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To create General Tso's Chicken, you need the following ingredients: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 eggs, beaten - 1 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 3 tablespoons sugar - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish) For extra flavor and a nice look, you can add these garnishes: - Chopped green onions - Sesame seeds These add color and taste to your dish. Use them to impress your guests! If you need to change some ingredients, here are some options: - Use chicken breast instead of thighs for less fat. - Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. - Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. These swaps can help you tailor the dish to your needs while keeping it tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by marinating the chicken. Use half of the soy sauce and let it sit for 30 minutes. This helps to add flavor. While the chicken marinates, set up your dredging station. You need three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with cornstarch. This will help your chicken get crispy. Next, take each marinated piece of chicken. First, coat it in flour. Then, dip it into the egg. Finally, cover it with cornstarch. Make sure each piece is well-coated for the best crunch. Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. This will make your kitchen smell great! Then, toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. You want them bright green and tender but still crisp. In a bowl, mix the remaining soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce into your skillet with the garlic, ginger, and broccoli. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Then, mix the cornstarch with water and add it to the skillet. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Now, return the fried chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together so the chicken is coated in sauce. Finally, remove your skillet from the heat. Plate the dish and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy your homemade General Tso's Chicken! To get crispy chicken, use cornstarch for coating. This gives a light crunch. First, marinate your chicken in soy sauce. This adds flavor and moisture. Dredge each piece in flour, then egg, and finally cornstarch. Fry in hot oil for 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This keeps the oil hot and helps the chicken crisp up nicely. For extra flavor, add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. This creates a fragrant base for your sauce. When making the sauce, don’t skip the rice vinegar and sesame oil. They add depth and balance to the dish. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes if you like heat. This simple tweak brightens the overall flavor. One common mistake is undercooking the chicken. Ensure it is golden brown and cooked through before removing it from the pan. Another mistake is using too much oil. Excess oil can make the dish greasy. Lastly, don't rush the simmering phase of the sauce. Allow it to thicken properly before adding the chicken back. This helps the sauce cling to the chicken well. Pro Tips Marination Matters: Allowing the chicken to marinate in soy sauce not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the meat for a juicier bite. Double Frying Technique: For extra crispy chicken, consider frying the chicken pieces twice. Fry them once until lightly golden, let them rest, and then fry again until perfectly crispy. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for a more vibrant flavor in your sauce. Fresh ingredients can significantly elevate the dish. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the spiciness of your General Tso's Chicken by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture if you like it spicy. {{image_2}} If you're looking for a lighter take, swap chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken breast has less fat and cooks up tender. You can also air-fry the chicken instead of frying it in oil. This method cuts down on calories while keeping the chicken crispy. Use a little olive oil spray for flavor without the extra fat. For those with gluten sensitivities, use gluten-free soy sauce. This option keeps the flavor but makes it safe for your diet. Instead of sugar, try honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas, to enhance nutrition. In some regions, General Tso's Chicken gets a spicy kick. Adding dried red chili peppers can boost the heat. In other places, they might serve it with cashews for a crunchy texture. Each variation shows how versatile this dish can be. You can easily tweak it to match your taste or to celebrate local flavors. After cooking General Tso's chicken, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you don’t eat it all, you can freeze it. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. If you use a microwave, place the chicken on a plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat for about two minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. On the stovetop, warm the chicken in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it from drying out. To freeze General Tso's chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it cools down first. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal anytime! General Tso's Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine. It features crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. The dish often has garlic and ginger for flavor. Broccoli adds color and crunch. It’s a favorite for many due to its bold flavors and delightful textures. To add heat, consider these options: - Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle them into the sauce. - Sriracha: Mix a spoonful into the sauce for added spice. - Fresh chilies: Slice and sauté with garlic and ginger. These choices will elevate the heat in your dish without losing flavor. Yes, you can use chicken breast. However, chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture. Breast meat may dry out faster when frying. If you choose breast, cut it into small, even pieces. This helps ensure even cooking and tenderness. Finding the best General Tso's Chicken often depends on your location. Look for local Chinese restaurants with good reviews. Ask friends for recommendations. Many regions have hidden gems that serve fantastic versions of this dish. Don't hesitate to try different spots! Traditional General Tso's Chicken is not gluten-free due to soy sauce and flour. However, you can make a gluten-free version. Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for coating. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. In this article, we explored key ingredients for General Tso's Chicken, with tips for preparation and cooking. We discussed garnishes, substitutions, and variations for dietary needs. I shared methods for achieving crispy chicken and avoiding common mistakes. For storage, I covered how to keep leftovers fresh and tasty. You can now cook a better General Tso's Chicken that suits your taste. Enjoy the process and make it your own!

General Tso's Chicken

A popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese-American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
  • optional sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in half of the soy sauce for about 30 minutes.
  • Set up a dredging station: one bowl with all-purpose flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with cornstarch.
  • Coat each marinated chicken piece first in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with cornstarch, ensuring even coverage.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and tender-crisp.
  • In a bowl, mix together the remaining soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the garlic, ginger, and broccoli.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken it, stirring until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  • Add the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Remove from heat, plate the dish, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken longer if possible.
Keyword Asian, chicken, stir-fry