Sizzling General Tso Chicken

$To make Easy General Tso Chicken, gather these key ingredients: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces) - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - 2 cloves garlic (minced) - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated) - 3-4 dried red chili peppers (adjust for spice preference) - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey To make your dish pop, consider adding these garnishes: - 2 green onions (sliced) - Sesame seeds These extras not only add color but also boost flavor. For this recipe, you will need a few essential tools: - Large skillet or wok - Mixing bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Paper towels for draining These supplies help you cook efficiently and create that perfect crispy chicken. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a bowl. Next, add 1/2 cup of cornstarch. Coat the chicken pieces well with the cornstarch. Let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the cornstarch stick better. Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot. Carefully add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces to the oil. Fry the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be golden and crispy. If the pan is too full, work in batches. When done, remove the chicken and place it on paper towels to drain. After frying the chicken, there will be some oil left. Remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, and 3-4 dried red chili peppers to the hot skillet. Sauté these for about 30 seconds until they smell good. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Bring it to a simmer. Now, add the crispy chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything until the chicken is fully coated and heated through. This takes about 2-3 minutes. To get that crispy texture, start by coating the chicken in cornstarch. This helps lock in moisture and adds crunch. Let the coated chicken sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting time lets the cornstarch stick well. When frying, make sure your oil is hot. I suggest heating it over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in small batches. This keeps the oil temperature steady and ensures each piece cooks evenly. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil. If you don't have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breast. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces. For a gluten-free option, swap soy sauce for tamari. If you need a vegan dish, replace chicken with tofu. Simply press and cube the tofu, then follow the same cooking steps. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan sweetener. Get creative and use what you have on hand! Do you like it spicy? Use more dried red chili peppers. For a milder dish, cut back on the peppers. You can also add some sweet bell peppers to balance the heat. If you want, include a splash of chili oil for extra flavor. Taste the sauce before adding the chicken. This way, you can adjust the spice to your liking. Don't forget, you can always add hot sauce later if needed! Pro Tips Perfectly Crispy Chicken: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that golden, crispy exterior. A temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is ideal. Adjusting Spice Level: For a milder flavor, use fewer dried red chili peppers or remove the seeds. Conversely, add more for a spicier kick. Homemade Broth Boost: Using homemade chicken broth can enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly compared to store-bought versions. Garnish for Presentation: Don’t skip the green onions and sesame seeds; they not only add flavor but also provide a beautiful contrast and texture to the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of General Tso. Instead of chicken, use tofu. Here’s how: - Press firm tofu to remove extra water. - Cut it into bite-sized cubes. - Coat the tofu in cornstarch, just like chicken. - Fry until crispy, then toss in the sauce. This gives you the same crispy texture but keeps it plant-based. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for more color and nutrition. If you want to switch proteins, there are great options. You can try: - Shrimp for a seafood twist. - Pork for a richer flavor. - Beef for a heartier meal. Each protein will absorb the sauce well and give you a new taste experience. Just remember to adjust cooking times to ensure everything is cooked properly. General Tso Chicken has many regional styles. You might find: - A sweeter version in some places. - A spicier version in others. In Taiwan, you may see it served with rice and a side of pickled vegetables. In the U.S., it often comes with steamed broccoli. Each region adds its own flair, making this dish versatile and fun to explore. To store your leftover General Tso Chicken, first, let it cool. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For the best taste, eat it within this time. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover the chicken. This helps it heat evenly. Heat for about one to two minutes, until hot. If using a skillet, add a little oil and warm it on medium heat for five minutes. Stir often to keep it from sticking. You can also freeze General Tso Chicken for later. Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. General Tso Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It features crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. The sauce usually has soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. This dish is named after a Chinese general but has roots in American Chinese food. It often comes with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies. To make General Tso Chicken healthier, you can try these tips: - Use less oil when frying the chicken. - Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying. - Substitute honey with a natural sweetener like maple syrup. - Add more vegetables to the dish. Bell peppers and broccoli work well. These changes keep the great flavor while cutting down on calories. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and has less fat. However, it can be drier than thighs. Make sure not to overcook the breast to keep it juicy. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it cooks through without drying out. In this article, I shared how to make easy General Tso Chicken. We covered the key ingredients and cooking supplies needed. I provided simple steps to prepare crispy chicken and a tasty sauce. You learned tips for perfecting the dish and many delicious variations, like vegetarian options. Finally, I shared storage and reheating tips and answered common questions. Now you can enjoy this classic dish at home. With practice, your General Tso Chicken will impress everyone. Enjoy cooking!$

Sizzling General Tso Chicken

A delicious and spicy chicken dish that's crispy on the outside and coated in a flavorful sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
0.5 cup cornstarch
0.25 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
3 pieces dried red chili peppers (adjust for spice preference)
0.25 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 pieces green onions (sliced, for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly covered. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to adhere properly.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
Carefully add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying for about 5-7 minutes or until golden and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels.
In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add minced garlic, ginger, and dried chili peppers, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, and honey. Pour this mixture into the skillet with aromatics, bringing it to a simmer.
Add the crispy chicken back into the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated and heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
Remove from heat and garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a vibrant look.

Keyword Asian, chicken, spicy, stir fry