Name: How to Make the Best General Tso's Chicken at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 eggs, beaten; Vegetable oil, for frying; ; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 3 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1–2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (to taste); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); Sesame seeds, for garnish

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General Tso’s chicken has become an American-Chinese restaurant staple, but making it at home elevates this sweet-spicy dish to new heights. With crispy chicken pieces coated in that signature sticky, tangy sauce, homemade General Tso’s chicken delivers restaurant quality without leaving your kitchen. As someone who’s spent years perfecting Asian-inspired recipes, I’ve discovered the secrets to making this takeout favorite even better at home.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to select the perfect chicken cuts, create that ideal crispy-yet-tender texture, and balance the complex flavors that make General Tso’s chicken so craveable. We’ll cover everything from proper frying techniques to sauce consistency, plus offer variations to suit your taste preferences.

Why This General Tso’s Chicken Recipe Works

Uses boneless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results
Double-coating technique creates the perfect crispy exterior
Quick-fry method ensures tender meat that isn’t dry
Balanced sauce combines sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy notes
Ready in under 45 minutes for a weeknight-friendly meal

Choosing the Right Chicken for General Tso’s Chicken

Best Cuts for This Recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the gold standard for General Tso’s chicken. They contain more fat than breasts, keeping the meat juicy through the high-heat cooking process. The richer flavor also stands up beautifully to the bold sauce. If you must use chicken breasts, slice them slightly thicker to prevent overcooking.

Buying Tips

Look for fresh chicken with firm texture and no strong odor. For the most tender results, choose smaller thighs around 2-3 ounces each. When possible, opt for air-chilled chicken, which has better texture and doesn’t absorb excess water during processing.

Substitutions

While traditional General Tso’s chicken uses thigh meat, you can substitute chicken breast if preferred. For a plant-based version, extra-firm tofu or cauliflower florets make excellent alternatives that still capture the essence of this General Tso’s chicken recipe.

Ingredients & Prep for General Tso’s Chicken

How to Make the Best General Tso's Chicken at Home — How to Make the Best General Tso’s Chicken at Home

Chicken Prep Essentials

Proper preparation is crucial for authentic General Tso’s chicken. Cut your boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces of uniform size to ensure even cooking. Pat the pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels before coating—this is essential for achieving that perfectly crispy exterior.

Marinades/Rubs

1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 egg white
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon white pepper

Mix these ingredients and let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator) to tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.

Pantry Staples

For the signature General Tso’s chicken sauce, you’ll need:

¼ cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
6 dried red chilies (optional)
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for General Tso’s Chicken

Pre-Cooking Chicken Prep

After marinating, prepare your dredging station: combine ½ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup flour, and ½ teaspoon salt in a shallow dish.
Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a wok or high-sided skillet to 350°F.
Working in batches, dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.

Cooking Method for General Tso’s Chicken

Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack set over paper towels.
Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the wok. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and dried chilies (if using), stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl, then pour into the wok.
Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Return the fried chicken to the wok and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

Doneness Check for Chicken

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Since the pieces are small, they cook quickly. The exterior should be golden brown and crispy, while the interior remains juicy.

Resting the Chicken

Unlike steak, General Tso’s chicken doesn’t require extended resting. However, allowing the sauce-coated chicken to sit for 1-2 minutes helps the sauce adhere better and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Looking for more Asian-inspired chicken dishes? Check out this Lemon Chicken Veggie Orzo Stir Fry that’s equally delicious!

Pro Tips for Perfect General Tso’s Chicken

Avoiding Tough/Dry Chicken

Don’t overcrowd the wok when frying—this lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy chicken
Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature (350°F)
Remove chicken from the oil slightly before it looks fully done, as it will continue cooking when tossed with the hot sauce
Coat the chicken in sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness

Tool Recommendations

A wok is ideal for making General Tso’s chicken, but a large, deep skillet works too. A spider strainer or slotted spoon helps remove the fried chicken pieces safely. An instant-read thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken and proper oil temperature.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover General Tso’s chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, separate the chicken from any remaining sauce. Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness, then toss with the reheated sauce.

Find more inspiring recipes and cooking ideas on my Pinterest page, where I share my favorite culinary creations and techniques for perfect homemade dishes!

Flavor Variations for General Tso’s Chicken

Spicy Twist

For heat lovers, double the dried chilies and add 1-2 teaspoons of chili oil to the sauce. Sichuan peppercorns (1 teaspoon, crushed) add an authentic numbing heat that elevates this General Tso’s chicken to restaurant quality.

Healthier Version

For a lighter General Tso’s chicken, skip the deep frying and instead toss the marinated chicken pieces in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then air-fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. Reduce the sugar in the sauce by half and use low-sodium soy sauce.

Global Flavors

Give your General Tso’s chicken a fusion twist by adding 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy note reminiscent of orange chicken, or incorporate 1 tablespoon of Thai sweet chili sauce for a Southeast Asian flavor profile.

Variation	Key Ingredients	Cooking Adjustment	Flavor Profile
Extra Spicy	+2 tbsp chili flakes, Sichuan peppercorns	None	Fiery with numbing heat
Orange-Infused	+1 tbsp orange zest, 2 tbsp orange juice	Reduce vinegar by 1 tbsp	Citrusy sweet-tart
Lighter Version	-50% sugar, air-fried chicken	Air fry 380°F, 12-15 min	Lighter, less sweet
Sesame	+2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds	Add sesame oil at end	Nutty, aromatic

Serving Suggestions for General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, serve with stir-fried broccoli or bok choy on the side. The vegetal bitterness balances the sweet-spicy sauce beautifully.

For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. If you’re hosting a Chinese-inspired feast, complement your General Tso’s chicken with vegetable spring rolls, hot and sour soup, or vegetable lo mein.

Beverage pairings that work well include jasmine tea, light lagers, or off-dry Riesling, which can stand up to the sweet-spicy flavors without overwhelming them.

FAQs About General Tso’s Chicken

Can I make General Tso’s chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time, but for best results, fry the chicken and combine with the sauce just before serving. The chicken loses its signature crispiness when stored with sauce.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Control the heat by adjusting the amount of dried chilies and chili flakes. For a mild version, remove the seeds from the dried chilies or omit them entirely and use just ½ teaspoon of chili flakes.

Why is my sauce too thick/thin?

If your sauce is too thick, add chicken broth 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency. If too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the simmering sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, though the texture will differ. Toss coated chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of oil, spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Making General Tso’s chicken at home allows you to perfect this classic dish according to your exact preferences—adjust the sweetness, control the heat level, and achieve that ideal balance of crispy exterior and tender chicken. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the satisfaction of creating restaurant-quality Chinese cuisine in your own kitchen.

Now that you’ve mastered General Tso’s chicken, experiment with the variations to discover your favorite version. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—this dish is guaranteed to impress! For more Asian-inspired recipes, check out our collection of stir-fry techniques and sauce combinations.

How to Make the Best General Tso’s Chicken at Home