General Tso’s Chicken

This General Tso’s Chicken is a restaurant-style favorite made at home, featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic, ginger, hoisin, and a touch of heat, it’s served best over steamed rice with a sprinkle of green onions.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 large egg whites
• ½ cup oil (vegetable or canola)

For the General Tso’s Sauce:

• ⅔ cup hoisin sauce
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 Tablespoon fresh minced ginger
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1½ teaspoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. Set aside.

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2. Prepare the Chicken Breading

In a large zip-top bag, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites.

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3. Coat the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces in the egg whites until fully coated. Transfer the chicken to the bag with the flour mixture. Shake well until each piece is evenly coated. Allow excess flour to fall back into the bag.

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4. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and repeat with remaining pieces.

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5. Combine with Sauce

Add the prepared sauce to the skillet and heat until thickened and bubbly. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.

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6. Serve

Serve immediately over hot cooked white or brown rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy chicken: Perfectly fried with a golden, crunchy coating.
• Balanced sauce: Sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy for maximum flavor.
• Easy homemade version: Restaurant-quality without takeout.
• Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

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Tips

• Cook chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
• Use fresh ginger for a more vibrant flavor.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Let the sauce thicken before tossing the chicken to prevent sogginess.
• Pat chicken dry before dipping in egg whites to improve the coating.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein swaps: Use boneless thighs, tofu, or shrimp instead of chicken.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend.
• Healthier option: Bake or air fry the chicken instead of pan-frying.
• Sweetness adjustment: Add more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
• Extra vegetables: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for a stir-fry twist.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the chicken will lose some crispiness. Reheat in a hot skillet to restore crunch.

Can I freeze General Tso’s Chicken?
You can freeze the cooked chicken separately from the sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and toss in sauce.

How spicy is this dish?
Mild to moderate. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.

Can I use pre-cut chicken?
Yes, but make sure the pieces are uniform for even cooking.

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Serving

Serve over steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

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Suggestions

• Pair with a simple stir-fried vegetable side like broccoli or bok choy.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for extra brightness.
• For a restaurant-style touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
• Try serving in a bento-style meal with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.