If you are craving a delicious and fuss-free Chinese-inspired dinner, you have to try this One Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of crispy chicken bites smothered in a sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce that hits all the right flavor notes every single time. Plus, making it all in one pan means cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to savor every bite or share with friends and family. This dish brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white cutting board sits on a white marbled surface, filled with many small, pinkish raw chicken pieces arranged in a loose pile. To the right, a clear glass bowl holds light yellow oil, placed on the white marbled background. Below the chicken, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with white cornstarch powder. Near the oil and cornstarch, another small clear glass bowl contains one whole white egg. All items are spaced out on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here is simple yet essential, coming together to create a symphony of taste, texture, and color in your One Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. From the tender chicken to the bold sauce components, each element has its starring role.

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder to help the cornstarch stick perfectly to the chicken.
1 cup cornstarch: Creates that irresistible crispy coating once fried.
⅓ cup vegetable oil: Provides the right amount of heat for frying without overpowering flavors.
¾ cup hoisin sauce: Brings a sweet, slightly tangy complexity that’s signature to General Tso’s chicken.
¼ cup soy sauce: Adds salty depth and umami richness to the sauce.
¾ cup brown sugar: Sweetens and helps caramelize the sauce for glossy perfection.
2 cloves minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and savory notes.
¼ cup rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a gentle acidity.
2 teaspoons sesame oil: Offers toasted nutty flavor essential for that authentic touch.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds subtle heat and freshness.
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper: Brings just the right kick, adjustable to your spice preference.
Sliced green onions (optional): For a fresh and colorful garnish that brightens every forkful.

How to Make One Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Cut and Coat the Chicken

Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into one-inch cubes—this size is perfect for quick, even cooking and easy eating. Crack an egg over the pieces and massage it in; this simple step ensures the cornstarch will stick beautifully, creating that prized crispy crunch.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken with Cornstarch

Transfer the chicken and egg mixture into a ziplock bag, then add the cornstarch. Seal and toss everything together until every piece is nicely coated. This coating will crisp up in the pan and form the base for that amazing texture we love in this One Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken until Golden

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Work in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the chicken pieces crispy rather than soggy. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside, prepping your pan for the sauce.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Signature Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper. Whisk it all together until everything is well blended. This sauce will bring the perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy to your chicken.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce and Combine

Add the sauce right back into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes glossy. Return your golden chicken to the pan and toss well, ensuring every piece is coated with that luscious sauce.

Step 6: Final Cook and Serve

Let your chicken and sauce mingle over heat for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors deepen and the chicken gets a chance to soak it all in. Then it’s ready to serve—over steaming rice or your favorite grain for a meal that will surely become a household favorite.

How to Serve One Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white pan with small pieces of fried food, golden brown and crispy on the edges, sitting in a dark brown sauce that pools at the bottom, covering about one-third of the pieces. The pan has some splashes and oil marks along the sides, and the pieces are spread unevenly, with some touching each other and others slightly apart. The overall texture of the fried pieces looks crunchy on top, with softer parts beneath. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle sliced green onions on top to add a fresh crunch and vibrant color. A few extra crushed red pepper flakes can also be added if you like to dial up the heat, making each bite exciting and flavorful.

Side Dishes

While the chicken stands strong on its own, pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice helps soak up the amazing sauce. For a lighter balance, toss a quick cucumber salad or serve with steamed broccoli for a pop of green and extra nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your One Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe wrapped in lettuce leaves as a handheld treat. You can also plate it over cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb but still fill up on all those delicious, saucy flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, but the texture of the chicken might soften a bit as it sits. Still, it’s fantastic for next-day lunches.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the sauce’s texture and keep the chicken moist. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery and the sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay juicy even after frying. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Is it okay to adjust the spiciness?

Definitely. The crushed red pepper can be increased or decreased to suit your taste buds. You can also add fresh chili or chili sauce if you want more heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check your hoisin sauce brand to be sure it’s gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so no worries there.

Can I use an air fryer to cook the chicken?

Yes, air frying the coated chicken pieces will produce a crispy texture with less oil. Cook at around 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

What can I substitute if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

You can mix soy sauce with a bit of honey, garlic, and a dash of five-spice powder as a quick stand-in. While not exact, it mimics the sweet and savory notes well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress your family or just treat yourself to a saucy, satisfying meal, don’t hesitate to dive into this One Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. It’s simple enough for weeknights but delicious enough to make you feel like you’re dining out. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of flavor and texture, making it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.