Name: General Tso Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 lb thinly sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1” pieces; ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 2 tsp soy sauce; 1 tsp spicy chile oil; ½ cup cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tsp minced garlic; 2 tsp minced ginger; 6 dried Thai chiles; ½ yellow onion, roughly chopped; 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped; 1 green bell pepper, roughly chopped; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp spicy chili oil; 2 tbsp apple juice or grape juice; 1 tsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp minced garlic; 2 tsp minced ginger; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1 tsp water; Sesame seeds; Scallions, sliced; 2 cups oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil recommended)

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 6 reviews

If you have ever craved a dish that bursts with bold flavors and perfectly crispy chicken, this General Tso Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s a remarkable blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes all wrapped around tender chicken pieces coated in a satisfying crunch. Every bite feels like a comforting hug and a celebration of classic Chinese-American cuisine, making it a favorite to share with family and friends. Once you try this General Tso Chicken Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved dish that’s both approachable to make and exhilarating to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients neatly arranged on a wooden table with a white marbled texture background. In the top left, there is a white bowl filled with light pink raw chicken pieces. To its right, a white bowl holds chopped green and red bell peppers, while below it, another white bowl contains chunks of white onion. Around these bowls are small containers with various ingredients, including a mound of white powder in a bowl on the bottom right, minced garlic in a square dish near the center, and dark liquids in small cups placed towards the bottom center. There are also small piles of colorful chili peppers, ginger root, garlic bulb, and small wooden bowls with seasonings and sauces scattered around. A woman's hand is not visible but the setup suggests preparation for cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This General Tso Chicken Recipe relies on straightforward yet essential ingredients that work together to create a melody of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays its role—from the tender chicken and vibrant peppers to the garlicky, spicy sauce—ensuring every mouthful is delightful and balanced.

1 lb thinly sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch pieces for the perfect bite-sized chunks that crisp up beautifully.
¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth + 1 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp sugar: This marinade brightens and tenderizes the chicken while balancing the spice.
2 tsp soy sauce: Adds a rich umami depth that complements the sweetness and heat.
1 tsp spicy chile oil: For that signature kick of warmth and complexity in the dish.
½ cup cornstarch: The secret to achieving that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all other flavors.
2 tsp minced garlic: Aromatic and pungent, this brings the dish to life.
2 tsp minced ginger: Provides a fresh and zesty counterpoint to the sweetness in the sauce.
6 dried Thai chiles: Deliver a smoky, spicy note that elevates the dish.
½ yellow onion (roughly chopped): Adds a mild sweetness and texture contrast.
1 red pepper (roughly chopped): For vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
1 green pepper (roughly chopped): Adds freshness and a crisp bite.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for a nutty garnish that finishes the dish perfectly.
Scallions: Fresh green onion slices brighten and add a crunchy garnish.
General Tso Sauce Ingredients: ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp spicy chili oil, 2 tbsp apple or grape juice + 1 tsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp minced garlic, 2 tsp minced ginger, and a slurry of 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water.

How to Make General Tso Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by heating 2 cups of oil in a wok to 350°F for frying later. While the oil is heating, place your chicken pieces in a bowl and pour over the mixture of broth, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, chile oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade tenderizes and flavors the chicken from the inside out, setting the stage for the bold sauce to come.

Step 2: Prepare the General Tso Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, spicy chili oil, and a juice-vinegar blend made from apple or grape juice plus rice vinegar. Bring this to a gentle boil, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. When the sauce bubbles and thickens, remove it from the heat. This thick, glossy sauce is the heart of the dish—sticky, savory, and full of vibrant flavor.

Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Take the marinated chicken and toss it thoroughly in cornstarch to create an even coating. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for about 3 minutes until the chicken turns golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. The crunchy texture is essential, giving the chicken that irresistible crispiness that General Tso Chicken is famous for.

Step 4: Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables

Remove all but one tablespoon of the oil from the wok, then add garlic, ginger, dried Thai chiles, yellow onion, and chopped red and green peppers. Stir-fry this medley for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, setting a flavorful and colorful base for the sauce to cling to.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Pour the cooked General Tso sauce into the wok with the aromatics and vegetables. Stir well and let it thicken for roughly 4 minutes. Finally, toss the crispy fried chicken back into the wok, coating each piece generously in the luscious sauce. This step ensures every bite is bursting with that classic General Tso punch.

How to Serve General Tso Chicken Recipe

Inside a gray speckled bowl, there are three main layers of chopped vegetables. The bottom layer is made of uneven pieces of green bell peppers. On top of that, there is a layer of red bell pepper chunks scattered unevenly. The top layer has small, thin orange and green chili peppers spread across, along with chopped white onion pieces concentrated more on one side. The whole bowl sits on a brown wooden surface with a few whole chili peppers, garlic, and ginger nearby. A striped cloth is partially visible at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds over the saucy chicken for a pop of color, crunch, and a hint of nuttiness. These garnishes add freshness and visual appeal that make the dish even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve your General Tso Chicken with steamed jasmine rice, which is perfect for soaking up every bit of the sauce. A side of stir-fried or steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli adds balance and nutritional value, complementing the rich flavors without competing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the dish in small bowls layered over fried rice for an elevated presentation at dinner parties. You could also turn it into lettuce wraps for a fun, interactive eating experience that lightens the meal. Either way, the rich sauce and crispy chicken will always shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover General Tso Chicken to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep your garnishes separate to preserve their freshness, and try to reheat only what you plan to eat to keep textures optimal.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the crispy texture may soften after freezing, but the flavors will remain delicious.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to help restore a bit of the crispiness. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

Is General Tso Chicken spicy?

This General Tso Chicken Recipe offers a balanced heat level thanks to the spicy chile oil and dried Thai chiles, but you can adjust the spice intensity by adding more or less chili based on your preference. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a flavorful kick without overwhelming heat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can handle frying well, providing a slightly richer texture and flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can use a combination of soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and a dash of vinegar to mimic its sweet and savory profile, though the taste will vary slightly from the original recipe.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

A good test is to drop a small piece of chicken or batter into the oil; if it immediately bubbles and starts to cook steadily without burning, your oil is ready. Using a thermometer set to around 350°F is ideal for accuracy.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the General Tso sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before combining with the chicken to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This General Tso Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress with its perfectly crispy chicken and layers of bold, balanced flavors. It’s easier to make at home than you might think and infinitely rewarding. So, roll up your sleeves, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a dinner that feels special and satisfying every time!