General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Introduction

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved American-Chinese dish known for its crispy chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that makes it a favorite for weeknight dinners or takeout cravings.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic salt
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
• 3/4 cup oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix the flour, paprika, and garlic salt in a bowl. Coat the cubed chicken pieces evenly with this breading mixture.
2. Step 2: Heat 3/4 cup of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Step 3: In a separate saucepan, combine sugar, water, vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and red chili pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the fried chicken pieces.
4. Step 4: Simmer uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
5. Step 5: Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken pieces in the flour mixture before frying.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the heat level to your taste.
• Try using cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter, crispier texture.
• Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a fresh vegetable side mixed in with the chicken.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken crispy and the sauce flavorful. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may soften the chicken coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Just cube them and follow the same breading and cooking steps.

How spicy is General Tso’s Chicken?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level depending on the amount of red chili flakes used. You can omit or reduce the flakes for a gentler flavor.