General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish that has captivated taste buds around the world. It combines crispy chicken with a savory and slightly spicy sauce, making it a popular choice in Chinese restaurants. You can easily make this dish at home, and it’s always a hit with family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making General Tso’s Chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, ensuring everything is fresh and tailored to your taste. It’s a fun dish to prepare, and the cooking process will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas. Plus, this recipe is perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or even just a cozy night in.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

To create this delicious dish, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. Below is a breakdown of the process, including the ingredients and directions.

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 (for sauce)
• 3 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 6 dried whole red chilies
• 1 strip orange zest
• ½ cup white sugar (for sauce)
• 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

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, beat the egg and add the chicken pieces, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken: Coat the marinated chicken in cornstarch. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan and fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.

3. Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the green onion, minced garlic, dried chilies, and orange zest until fragrant.

4. Combine Ingredients for Sauce: Add the white sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, peanut oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, cornstarch, and water to the mixture. Stir well and cook until the sauce thickens.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until all pieces are thoroughly coated. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade General Tso’s Chicken!

How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is best served hot and can be enjoyed on its own or with sides. A bed of steamed rice or fried rice pairs nicely, absorbing the flavorful sauce. You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy for a complete meal. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.

How to Store General Tso’s Chicken

If you have leftovers, you can store General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat it in a microwave, or for the best results, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat to retain the chicken’s crispiness.

Tips to Make General Tso’s Chicken

1. Choose the Right Chicken: Using skinless, boneless chicken thighs gives you tender and juicy meat. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, that can work too.

2. Cornstarch Coating: Make sure to completely coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying. This helps achieve that crispy texture.

3. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the number of dried red chilies or remove the seeds from them.

4. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and green onions will enhance the flavor of the dish.

5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure that the pieces cook evenly and get crispy.

Variations

• Healthier Option: Cook the chicken in the oven instead of frying. Coat the chicken with cornstarch and bake it at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through and crispy.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas into the stir-fry for added flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos if you need a gluten-free option.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
   Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. Just be aware that it may be slightly less juicy than thighs.

2. Is General Tso’s Chicken very spicy?
   It can be mildly spicy, depending on how many red chilies you add. Adjust to your taste preference.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you are ready to use it.

4. Can I freeze General Tso’s Chicken?
   Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in an airtight container. It will last for about 2-3 months. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop for the best results.

Enjoying homemade General Tso’s Chicken can bring a special touch to your dining experience. It’s not only tasty, but also a rewarding dish to create in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try and savor the delicious results!