When the craving for takeout strikes, I often find myself in a mini crisis, torn between convenience and the desire for something homemade. That’s when I whip up my easy Better-than-Takeout General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. This beloved American-Chinese dish features crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a sweet and tangy sauce, and making it at home not only saves time but also fills your plate with nourishing ingredients. Plus, you can customize the spiciness to suit your taste buds! Whether you choose to fry, bake, or slow-cook, you’ll discover how effortless it is to create this crowd-pleaser right in your kitchen. Are you ready to ditch the fast food and make something spectacular?
Why Is General Tso’s Chicken a Favorite?
Effortless Cooking: This General Tso’s Chicken recipe trims down the typical lengthy preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable Spice Levels: Adjust the heat with optional chili flakes, catering to both mild and bold palates.
Versatile Techniques: Choose from frying, baking, or slow-cooking—whatever fits your mood! For an equally delightful experience, check out my Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.
Health-Conscious Choice: Home cooking means choosing fresh ingredients, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: This recipe shines at dinner parties or family gatherings, delivering that crave-worthy takeout taste right from your kitchen.
General Tso’s Chicken Ingredients
• The perfect blend of flavors awaits with these essential components!
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Cubed chicken ensures even cooking and a tender bite; thighs add more richness.
- All-Purpose Flour – Acts as a crispy coating; swap for cornstarch for a gluten-free General Tso’s Chicken recipe.
For the Breading
- Paprika – Gives a pop of color and a mild flavor; optional, but highly recommended.
- Garlic Salt – Imparts delicious seasoning; fresh minced garlic can elevate the aroma further.
For the Sauce
- Sugar – Sweetens the sauce beautifully; brown sugar deepens the flavor profile.
- Water – Adjusts the sauce’s consistency for the perfect coat on the chicken.
- White Distilled Vinegar – Balances sweetness with acidity; apple cider vinegar is a great substitute.
- Salt – Enhances and rounds out all flavors in the dish.
- Soy Sauce – The key to rich umami; select gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
- Red Chili Pepper Flakes (optional) – Add heat according to your preference; add more for an extra spicy kick.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Better-than-Takeout General Tso’s Chicken
Step 1: Prep Chicken
Begin by cubing your chicken breasts into uniform pieces, about 1-inch in size, to ensure even cooking. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, and garlic salt. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the mixture, so they’re well-enveloped, yielding deliciously crispy bites in the final General Tso’s Chicken recipe.
Step 2: Fry Chicken
In a large frying pan, heat 3/4 cup of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, approximately 3-5 minutes. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 3-6 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Using tongs, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, water, white distilled vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and optional red chili pepper flakes. This sweet and tangy concoction will create the signature sauce for your General Tso’s Chicken recipe. Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring a balanced blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Step 4: Combine
Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, pour the sauce over the crispy chicken in the frying pan. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for approximately 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats each piece of chicken.
Step 5: Finish
For a complete meal, steam broccoli during the last 7 minutes of simmering. Place fresh broccoli florets in a colander above the simmering chicken, allowing the steam to cook them to tender perfection. This way, you’ll have a colorful and nutritious touch alongside your tantalizing General Tso’s Chicken ready to serve!
How to Store and Freeze General Tso’s Chicken
Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This maintains the dish’s flavor while keeping it safe to eat.
Freezer: Freeze General Tso’s Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the container tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to restore the crispy texture. You can add a splash of water to help rehydrate the chicken.
Thawing: Always thaw frozen General Tso’s Chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating. This ensures safe temperatures and better consistency when warmed up again.
What to Serve with Easy Better-than-Takeout General Tso’s Chicken
Looking to create a memorable meal that complements the bold flavors of your homemade General Tso’s Chicken?
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy, fragrant rice absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, making each bite a delight.
- Garlic Broccoli: This simple dish adds vibrant color and nutrition, balancing out the sweetness of the chicken with savory garlic notes.
- Egg Fried Rice: Flavorful and comforting, this side mirrors the takeout experience, pairing well with the crispy texture of the chicken.
- Chili Garlic Noodles: The spicy kick from the noodles enhances the dish, offering a contrasting texture that keeps every bite exciting.
- Wonton Soup: A warm, soothing broth filled with dumplings provides a comforting starter, perfectly contrasting the bold flavors of the chicken.
- Asian Salad: Crisp greens, sesame dressing, and crunchy toppings provide a refreshing counterpart to the richness of the chicken, keeping the meal light.
- Asian Beer or Iced Green Tea: A chilled beer complements the savory notes, while iced green tea offers a refreshing cleanse for the palate.
- Sesame Cookies: Cap off the meal sweetly with these delightful cookies that bring nutty flavors and a hint of crunch, making a sweet statement after your main course.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing this General Tso’s Chicken recipe in advance is a great way to simplify your mealtime, especially for busy weeknights! You can coat and fry the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; just give it a good stir before using. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the frying pan to restore its crispy texture, then toss it in the warmed sauce for that perfect sweet and tangy flavor. This way, you’ll enjoy homemade takeout that’s just as delicious and saved you precious time!
General Tso’s Chicken Recipe Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe and delight your family with a twist on the classic flavors!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for cornstarch to create a crispy coating without gluten. Just as delightful and still so satisfying!
- Extra Spicy: Add an extra pinch of chili flakes or even throw in some fresh sliced jalapeños to crank up the heat. This twist is sure to excite spice lovers!
- Slow Cooker Version: Sauté the chicken lightly to lock in flavor, then cook in the slow cooker with the sauce for 4-6 hours on low for melt-in-your-mouth chicken. Don’t be surprised if your kitchen smells heavenly!
- Baked Delight: For a healthier spin, bake the coated chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Then pour on the sauce and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You’ll still achieve crunchiness with less oil!
- Double the Veggies: Boost the nutrition by stirring in more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas in the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. It’s a colorful feast that’s good for you!
- Sweet and Sour Twist: Incorporate pineapple chunks into the sauce for a tropical twist. The sweetness beautifully balances the savory elements for those who love a bit of zing!
- Honey Garlic Fusion: Substitute sugar in the sauce for honey for a natural sweetness that complements the chicken perfectly. The resulting glaze will be irresistibly sticky and delicious!
- Savory Peanut Butter: Add a tablespoon of smooth peanut butter to the sauce for a luxurious, nutty profile. It’s an unexpected twist that brings a rich flavor!
For more recipes that can elevate your dinner table, don’t forget to check out my Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps or tantalizing Fiesta Lime Chicken for fresh inspiration!
Expert Tips for General Tso’s Chicken
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Hot Oil Is Key: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken; this prevents sogginess and achieves that perfect crispy exterior.
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Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan with chicken pieces. Cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even frying.
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Sauce Consistency: To achieve a thick and luscious sauce, simmer it uncovered without rushing. This will concentrate flavors beautifully in your General Tso’s Chicken recipe.
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Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic or minced ginger in the sauce for an aromatic depth that enhances the overall dish experience.
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Storage Savvy: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan to retain that crispy texture.
General Tso’s Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for General Tso’s Chicken?
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, but chicken thighs can add a richer flavor. When cubing, aim for even pieces, about 1-inch, to ensure uniform cooking.
How do I store leftovers of General Tso’s Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the flavor and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a pan, as this keeps the chicken crispy.
Can I freeze General Tso’s Chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze General Tso’s Chicken for up to 2 months. To do this, let the dish cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
How should I reheat frozen General Tso’s Chicken?
For best results, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it in a pan over medium heat. Stir it occasionally, and feel free to add a splash of water to restore some moisture and help maintain that crispy texture.
What can I do if my sauce is too runny?
If your sauce turns out too runny, don’t worry! You can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a few more minutes. If you want an immediate fix, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, and then stir it into the sauce while it’s cooking. This will help achieve that perfect coating for your chicken.
Are there any dietary considerations for making General Tso’s Chicken?
Yes, for those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Additionally, adding more vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, can enhance the meal’s nutritional value while being family-friendly!
This completes the General Tso’s Chicken Recipe FAQs section!
Irresistible General Tso's Chicken Recipe Made Easy at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cubing your chicken breasts into uniform pieces, about 1-inch in size. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, and garlic salt. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the mixture.
- In a large frying pan, heat 3/4 cup of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, approximately 3-5 minutes. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying each for about 3-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, water, white distilled vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and optional red chili pepper flakes. Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Pour the sauce over the crispy chicken in the frying pan. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for approximately 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- During the last 7 minutes of simmering, steam broccoli in a colander above the simmering chicken to cook them to tender perfection.
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