General Tso's Chicken
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
422 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Asian
General Tso's Chicken
Description
This version of General Tso's Chicken begins with chicken thigh pieces thoroughly coated in cornstarch to create a crisp exterior when deep-fried in hot vegetable oil. The oil temperature is carefully tested to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crunchy texture without absorbing excess oil. After frying, the chicken is drained on paper towels to remove excess oil.
The sauce combines soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, chicken broth, water, chili garlic sauce, and minced garlic, thickened with a cornstarch slurry and sesame oil for depth. Aromatics like ginger, garlic, and green onions are sautéed to release fragrance before adding the sauce, which is then brought to a simmer. Coating the fried chicken in this glossy sauce balances the crispy texture with a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy coating.
The dish is finished with sesame seeds and additional green onions to provide texture contrast and a fresh, herbal note. General Tso's Chicken is typically served as a main dish alongside steamed rice or vegetables, making it a satisfying entree with layers of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken thigh boneless, skinless
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1 teaspoon ginger peeled and grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons green onion thinly sliced
Sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon Chili garlic sauce
- 6 cloves garlic minced (about 2 Tbsp)
Garnish
- sesame seeds
- green onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Chop the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Add them to a medium bowl with 1/3 cup cornstarch and toss until the chicken is completely coated. Set aside.
- Make the sauce by mixing the sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, water, chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic in a medium bowl.
- Place the vegetable oil into a deep pan over medium-high heat and allow the oil to get hot. (Test the heat by throwing in a pinch of cornstarch, when it sizzles immediately it is hot enough for the chicken.) Place the chicken into the hot oil and cook until crispy, about 8 minutes. Flip the chicken periodically so it cooks evenly. Then transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- To a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, garlic, and chopped green onions and cook until fragrant.
- Add the sauce to the pan and bring to a slow boil. Add in the chicken, stir to coat, and then reduce the temperature to medium-low. Stir often to thicken the sauce.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, top the chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving over cooked rice.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 422 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 422kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12g | 71% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 866mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 360mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 67IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 36mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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