Why General Tso’s Chicken Is the Takeout Dish You Can’t Resist

Are you tired of bland, forgettable takeout options that leave you unsatisfied? That’s where General Tso’s chicken comes in – the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, spicy, and savory that keeps you coming back for more. This iconic Chinese-American dish delivers a satisfying crunch, tender chicken pieces, and that irresistible sauce that coats every bite with complex flavors.

In this guide, we’ll unveil everything you need to know about General Tso’s chicken – from its fascinating history to making the perfect version at home. You’ll discover the secrets to authentic flavor, cooking techniques that deliver restaurant-quality results, and creative variations to suit your taste preferences.

Why This General Tso’s Chicken Recipe Works

General Tso’s chicken has earned its place as America’s favorite Chinese takeout dish for good reasons:

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find chicken cuts (typically thighs)
• Delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors
• Features a signature crispy exterior that holds up well even after saucing
• Comes together in under 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner
• Offers amazing flavor that rivals your favorite restaurant version

Unlike many restaurant versions laden with excessive sugar and MSG, our approach to General Tso’s chicken focuses on balanced flavors that let the quality ingredients shine through.

Choosing the Right Meat for General Tso’s Chicken

Best Cuts for General Tso’s Chicken

While General Tso’s chicken traditionally uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you have options:

• Chicken thighs: The gold standard for General Tso’s chicken, offering rich flavor and moisture that stands up to the intense cooking process
• Chicken breast: A leaner alternative that works well if you prefer white meat, though it requires more careful cooking to prevent drying out
• Plant-based alternatives: Firm tofu or tempeh can be excellent vegetarian substitutes that absorb the signature sauce beautifully

Buying Tips

For the best General Tso’s chicken, look for:

• Fresh, high-quality chicken with good color and no strong odor
• Organic or free-range options for improved flavor and texture
• Consistent thickness for even cooking (or pound thicker pieces slightly)
• Pre-trimmed options to save preparation time

Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up:

• Cauliflower florets make an excellent vegetarian alternative
• Firm white fish can work for a seafood version (adjust cooking time accordingly)
• Extra-firm tofu creates a vegetarian version that maintains the classic texture

Ingredients & Prep for General Tso’s Chicken

Meat Prep Essentials

Proper preparation is crucial for authentic General Tso’s chicken:

1. Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking
2. Pat chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels (critical for crispy coating)
3. If using chicken breast, consider a brief 15-minute brine in salt water for juicier results

Marinades/Rubs

The traditional General Tso’s chicken marinade includes:

• Soy sauce
• Rice wine (or dry sherry)
• Egg whites (for velveting)
• Cornstarch
• Salt and white pepper

Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.

Pantry Staples

For authentic General Tso’s chicken, keep these essentials on hand:

• Dark soy sauce (for color and richness)
• Rice vinegar (for tangy notes)
• Dried red chilies (for heat control)
• Hoisin sauce (for complexity)
• Garlic and ginger (for aromatic base)
• Cornstarch (for thickening and coating)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Sesame oil (for finishing)

Looking for more authentic Chinese recipes? Check out our collection at Recipes Foody for inspiration that goes beyond takeout classics!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for General Tso’s Chicken

Pre-Cooking Prep for General Tso’s Chicken

1. Combine your marinade ingredients in a bowl: 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine, 1 egg white, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch
2. Add chicken pieces and gently coat each piece
3. Let rest for 15-20 minutes while you prepare other ingredients
4. Mix your sauce ingredients: 1/4 cup chicken stock, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cooking Method for General Tso’s Chicken

1. Heat 2 cups of oil in a wok or deep skillet to 350°F
2. Working in batches, fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy
3. Remove and drain on paper towels
4. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the wok
5. Add 6-8 dried red chilies, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds
6. Pour in your sauce mixture and cook until it thickens and becomes glossy
7. Return chicken to the wok and toss to coat thoroughly

Doneness Check for General Tso’s Chicken

• Chicken should register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer
• Sauce should coat the back of a spoon with a glossy finish
• The color should be a deep reddish-brown
• Taste a piece to ensure it’s cooked through with no pink in the center

Resting for General Tso’s Chicken

Unlike many meat dishes, General Tso’s chicken doesn’t require a traditional resting period. However, the dish does benefit from:

• A minute or two after cooking to allow the sauce to set slightly
• A garnish of sliced green onions and sesame seeds added just before serving
• Serving immediately while the chicken remains crispy

Pro Tips for Perfect General Tso’s Chicken

Avoiding Tough/Dry General Tso’s Chicken

• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan – cook in batches for proper crisping
• Maintain proper oil temperature (350-375°F) for quick cooking without oil absorption
• The egg white and cornstarch marinade creates a protective coating that seals in moisture
• Never overcook the chicken – remove from oil as soon as it’s golden brown

Tool Recommendations

For restaurant-quality General Tso’s chicken at home:

• Carbon steel wok for high-heat cooking and easy tossing
• Deep-fry thermometer for precise oil temperature control
• Spider strainer for removing chicken pieces efficiently
• Heavy-bottomed Dutch oven if you prefer deeper frying

Storage & Reheating

General Tso’s chicken can be stored for later enjoyment:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• For best reheating results, use a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes
• Avoid microwaving, which will make the chicken soggy
• Freeze sauce-coated chicken for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container

Find more dinner inspiration and cooking techniques by exploring our Pinterest collection where we showcase mouthwatering chicken recipes from around the world!

Flavor Variations for General Tso’s Chicken

Spicy Twist

For heat lovers:

• Double the dried chilies for extra kick
• Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili oil to the sauce
• Include 1/2 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns for numbing heat
• Garnish with fresh sliced hot peppers

Keto/Paleo

For dietary adaptations:

• Replace cornstarch with almond flour or coconut flour for coating
• Use monk fruit or erythritol instead of sugar
• Thicken sauce with xanthan gum instead of cornstarch
• Increase healthy fats with avocado oil for frying

Global Flavors

Try these creative twists:

• Add 1 tablespoon of Korean gochujang for a Korean-inspired version
• Mix in 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder for deeper Chinese flavor
• Include 1 tablespoon of orange zest for an orange chicken fusion
• Try 1 tablespoon of Thai sweet chili sauce for a Southeast Asian variation

Serving Suggestions for General Tso’s Chicken

For a complete meal experience, serve your General Tso’s chicken with:

• Steamed white rice or brown rice to absorb the delicious sauce
• Stir-fried broccoli or green beans for color and nutrition
• Quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar for a cooling contrast
• Fortune cookies for an authentic takeout experience
• Hot jasmine tea to cleanse the palate

For a family-style feast, pair General Tso’s chicken with other Chinese-American classics like vegetable lo mein, egg rolls, or crab rangoon for a complete takeout-at-home experience.

FAQs about General Tso’s Chicken

Q: Who was General Tso and did he really create this chicken dish?
A: General Tso (Zuo Zongtang) was a 19th-century Chinese military leader. While the dish is named after him, he didn’t create it. Most food historians credit Chef Peng Chang-kuei with developing the dish in the 1950s, with it later being adapted for American tastes.

Q: Can I make General Tso’s chicken in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Spray the chicken pieces with cooking oil after coating them, then air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Make the sauce separately and toss with the crispy chicken.

Q: Is General Tso’s chicken actually Chinese?
A: It’s Chinese-American fusion. While inspired by Hunan cooking techniques, the sweet-spicy sauce combination was developed to appeal to Western palates and isn’t found in traditional Chinese cuisine.

Q: How do I fix General Tso’s chicken sauce if it’s too thick or thin?
A: If too thick, add chicken stock a tablespoon at a time. If too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir into the simmering sauce.

Conclusion

General Tso’s chicken has earned its place as America’s favorite Chinese takeout dish by delivering that perfect combination of crispy, sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite. With this guide, you’re now equipped to recreate this beloved dish at home with authentic flavors and professional techniques.

Fire up your wok tonight and impress your family with homemade General Tso’s chicken that rivals your favorite restaurant! The balance of flavors, the satisfying crunch, and that irresistible sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.

Join thousands of home cooks who’ve discovered that making Chinese takeout classics at home isn’t just possible – it’s often better than delivery! And once you’ve mastered General Tso’s chicken, explore our other Asian-inspired recipes at Recipes Foody to continue your culinary adventure.

Why General Tso’s Chicken Is the Takeout Dish You Can’t Resist

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: JAMES
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy, sticky, and sweet with just the right amount of heat — General Tso’s Chicken is the takeout favorite that never fails to satisfy. Juicy fried chicken bites coated in a glossy, tangy sauce deliver that perfect balance of comfort, crunch, and crave-worthy flavor every time.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup cornstarch

2 eggs, beaten

Vegetable oil for frying

For the sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

3 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water (slurry)

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

2 tbsp sesame oil

For garnish:

Sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, add cornstarch.

2. Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then coat in cornstarch, shaking off excess.

3. Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

4. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

5. In a separate skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat.

6. Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chicken broth, then pour into the pan.

8. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry until thickened and glossy.

9. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

10. Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

For a lighter version, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.

Add broccoli or bell peppers for a complete meal.

Adjust the spice level with more or less red pepper flakes.

This homemade version tastes even better than takeout — fresh, crispy, and full of flavor!

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Dinner, Takeout-Inspired
• Method: Stovetop, Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 145mg