General Tso’s Chicken: A Crispy, Sweet & Spicy Takeout Favorite

Name: General Tso’s Chicken: A Crispy, Sweet & Spicy Takeout Favorite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 eggs, beaten; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Chopped green onions for garnish; Steamed jasmine rice; Stir-fried vegetables; Egg rolls or spring rolls; A chilled cucumber salad

April 27, 2025

Recipes

Growing up, my family had a tradition of ordering takeout every Friday night. It was a time to unwind, share stories from the week, and indulge in our favorite dishes. Among them, General Tso’s Chicken always held a special place in my heart. The crispy chicken, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, was a delightful treat that brought smiles to our faces. Today, I want to share my version of this beloved dish, which not only captures the essence of that childhood memory but also adds a personal touch.

What Makes It Special

This recipe stands out for several reasons:

Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The double frying technique ensures that each piece of chicken is golden and crunchy.
Balanced Flavors: The sweet and spicy sauce strikes the perfect balance, making it irresistible.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time.

Gather Your Ingredients

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Vegetable oil for frying
Green onions for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and let them marinate for about 10 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce by mixing sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a separate bowl.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
Coat the marinated chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip them in the beaten eggs.
Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In the same pan, pour in the sauce and bring it to a simmer. Add the fried chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

My Pro Tips

For extra crunch, consider double frying the chicken. Fry it once, let it rest, and then fry it again for that perfect texture.
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.

What to Serve With It

Steamed jasmine rice
Stir-fried vegetables
Egg rolls or spring rolls
A chilled cucumber salad

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

A: Yes, chicken breast can be used, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

The Heart of the Dish

Every time I make General Tso’s Chicken, I’m transported back to those Friday nights filled with laughter and love. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of family traditions and the joy of sharing food with those we care about. I hope this recipe brings you as much happiness as it has brought me.

Your Turn

I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own! Feel free to tweak the ingredients or spice levels to suit your taste. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!