Name: General Tso's Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 4 cups vegetable oil for frying; 1 large egg; 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon white sugar; 1 pinch white pepper; 1 cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons chopped green onion; 1 clove garlic, minced; 6 dried whole red chilies; 1 strip orange zest; ½ cup white sugar; ¼ cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons chicken broth; 2 tablespoons peanut oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ¼ cup water

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 36 reviews

If you are craving a dish that brings a celebration of bold flavors right to your table, then this General Tso's Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Characterized by golden, crispy chicken pieces coated in a luxuriously sweet and sticky sauce that perfectly balances tangy, spicy, and savory notes, this dish is simple to make yet wildly impressive. Every bite bursts with a satisfying crunch and a rich flavor profile that feels like an authentic taste of classic Chinese takeout, only better because you made it yourself at home.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with small pieces of pale yellow food that are thickly covered with white powder. The pieces are uneven in shape and size, and the powder gives a soft, dusty texture over the food. The bowl is round and the powder spreads lightly along the inner sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This General Tso's Chicken Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that work together to deliver a spectacular taste and irresistible texture. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, from the crisp coating on the chicken to the complex, glossy sauce that clings lovingly to every piece.

Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for achieving that perfect, golden crisp on the chicken's exterior.
Large egg: Acts as the binder, helping the cornstarch adhere to the chicken for an even coating.
Skinless, boneless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, thighs stay moist during frying and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Salt, white sugar, white pepper: The trio of seasoning that enhances the chicken's natural flavor with a subtle heat and sweetness.
Cornstarch: Creates the signature crispy crust once fried twice for that unbeatable crunch.
Green onion, garlic, dried red chilies, orange zest: These aromatics build the fragrant base of the sauce, balancing heat and citrus brightness.
Sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth: These give the sauce its deep, sweet-salty foundation with umami richness.
Peanut oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil: They each add layers of savory, tangy, and nutty notes that make the sauce extraordinary.
Ground ginger, cornstarch slurry: Ginger brings warmth and zest, while cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce to a luscious finish.

How to Make General Tso's Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating

Start by whisking the egg in a large bowl, then mix in the chicken pieces along with salt, sugar, and white pepper. Adding the cornstarch gradually, toss the chicken so every piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial because the cornstarch crust is what gives the chicken that coveted crispness that stays delightful even after the sauce is added.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken for the First Time

Heat vegetable oil to 375 degrees F. Drop the chicken pieces carefully into the hot oil one at a time so they do not stick. Fry until they turn golden brown and start floating, about 3 minutes. Remove them to a plate, giving them time to cool slightly before the next fry. This initial frying cooks the chicken through and forms a sturdy shell for the second fry.

Step 3: Double Fry for Extra Crispiness

Reheat the oil to the hot temperature and fry the chicken again, batch by batch, until deep golden brown, which only takes around 2 minutes. This double-fry technique seals in juices while producing a crunchy texture that resists sogginess when coated with sauce.

Step 4: Make the Flavorful Sauce

In a hot wok or skillet, heat vegetable oil, then quickly sauté chopped green onion, minced garlic, dried red chilies, and orange zest until fragrant and the garlic is golden. This releases the essential oils and aromas that form the sauce’s vibrant character. Stir in sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, peanut oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Bring the pan to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish the Sauce

Whisk cornstarch into water to create a slurry, then stir it into the boiling sauce to thicken it until glossy and smooth. Immediately add the fried chicken, reduce the heat, and toss to coat the chicken thoroughly. Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for a few minutes, so every bite gets soaked with that unforgettable sweet, tangy, and spicy glaze.

How to Serve General Tso's Chicken Recipe

A close-up photo of a metal pot filled with dark red sauce mixed with small bits of garlic and herbs. Floating on top are whole dried red chili peppers and pieces of orange peel. A wooden spatula is stirring the sauce, its light color contrasting with the rich sauce. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top to add a lovely fresh crunch and a mild nuttiness, enhancing both the presentation and flavor. Fresh orange zest or thin slices of fresh chili peppers also make striking garnishes that amp up the citrus or heat if you’re craving a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside fluffy steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which absorbs the sauce perfectly without overpowering the dish. Steamed broccoli or baby bok choy provide a fresh, crisp contrast that balances the richness and sweetness of the chicken beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your meal by plating the General Tso's Chicken with a vibrant side of stir-fried vegetables or nestled on a bed of fried rice for a fanciful twist. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, serve the chicken bites with small dipping bowls of extra sauce and chopsticks for interactive fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover General Tso's Chicken completely before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken maintains good texture thanks to its double-fried crust, but the sauce may thicken and can be loosened up upon reheating.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to stash some for a later craving. Flash freeze the chicken pieces separately first, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag with the sauce in a separate container. Freeze for up to 1 month for optimal flavor and quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken soggy. Stir frequently to keep everything evenly warmed and retain that wonderful balance between crispiness and sauciness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier and more tender after frying, chicken breast works fine if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat can dry out faster.

How spicy is General Tso's Chicken?

The dish offers a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the dried red chilies. If you want it spicier, add fresh chili slices or extra chili flakes when making the sauce. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chilies.

Why do you fry the chicken twice?

Double frying seals in the moisture while developing an extra-crispy crust. The first fry cooks the chicken through, and the second fry crisps the coating thoroughly so it stays crunchy even after the sauce is added.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari, and make sure your cornstarch is gluten-free, which it usually is. Double check all your sauces and broth for hidden gluten to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivity.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Using a cornstarch slurry mixed with water is the traditional and most effective method. Add it gradually and cook until the sauce reaches a shiny, thick consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.

Final Thoughts

This General Tso's Chicken Recipe is a joyful, flavor-packed dish that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a lively dinner party, combining ease, crunch, and a delectable sauce that sings on your palate. Don't wait to surprise yourself—once you try this popular Chinese-American classic at home, you'll wonder why you ever ordered it out. Dive in, get messy, and enjoy every saucy, crispy bite!

General Tso's Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need