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

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


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

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

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


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