Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
3
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Calories
332 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken
Description
This recipe for General Tso Chicken starts with cubed chicken thigh coated in cornstarch to create a crisp crust when fried. The frying is done in batches at medium-high heat, allowing the pieces to brown evenly without stirring too much, resulting in a satisfying crust. An alternative air fryer method is provided for a lighter finish.
The sauce is a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, fresh ginger slices, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, thickened with cornstarch and water. After frying, the chicken is combined with the simmered sauce, coating each piece in a rich glaze. The heat level is adjustable by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.
This dish is best served immediately while the chicken is hot and crisp, garnished with chopped green onion and optional sesame seeds for texture and color. It pairs well with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
The accompanying notes give instructions for air frying, including spacing and spraying the chicken with oil, ensuring even browning without flipping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thigh or chicken breast, skinless, boneless
- ¼ cup cornstarch or potato starch
- 5 thin slices ginger peeled
- ½ green onion finely chopped
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- ¼ teaspoon sesame seeds optional garnish
Sauce
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce regular
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar/white vinegar
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or red chili flakes (add double the quantity if you prefer spicier)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
- ½ cup water cold
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients as listed above and set aside.
- Dice chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces. Do not pat chicken thighs dry, some moisture is needed for the next step.
- Transfer chicken pieces into a large bowl and add cornstarch. Toss to coat the chicken in the starch evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil on medium-high heat in a large pan. Carefully lower coated chicken into oil and quickly spread apart. Fry chicken in small batches until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid stir frying the chicken and let it sit in the pan to form a crust. To air fry the chicken, see Notes section below for instructions.
- Remove and transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack for excess oil to drip off. Remove excess oil from pan.
- On medium-high heat, add ginger followed by the sauce. Let it come to a boil to thicken and reduce.
- Toss in fried chicken and mix with the sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (optional). Enjoy!
Notes
- For air frying, lightly spray the basket and chicken with oil and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 12-14 minutes without flipping, spacing pieces for even crispness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the spice according to preference.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 332 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 332kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 144mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 1240mg | 52% |
| Potassium | 466mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 156IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 39mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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