General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its bold flavors and crispy chicken. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in the sauce creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.
- General Tso’s Chicken is also great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken thighs are used for their tender texture, but you can also use chicken breast as a substitute.
- Sauce: The key ingredients for the sauce include soy sauce, white sugar, garlic, and ginger, which give the dish its signature flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, sugar, pepper, and cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the chicken until crispy.
- In another pan, sauté green onions, garlic, red chilies, and orange zest.
- Add the sauce ingredients and cook until thickened.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For extra crunch, you can double coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
- To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of dried red chilies in the sauce.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure it absorbs the flavors.
- Use a wok for stir-frying to create that authentic Chinese restaurant taste.
Serving Suggestions:
General Tso’s Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on the stovetop to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast for a leaner option.
- How can I make this dish less spicy? Reduce the amount of dried red chilies in the sauce.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time for quick assembly later.
- Is General Tso’s Chicken gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Conclusion:
General Tso’s Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its bold flavors and crispy chicken, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook looking to add some excitement to their dinner menu. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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General Tso’s Chicken
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying, Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Crispy fried chicken pieces are coated in a sticky sauce made with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chili peppers.
Ingredients
– 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
– 1 large egg
– 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon white sugar
– 1 pinch white pepper
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 tablespoons chopped green onion
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 6 dried whole red chilies
– 1 strip orange zest
– 1/2 cup white sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons peanut oil
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together egg, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Add chicken pieces and mix until coated.
2. Dredge chicken in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet and fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil and sauté green onions, garlic, chilies, and orange zest.
5. Add sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, peanut oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and cornstarch mixture.
6. Cook until thickened, then add fried chicken and toss to coat.
7. Serve hot over rice.
Notes
– For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying.
– Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 528
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 911mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 159mg