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–+ servings
A bowl of General Tso Chicken served over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken Chinese-inspired dish that’s perfect for homemade takeout.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 386
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb chicken thighs trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces or use boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option
  • ½ cup cornstarch for dredging the chicken
  • ¼ cup extra light olive oil for frying plus more as needed
  • 2 tablespoon minced ginger from a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic or 1 tablespoon grated or finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste for spice
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional for garnish
General Tso’s Sauce
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 5 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter healthier option
  • 3 tablespoon rice vinegar or more to taste adds tang
  • 1 ½ tablespoon hoisin sauce adds sweetness and depth
  • 4 tablespoon granulated sugar balances the tartness
  • 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch for thickening the sauce

Method
 

  1. Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes. Toss chicken in batches with cornstarch, tapping off the excess. Set dredged chicken on a platter and set aside.
  2. In a separate dish, combine all the ingredients for your sauce and whisk to combine.
  3. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Cook chicken in 2 to 3 batches, sautéing until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding more oil as needed. Leave at least 1 tablespoon oil in the pan.
  4. Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  5. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and bring to a simmer while stirring. Let it simmer for 1 minute to cook off the vinegar a little. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor by adding more soy sauce or rice vinegar if desired.
  6. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
  7. Serve the dish garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 204gCalories: 386kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 20gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 660mgPotassium: 400mgSugar: 13gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

A quick homemade takeout favorite, perfect for a satisfying dinner. Serve with steamed rice for the best experience!

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