Easy Homemade General Tso’s Chicken: Recreate Your Favorite Takeout Flavor at Home
Do you find yourself constantly craving the irresistible flavors of Chinese takeout, but wish you could whip up those delicious dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen? Look no further! This Easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a beloved “fake-out” takeout meal, capturing all the authentic sweet, savory, and spicy notes you love from your favorite Chinese restaurant, simplified for home cooking.
Savor the Sweet and Spicy: Quick and Easy General Tso’s Chicken at Home
There’s an undeniable comfort and excitement that comes with ordering Chinese takeout. The anticipation of that perfectly balanced sweet and spicy kick, the tender chicken, and the aromatic rice makes it a go-to treat for many. However, mastering your favorite restaurant dishes at home offers a unique sense of accomplishment, often resulting in healthier and equally delicious meals tailored to your taste. This Easy General Tso’s Chicken is a testament to that philosophy, proving that you don’t need a professional wok or a deep fryer to achieve extraordinary results. This recipe has quickly become a frequently requested dish in our household, and we’re confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection too!
What makes this General Tso’s Chicken stand out? Its incredible ease and explosive flavor. We’ve streamlined the process to eliminate the need for traditional deep-frying and elaborate breading, making it accessible for even novice cooks. Despite the simplified method, this dish doesn’t compromise on taste. Each bite delivers succulent chicken coated in a rich, glossy sauce that perfectly balances sweetness with a subtle spicy warmth. Whether you’re looking to recreate a Chinese restaurant classic from scratch or simply need a fast, flavorful meal, this recipe is your ultimate guide to homemade General Tso’s Chicken perfection.
Your Questions Answered: General Tso’s Chicken FAQs
We understand you might have a few questions before diving into this delicious recipe. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about making General Tso’s Chicken at home, designed to give you all the confidence and tips you need for a successful culinary adventure.
While using frozen popcorn chicken is a fantastic shortcut for speed and convenience, making this recipe incredibly quick, you absolutely do not have to use it. If you prefer to cook your chicken from scratch or don’t have popcorn chicken on hand, the process is straightforward and yields equally delicious results. Simply dice 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes. Toss the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to give them a light coating that helps create a tender yet slightly crisp exterior. Then, cook the chicken in about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s just cooked through and lightly golden (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Drain the cooked chicken on a paper-towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil before you proceed with preparing the sauce. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy this flavorful dish regardless of your starting chicken choice!
General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved culinary icon, especially prevalent in Chinese-American restaurants across the United States. It typically features deep-fried (though our recipe offers a simpler approach!) bite-sized chicken pieces generously coated in a distinctive sweet, savory, and mildly spicy sauce. This sauce is often thick and glossy, with a complex flavor profile. Interestingly, while it is widely associated with “Chinese food,” General Tso’s Chicken is largely a Chinese-American invention, specifically tailored to suit American palates. Its origins are often traced back to chefs from Hunan province who adapted their cooking style for American diners, rather than being a traditional dish found throughout mainland China. Despite its modern origins, its incredible popularity and delicious taste have solidified its place as a quintessential Chinese-American comfort food.
Our Easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe is crafted to offer a harmonious blend of sweetness and a gentle, pleasing spiciness. The primary source of heat comes from the chili paste included in the sauce. We’ve designed the recipe to be on the milder side, ensuring that the spice complements rather than overpowers the rich, sweet flavors. However, personal spice preference varies greatly! If you prefer a less spicy meal, you can easily reduce the amount of chili paste or even omit it altogether. Be aware that removing it completely will subtly change the overall flavor profile, as that touch of heat is integral to the classic General Tso’s experience. Conversely, for those who crave a fiery kick, feel free to increase the amount of chili paste or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to achieve your desired level of zest and heat.
General Tso’s Chicken is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes. Our top recommendation is to serve it over a generous portion of fluffy white rice; the rice acts as a perfect canvas, soaking up all that incredible, glossy sauce. For an elevated experience, homemade Fried Rice offers a fantastic burst of flavor and texture. To add essential vegetables and nutritional balance to your meal, consider sautéing some fresh broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. Alternatively, a colorful medley of Hibachi Vegetables, featuring ingredients like zucchini, onions, carrots, and mushrooms, makes an excellent and flavorful accompaniment. Steamed green beans, snow peas, or a light Asian-inspired salad would also be superb choices. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of fresh, thinly sliced scallions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of freshness and crunch!
When it comes to the vibrant, complex flavors of Asian cuisine, fresh ginger is an absolute game-changer, and it’s particularly crucial for this General Tso’s Chicken recipe. Freshly grated or minced ginger provides a bright, pungent, and aromatic zest that ground ginger simply cannot replicate. Ground ginger is much more concentrated and lacks the fresh, almost citrusy undertones that give the sauce its authentic depth. We strongly encourage you to use fresh ginger root, which is readily available in the produce section of most grocery stores. You only need a small knob, and you can easily break off a piece, peel it, and mince or grate it just before use. We promise this small step will make a significant difference in the final taste, transforming your homemade dish from simply good to truly exceptional!
Leftover General Tso’s Chicken makes for an incredibly convenient and tasty meal! To store, simply transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. It’s worth noting that any breaded chicken will naturally soften over time as it soaks up the sauce in the refrigerator. To best reheat your leftovers and try to restore some of that desirable crispiness, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, we recommend popping it into an air fryer (at 350°F/175°C for 5-8 minutes) or reheating it in a conventional oven (preheated to 375°F/190°C for 10-15 minutes) until it’s heated through and the chicken regains a bit of its original texture. This method helps prevent the chicken from becoming soggy and ensures a more enjoyable eating experience.
This recipe lives up to its “easy” name through several clever shortcuts and simplified techniques that don’t compromise on flavor. Firstly, we sidestep the traditional, often messy, and time-consuming deep-frying method by either baking pre-made popcorn chicken or lightly pan-frying diced chicken pieces. This dramatically cuts down on preparation and cooking time. Secondly, the sauce is designed for simplicity: a quick whisking of ingredients followed by a brief simmer. There are no complex reductions or multiple stages involved. All the ingredients are common pantry staples, easily found at your local grocery store. The entire cooking process is streamlined for maximum efficiency, ensuring you can enjoy a fantastic homemade meal with minimal fuss and cleanup, making it perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.
Yes, absolutely! Making this General Tso’s Chicken recipe gluten-free is quite straightforward with a few simple substitutions. The key ingredient to watch out for is soy sauce, which typically contains wheat. You can easily swap regular soy sauce for a high-quality gluten-free tamari. Most hoisin sauces are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to double-check the label. If you’re using pre-made popcorn chicken, ensure you select a certified gluten-free brand. Alternatively, if you’re making the chicken from scratch, use naturally gluten-free chicken breast or thighs and ensure your cornstarch is also gluten-free. With these minor adjustments, everyone, including those with gluten sensitivities, can fully enjoy this incredibly delicious and flavorful homemade Chinese-American classic!
Essential Ingredients for Your Easy General Tso’s Chicken Sauce
The magic of General Tso’s Chicken truly lies in its signature sauce – a perfect symphony of sweet, tangy, savory, and spicy notes. Our recipe simplifies this complex flavor profile, using readily available ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable experience. Below is an overview of the key components you’ll need. For exact measurements and a complete list, please refer to the detailed recipe card provided further down the page.
- Popcorn Chicken (Frozen or Deli-Prepared): The star of our quick preparation method, offering crispy texture without the fuss.
- Chicken Stock: Forms the flavorful liquid base for our rich, umami-packed sauce.
- Light Brown Sugar: Essential for adding deep sweetness and a touch of caramelization to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Delivers the crucial savory and umami depth that is characteristic of Asian cuisine.
- Hoisin Sauce: A sweet and robust Chinese barbecue sauce, it adds fantastic complexity and a glossy finish.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Provides a vital tangy counterpoint, balancing the sweetness and adding brightness.
- Cornstarch: The secret ingredient for achieving that desirable thick, luxurious, and beautifully glossy sauce consistency.
- Sesame Oil: A finishing touch that infuses the entire dish with its distinctive nutty and aromatic fragrance.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and building the foundational flavors of the sauce.
- Fresh Minced Garlic: Pungent and aromatic, essential for the savory depth of the sauce.
- Fresh Minced Ginger: Provides a vibrant, zesty, and slightly peppery kick that is irreplaceable.
- Chili Paste: The source of our customizable heat, delivering a perfect spicy warmth.
- Thinly Sliced Scallions: For a fresh, mild oniony garnish and a beautiful pop of green.
- Sesame Seeds: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and an appealing visual finish.
Simplified Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy General Tso’s Chicken
Creating this flavorful General Tso’s Chicken at home is an incredibly rewarding experience, and surprisingly straightforward. With a little organization and these clear instructions, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. Follow our detailed guide to perfect this sweet and spicy chicken dish.
Preparation is Paramount (Mise en Place for Success)
Before you even turn on the stove, the key to a smooth and enjoyable cooking process, especially for a quick stir-fry inspired dish like this, is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This culinary principle, known as “mise en place,” ensures that once your chicken is cooked, the sauce can come together very rapidly without any last-minute scrambling. Make sure everything is measured, garlic and ginger are minced, and your sauce ingredients are whisked together in advance. This readiness will make your cooking experience seamless and stress-free.
Step 1: Cook Your Chicken to Perfection
Start by preparing the chicken component of your dish. If you are opting for the convenient frozen popcorn chicken, spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet and cook it according to the package directions, typically around 15 minutes. Remember to flip the pieces halfway through to ensure they achieve an even golden-brown crispness. If you’ve chosen to prepare chicken from scratch (as outlined in our FAQ section), pan-fry your diced chicken pieces until they are beautifully golden and cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, proceed to the next step to prepare your vibrant General Tso’s sauce.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful General Tso’s Sauce
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the liquid and thickening agents that will form your magnificent sauce. This includes the chicken stock, light brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Using a whisk, vigorously stir these ingredients until they are thoroughly blended and the cornstarch is completely dissolved. It’s crucial to ensure there are no lumps of cornstarch remaining, as this guarantees a smooth, glossy sauce when cooked. Set this perfectly combined sauce mixture aside, ready for action.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatic Base
Once your chicken is cooked and resting, turn your attention to the sauce base. Place a large skillet (a wok works wonderfully if you have one) over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to heat sufficiently before adding the vegetable oil. As soon as the oil is shimmering and hot, add your minced garlic, fresh minced ginger, and chili paste to the pan. Stir constantly for approximately 30 seconds, or until the aromatics become incredibly fragrant. It’s important to stir continuously to prevent the garlic and ginger from burning, which can introduce an undesirable bitter taste to your delicious sauce. The wonderful aroma filling your kitchen will be your cue!
Step 4: Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency
Now for the magical transformation! Carefully pour the previously whisked sauce mixture into the skillet with the fragrant aromatics. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, stirring continuously. You will observe the sauce beginning to thicken almost immediately, thanks to the cornstarch doing its work. Allow it to simmer for just 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until it reaches your desired consistency – thick enough to beautifully coat the back of a spoon, yet still pourable and wonderfully glossy. This rapid thickening is key to the luscious texture of General Tso’s sauce.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Glossy Sauce
With your perfectly thickened sauce ready, it’s time to introduce the star of the dish – your cooked chicken! Add the crispy popcorn chicken (or your homemade chicken pieces) directly into the skillet, ensuring all pieces are nestled into the simmering sauce. Using tongs or a spoon, gently toss the chicken, making sure every single piece is thoroughly coated in the rich, sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze. Work relatively quickly to achieve even coverage without overcooking the chicken or allowing the sauce to become excessively thick.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Your Easy General Tso’s Chicken is now complete and ready to dazzle your taste buds! Transfer the beautifully coated chicken and sauce to a serving platter, or simply serve directly from the skillet for a charming, rustic presentation. The final touches make all the difference: generously garnish with thinly sliced green scallions, which provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a vibrant splash of color. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an added nutty flavor and a pleasing textural crunch. Serve this sensational dish immediately over steamed white rice or your chosen side, and prepare for rave reviews!
Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Easy General Tso’s Chicken
To ensure your homemade General Tso’s Chicken is absolutely perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Embrace Fresh Aromatics: The vibrant flavors of freshly minced garlic and ginger are non-negotiable for an authentic and deeply aromatic sauce. While ground versions exist, they simply cannot replicate the brightness and zing that fresh ingredients provide.
- Prioritize “Mise en Place”: Measure and chop all your ingredients, especially for the sauce, before you begin cooking. This organized approach prevents rushing, ensures consistent results, and helps avoid burning delicate aromatics during the fast-paced cooking of the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness/Spice: Don’t be afraid to taste your sauce as it simmers. Adjust the amount of light brown sugar for sweetness or chili paste for heat according to your personal preference. A perfectly balanced sauce makes all the difference!
- Monitor Sauce Thickening Carefully: Cornstarch-thickened sauces can transform quickly. Stir constantly while simmering and remove the skillet from the heat once the sauce reaches your desired glossy, spoon-coating consistency. Overcooking can lead to an overly thick or gummy texture.
- Serve Promptly for Optimal Texture: For the crispiest experience, particularly if you’re using popcorn chicken, serve the General Tso’s Chicken immediately after tossing it in the sauce. This ensures the chicken retains some of its desirable crunch before the sauce has a chance to soften it too much.
- Smart Storage and Reheating: While leftovers are delicious, the breading will soften over time. For the best reheating results, use an air fryer or conventional oven to help regain some of the crispness, rather than a microwave.
Why You’ll Adore This Homemade General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Adding this Easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe to your culinary repertoire comes with a host of benefits that make it an instant family favorite. Firstly, its incredible speed means you can go from zero to a satisfying, flavorful meal in well under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate solution for demanding weeknights. Secondly, the exquisite flavor perfectly mirrors the beloved takeout classic, offering that irresistible sweet, savory, and spicy symphony without needing to leave your home. It’s also wonderfully versatile, adapting beautifully whether you opt for the quick convenience of popcorn chicken or prefer to prepare fresh chicken pieces. Furthermore, cooking at home gives you complete control over ingredients, allowing for a potentially healthier version, free from excessive oils or unknown additives often found in restaurant fare. This recipe isn’t just about making dinner; it’s about bringing the joy and deliciousness of a Chinese feast directly to your dining table with maximum ease and enjoyment!
Craving More Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes?
If you thoroughly enjoyed creating and savoring this delightful General Tso’s Chicken, then you’re in for a treat! Our collection is brimming with even more easy-to-make, incredibly flavorful Asian-inspired dishes and comforting classics that are perfect for any occasion. From zesty sauces to hearty noodle dishes and crispy chicken creations, there’s always something new and exciting to explore. Expand your culinary horizons and discover your next go-to recipe among these fantastic options:
- Homemade Yum Yum Sauce
- Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Savory Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken
- Classic Beef Fried Rice
- Refreshing Asian Lemon Chicken
- Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken (Another Variation)
- Deconstructed Beef Egg Roll In A Bowl
- Quick and Easy Sesame Chicken
- No-Fuss Vegetable Stir Fry
- Flavorful Vegetable Fried Rice
- Fast & Easy Chicken Teriyaki
- Perfect Hibachi Chicken
- Tender Hibachi Steak
- Authentic Hibachi Fried Rice
- Crunchy Asian Slaw
- Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
Easy General Tso’s Chicken
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Ingredients
- 1 pound popcorn chicken
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon chili paste
- thinly sliced scallion for garnish
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cook the popcorn chicken according to the directions on the back of the bag for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring to flip them halfway through to achieve uniform crispiness. While the chicken is cooking, seize the opportunity to gather and prepare all the ingredients for your sauce. The subsequent steps come together very quickly, so having everything ready is crucial for a smooth process.
- Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken stock, light brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and the cornstarch is completely dissolved, leaving no lumps. This ensures a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Once the chicken is done cooking, it’s time to prepare the sauce base. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil to the pan once it’s hot and shimmering. Then, add the minced garlic, fresh minced ginger, and chili paste. Fry these aromatics, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until they become wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the whisked sauce mixture into the skillet with the fragrant aromatics. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until it thickens slightly and achieves a beautiful glossy consistency. The cornstarch will work its magic quickly!
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces (whether popcorn chicken or scratch-made) directly into the skillet with the thickened sauce.
- Toss to Coat: Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until every piece is thoroughly and evenly coated. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish your freshly prepared General Tso’s Chicken generously with thinly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch. Serve immediately over white rice or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- You have the option to make your own chicken instead of using popcorn chicken. Please refer to our FAQ section above for detailed tips on preparing chicken from scratch.
- If you prefer a milder flavor or are sensitive to spice, you can easily cut back on the amount of chili paste, or even omit it entirely. However, please note that this may subtly alter the classic taste profile of the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While still delicious, the sauce will cause the breading to soften over time. For best results and to help regain some crispiness, we recommend reheating leftovers in an air fryer or conventional oven until warmed through.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.