The Ultimate Guide Making General Tso Chicken at Home

General Tso Chicken

What is General Tso Chicken?

General Tso Chicken is a beloved dish that has found a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of Chinese takeout lovers everywhere. This crispy chicken dish is complex to resist with its unique balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. But did you know that General Tso Chicken is from somewhere other than China despite its popularity in the United States? Instead, it’s a Chinese-American invention inspired by the flavors of Hunan cuisine.

General Tso Chicken

Flavor Profile & Characteristics

When you make General Tso Chicken at home, you aim to recreate that unmistakable combination of flavors: the slight sweetness, a hint of heat, and the rich umami depth that defines it. Every piece of chicken should have a satisfying crunch on the outside, coated in a glossy, thick sauce that clings perfectly to each bite. Understanding the components that make this dish shine will make you one step closer to a perfect homemade version.

Ingredients for General Tso Chicken

Using the right ingredients is crucial to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s a quick breakdown of the essential components:

Ingredient Table:

IngredientAmountNotes
Boneless Chicken Thighs1 lb Juicy and tender, ideal for frying
Cornstarch1/2 cup For coating and sauce thickening
Garlic2 cloves, minced Adds depth and aroma
Fresh Ginger1 tsp, grated Complements the garlic, adds warmth
Soy Sauce 1/4 cup Salty, savoury base
Rice Vinegar 2 tbsp Adds acidity for balance
Hoisin Sauce 2 tbsp Sweet, thick sauce for richness
Sugar2 tbsp Essential for sweetness
Optional: Dried Red Chilies 2-3 whole peppers Adjust for preferred spice level

Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in crafting the authentic flavor of General Tso Chicken. For instance, soy sauce brings that classic umami richness, while Rice vinegar balances the sweetness with a mild tang. If you’re looking for a kick of spice, the dried chilies are an optional but excellent addition.

Ingredient Tips:

  • Substitutions: If you don’t have Rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
  • Chicken Thighs vs. Breast: While chicken breast can be used, chicken thighs yield a juicier, more flavorful result.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making General Tso Chicken

Making General Tso Chicken is straightforward, but each step has its nuances. Follow these directions for the best results:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

  1. Cutting and Marinating:
  2. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a dash of cornstarch. This quick marination helps flavor the chicken and makes it tender.
  3. Why Marinate?
  4. The soy sauce and cornstarch keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Cornstarch also forms a light layer that crisps up beautifully during frying.
General Tso Chicken

Step 2: Coating and Frying the Chicken

  1. Coating Process:
  2. Toss the marinated chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cornstarch is key to that signature crispy texture you’re aiming for.
  3. Frying Tips:
  4. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok. Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, essential for achieving crispiness. Each piece should turn golden brown within a few minutes.
  5. Double Frying (Optional):
  6. For extra crunch, consider double-frying. This method involves frying the chicken twice, allowing the outer layer to firm up for a lasting crispiness.

Step 3: Making the Sauce

  1. Combining Sauce Ingredients:
  2. Mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. This combination will create the thick, sticky sauce that makes General Tso Chicken delicious.
  3. Cooking the Sauce:
  4. Heat a little oil in a separate pan or wok and sauté the garlic, ginger, and dried chilies (if using) until fragrant. Add the sauce mixture and let it simmer until it thickens.
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Step 4: Combining the Chicken and Sauce

  1. Finishing Touches:
  2. Add the fried chicken pieces once the sauce has thickened and toss until fully coated. The sauce should cling to the chicken, giving it that classic glossy look.
  3. Adjust Seasoning as Needed:
  4. Taste the sauce and adjust if necessary. Add a pinch more sugar for sweetness or an extra splash of vinegar if you prefer more tang.

Tips for the Perfect General Tso Chicken

Creating General Tso Chicken at home can take a bit of practice, but these tips will help you master it:

  • Secrets to Crispy Chicken:
  • Achieving the perfect crispy texture comes down to the coating and frying method. Double-frying, as mentioned, is an excellent way to lock in that crunch.
  • Balancing Flavors:
  • The key to a well-balanced sauce is achieving the right combination of sweetness, acidity, and heat. Adjusting these elements to your taste will make this dish even more satisfying.
  • Making Ahead and Storing:
  • You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days. Fry the chicken fresh for the best texture, but any leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
General Tso Chicken

Serving Suggestions for General Tso Chicken

  • Classic Pairing: Serve with steamed jasmine Rice or fried Rice to soak up the extra sauce.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top to add flavor and color.
  • Suggested Side Dishes: Pair it with steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or egg rolls to round out your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions about General Tso Chicken

What’s the difference between General Tso Chicken and Orange Chicken?

General Tso Chicken has a more savory, tangy flavor with a hint of spice, whereas Orange Chicken is generally sweeter and milder, with a distinct orange flavor.

Can I make General Tso Chicken without frying?

Yes, you can bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version, though it may alter the traditional texture.

How spicy is General Tso Chicken?

This dish is mildly spicy, but you can add more or fewer chilies to adjust the heat.

Can I make General Tso Chicken gluten-free?

Certainly! Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch instead of flour for coating.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. On average, a serving of General Tso Chicken contains approximately 350 calories.

Conclusion

There’s something extraordinary about recreating restaurant-quality dishes at home, and General Tso Chicken is no exception. With this guide, you’ll have all the tools to make a crispy, saucy, and delicious version of General Tso Chicken that rivals your favorite takeout spot. Don’t be afraid to adjust the flavors to suit your preferences, and share your creations with friends and family.

We’d love to hear about your experience making General Tso Chicken! Try it out, tweak it to your taste, and leave a comment to let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food lovers who enjoy a little homemade takeout magic.

General Tso Chicken

General Tso Chicken

A deliciously crispy and flavorful chicken dish coated in a savory-sweet sauce with a hint of spice, perfect for recreating Chinese takeout at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1-2 dried red chilies optional, for spice

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

  • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a tablespoon of cornstarch. Let it sit for a few minutes.

Coat and Fry:

  • Coat the marinated chicken in the remaining cornstarch. In a deep pan or wok, heat oil and fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sugar. In the same pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and chilies until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and simmer until thickened.

Combine and Serve:

  • Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat. Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, try double-frying the chicken.
  • Adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your taste by adding more sugar or chilies.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
Keyword General Tso Chicken, Chinese takeout, crispy chicken

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