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Homemade General Tso's Chicken photo

General Tso's Chicken

This General Tso's Chicken is utterly irresistible! Crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze will impress everyone at your dinner table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
For the Sauce:
  • 0.5 cup chicken stock
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Frying pan or wok
  • Saucepan
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Preparation Steps:
  1. Begin by cutting the boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-size pieces. This size is ideal for ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce perfectly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken first in the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring a nice even coating.
  3. In a frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces for frying. If you have a thermometer, aim for a temperature of about 350°F (175°C).
  4. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry them until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  5. In a separate saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chicken stock, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce. Stir well to combine.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan. Toss the chicken in the sauce until well-coated, ensuring every piece is deliciously glazed.
  8. Serve your General Tso's Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner meal.
  • If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey can work as a substitute.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.