Crispy Sweet-Spicy General Tsos Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this general tsos chicken recipe strikes the perfect balance between crispy, golden goodness and bold flavor.

Chinese takeout suddenly feels homemade with these delectable, crunchy morsels that dance with sweet and tangy sauce.

Home cooks love recreating restaurant classics that taste even better straight from their own kitchen.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that makes store-bought meals pale in comparison.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, spicy-sweet glaze promise a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The magic happens when simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dinner that feels like a culinary adventure.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation and impress everyone at the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into General Tsos Chicken Recipe

• Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating that helps achieve golden-brown perfection.
• Flour: Adds extra crunch and helps breading stick to chicken.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and depth to the breading.
• Eggs: Helps breading adhere to chicken and creates a rich, binding layer.
• Water: Helps thin eggs for smooth coating.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami depth and authentic Asian flavor profile.
• Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy complexity to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings bright, acidic notes to balance richness.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized sweetness and helps sauce thicken.
• Honey: Contributes natural sweetness and glossy finish.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, distinctive Asian-inspired aroma.

• Garlic: Offers robust, pungent base note to sauce.
• Ginger: Provides zesty, warming undertone with authentic Asian character.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and vibrant color.
• Green Onions: Brings fresh, crisp garnish with mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides subtle crunch and visual appeal.
• Dried Red Chilies: Optional spicy garnish for heat lovers.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for achieving perfectly crispy chicken exterior.

Wok Tools For General Tsos Chicken Recipe

• Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for coating chicken and whisking eggs.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs and creating smooth mixtures.
• Large Pan or Wok: Essential for deep-frying chicken and creating the sauce.
• Paper Towels: Needed to drain excess oil from fried chicken.
• Saucepan: For preparing the flavorful General Tso's sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling chicken during frying and sauce coating.
• Cutting Board: For chopping green onions and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: To slice green onions and chop ingredients precisely.

Steps To Cook General Tsos Chicken Recipe Just Right

• Whip Up the Chicken Coating

Create a zesty mixture of dry ingredients to give your chicken a crispy, flavorful armor. Blend your selected powders to form a tantalizing base for the perfect crunch.

• Dunk and Dress the Chicken

Bathe chicken pieces in a silky egg wash, then lovingly roll them through your prepared coating. Each piece should be completely embraced by the delectable mixture.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pan until it shimmers with anticipation. Gently lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, letting them transform into crispy, golden treasures. Cook until they’re beautifully bronzed and irresistibly crunchy.

• Craft the Magical Sauce

In a saucepan, combine a symphony of liquid ingredients. Let them dance and bubble together, creating a rich, complex flavor profile that will make taste buds sing.

• Thicken and Coat

Stir in a secret thickening agent to give your sauce body and shine. Tumble the crispy chicken pieces through the glossy sauce, ensuring each morsel is completely embraced by the tantalizing glaze.

• Serve with Flair

Sprinkle with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. Present your masterpiece alongside fluffy rice or vibrant vegetables, ready to delight hungry diners.

Tips To Tweak General Tsos Chicken Recipe Flavor

• Crispy Coating Perfection: Use a blend of cornstarch and flour for an extra crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after saucing.
• Sauce Balance Trick: Adjust the sweetness and heat by adding more or less brown sugar and red pepper flakes to match your personal taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, storing them in the refrigerator. Combine just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
• Healthier Swap Option: Bake the chicken instead of deep-frying by placing coated chicken pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish completely gluten-free without compromising the authentic flavor profile.

Serve General Tsos Chicken Recipe With A Kick

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair the crispy General Tsos chicken with steamed jasmine rice and roasted broccoli for a complete meal that balances textures and tastes.
• Spicy Sidekick: Serve alongside a cool cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy chicken.
• Asian-Inspired Spread: Create a family-style dinner by adding additional Chinese-inspired dishes like egg rolls, spring rolls, or vegetable dumplings to complement the main course.
• Quick Weeknight Hack: Transform leftovers into a delicious lunch by chopping the chicken and tossing it over mixed greens with a drizzle of remaining sauce for a light, satisfying salad.

Store General Tsos Chicken Recipe For Meal Prep

• Smart Reheating Methods: Revive crispy chicken by warming in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the exterior stays crunchy while heating through evenly.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain maximum crispiness. Chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly sealed in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Tactics: Freeze uncoated fried chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Keeps quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Sauce Separation Trick: Keep sauce in a separate container to prevent chicken from becoming soggy. Mix just before serving for the best texture and flavor experience. Sauce remains good for 5-7 days when refrigerated.

Crispy General Tsos Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory general tso’s chicken combines crispy, golden-brown poultry with a tangy, sweet sauce from Chinese-American cuisine. Homemade versions offer more authentic flavors and healthier ingredients than typical restaurant preparations. Cooks can create this classic dish with simple techniques and fresh components.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsps hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 6–8 dried red chilies
• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Coating Preparation: Combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a wide mixing bowl. Create a separate egg wash by whisking eggs and water until thoroughly blended.
2. Chicken Breading: Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then transfer to seasoned flour blend. Coat each piece thoroughly, creating a crisp protective layer that will yield a crunchy exterior.
3. Frying Process: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully lower breaded chicken pieces, rotating periodically to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration. Once cooked, transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Sauce Creation: In a saucepan, merge chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Simmer ingredients, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
5. Sauce Transformation: Whisk cornstarch slurry into simmering liquid, stirring continuously until sauce reaches a glossy, thickened consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.
6. Final Assembly: Generously coat crispy chicken pieces with the aromatic sauce, ensuring each morsel is lavishly covered. Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and optional dried red chilies for enhanced visual and flavor complexity.
7. Serving Suggestion: Plate alongside steamed rice or vibrant seasonal vegetables, creating a harmonious and satisfying culinary presentation.

Notes

• Optimize Coating Crispiness: Ensure chicken pieces are completely dry before coating to prevent soggy texture and achieve maximum crunchiness.
• Manage Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 350-375°F oil heat for even cooking and preventing greasy chicken; use a thermometer for precision.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Gradually add cornstarch slurry while whisking to avoid lumps and achieve perfect sauce consistency that clings beautifully to chicken.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot for gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg