Craving that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and tangy flavors that make General Tso's Chicken a takeout favorite? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet Chinese restaurant with this foolproof recipe that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering dish that rivals any restaurant version, with a crispy coating and a sauce so delicious, you'll never want takeout again.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of chicken breast, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and green onions for garnish.
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Add the cornstarch to the bowl with the chicken. Toss the chicken pieces until they are evenly coated with cornstarch. This will help create a crispy texture when cooked.
- In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well blended. This will be your sauce.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) to the pan and allow it to heat up.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook in batches. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- In the same skillet, pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to cook for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce until it is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and well combined with the sauce.
- Once everything is well mixed and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the General Tso's Chicken to a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve your General Tso's Chicken hot, ideally with steamed rice or fried rice on the side.
Tips
- Cornstarch is Key: Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly and evenly with cornstarch. This creates the signature crispy exterior that makes General Tso's Chicken irresistible.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of giving it that golden, crispy texture.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly before adding the chicken. This ensures a glossy, clingy coating that locks in flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the most vibrant taste. The difference is noticeable!
- Serve Immediately: General Tso's Chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the pan. Pair with steamed rice for the ultimate takeout-at-home experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
