my love of Chinese food, but it only grows when I’m pregnant!  Rather than having my husband grab takeout on his way home, I decided to make some myself!  It was easy to make and tastes just as good as anything you’ll find at a restaurant!

Homemade General Tso's Chicken Recipe

This Homemade General Tso's Chicken Recipe is easy to make and tastes just as good as anything you’ll find at a restaurant!

ServingServing: 5

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Ingredients

Chicken

• ▢ 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ▢ 3 eggs, beaten
• ▢ ½ cup cornstarch
• ▢ vegetable or peanut oil

Sauce

• ▢ 1 Tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil
• ▢ 10 dried chili pods
• ▢ 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• ▢ 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• ▢ 4 Tablespoons rice wine
• ▢ 6 Tablespoons sugar
• ▢ 6 Tablespoons soy sauce

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl (Large)
• Wok
• Mixing Bowl (Medium)
• Skillet

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine cornstarch and eggs.
2. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat.
3. Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable or peanut oil in a large wok or pot over medium-high heat.
4. Add coated chicken to the hot oil and fry until golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
5. Remove cooked chicken from the oil and place on a plate with a paper towel over it and set aside.
6. In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, rice vinegar, rice wine, sugar and soy sauce.
7. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil.
8. Once oil is heated, add chili pods to the oil and stir-fry briefly just until you can smell them but they aren't burned.
9. Add the mixing bowl with the rest of the sauce ingredients and heat until the sauce caramelizes into a glaze (2-3 minutes).
10. Add cooked chicken back to the sauce and toss until coated.
11. Serve over cooked rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 336 kcal · Carbohydrates: 30 g · Protein: 30 g · Fat: 8 g · Saturated Fat: 2 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 171 mg · Sodium: 1378 mg · Potassium: 523 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 15 g · Vitamin A: 441 IU · Vitamin C: 2 mg · Calcium: 27 mg · Iron: 2 mg

Cuisine: American, Asian

Course: Main Course

Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.

FAQ

How should General Tso’s Chicken be stored and reheated?

To properly store and reheat General Tso’s Chicken, follow these steps:

1. Allow the chicken to cool down: After enjoying your meal, it’s important to let the General Tso’s Chicken cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent bacteria growth and maintains the quality of the dish.

2. Transfer to an airtight container: Once cooled, transfer the General Tso’s Chicken to an airtight container. Make sure the container is suitable for storing leftovers and that it provides a tight seal to maintain freshness.

3. Separate vegetables and rice: If you plated the General Tso’s Chicken with vegetables and rice, it is recommended to store them separately. Vegetables and rice can have different reheating requirements, so keeping them apart will ensure the best taste and texture when reheating.

4. Store in the refrigerator: Place the airtight container with the General Tso’s Chicken in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its quality and prevent any spoilage. Remember to consume the leftovers within a few days to ensure freshness.

5. Reheating options: When it comes to reheating General Tso’s Chicken, it is recommended to use the oven instead of the microwave. While the microwave can be convenient, reheating in the oven helps retain the chicken’s crispiness and prevents it from becoming mushy. Preheat the oven to a low temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) and warm the General Tso’s Chicken for a few minutes until thoroughly heated.

By following these steps, you can properly store and reheat General Tso’s Chicken, ensuring that it maintains its delicious flavor and texture.

What can be served with General Tso’s Chicken?

When serving General Tso’s chicken, there are several delicious accompaniments that perfectly complement this flavorful dish. One classic pairing is a generous scoop of steamed white rice, which absorbs the rich sauce and enhances the overall taste.

Additionally, a side of stir-fried vegetables adds a vibrant and refreshing element to the meal. Vegetables such as broccoli, baby corn, water chestnuts, and carrots work particularly well, providing a satisfying crunch and balance to the spicy and tangy flavors of the chicken. These options not only enhance the taste and texture of General Tso’s chicken but also offer a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

How do you make the chicken crispy for General Tso’s chicken?

To achieve crispy chicken for General Tso’s chicken, it is important not to overcrowd the skillet when frying. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior. Additionally, serving the chicken right away is crucial to maintaining its crispiness as letting it sit can make the coating soggy.

What’s the best chicken to use for General Tso’s chicken?

Chicken thighs are recommended for General Tso’s chicken as they have a higher fat content compared to chicken breasts. This higher fat content makes the chicken juicier and more flavorful. However, if you only have chicken breasts, you can still use them, but the dish might be drier.

How long should the aromatics be cooked?

The aromatics should be stir-fried until fragrant, which takes about 30 seconds.

In what order should the aromatics be added?

The ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes should be added to the heated oil.

What aromatics should be used?

The aromatics used are ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

At what temperature should the oil be heated?

The oil should be heated over medium-high heat.

What type of oil should be used to cook the aromatics?

Canola oil should be used to cook the aromatics.