Chef Mitchell preparing Flavorful General Tso's Chicken
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered General Tso's Chicken during my culinary training in Asia. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors captivated me, and I vowed to perfect this recipe. Over the years, I have experimented with various ingredients to create a version that remains true to its roots while adding my personal touch. This recipe is the result of countless trials and is one of my favorites to share with family and friends."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience specializing in Asian cuisine. He has traveled extensively throughout Asia, learning traditional cooking techniques and recipes. His passion for authentic flavors shines through in his cooking, especially in dishes like General Tso's Chicken.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A vibrant plate of Flavorful General Tso's Chicken served with steamed rice and garnished with green onions.

Why This Flavorful General Tso's Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe is designed to maximize flavor while keeping the cooking process simple. The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce creates a rich and complex taste that balances sweetness with a touch of heat. Additionally, marinating the chicken ensures it stays juicy and tender during cooking. These elements come together to create a dish that is both satisfying and delightful.

The texture of the chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to the dredging process. Stir-frying the chicken with fresh garlic and ginger adds depth and aroma, while the quick cooking method preserves the vibrant colors of the vegetables. This recipe not only tastes amazing but also presents beautifully on the plate.

💡 Professional Tip

For the crispiest chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken pieces. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of chicken into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply cook the chicken and add the sauce for a quick and easy meal.

If you don't have hoisin sauce, you can use a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of honey or brown sugar as a substitute. Alternatively, you can use a mix of soy sauce and peanut butter for a different flavor. Just adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Stir-frying is the best method for cooking General Tso's Chicken as it allows for quick cooking at high heat. This technique helps maintain the chicken's tenderness while achieving a crispy exterior. Avoid baking or boiling, as they won't provide the same texture or flavor.

To prevent sogginess, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Lastly, allow the fried chicken to drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown on the outside. Cut into a piece to ensure it is no longer pink inside. The sauce should be bubbling and thickened when combined.

General Tso's Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or spring rolls for a complete meal. Don't forget to garnish with sesame seeds or extra green onions for added flavor.

Absolutely! To increase the heat, you can add more chili paste or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the chili paste to your taste. Remember, you can always add more heat but it's hard to take it away once added.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Chicken Not Crispy

Problem: If your chicken isn't crispy, it may not have been fried long enough or the oil wasn't hot enough.

Solution: Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken and fry until golden brown. You can also double fry the chicken for extra crispiness.

✅

Sauce Too Thick

Problem: If the sauce is too thick, it can be difficult to coat the chicken properly.

Solution: Add a little water or chicken broth to the sauce while cooking to thin it out to your desired consistency.

✅

Chicken Overcooked

Problem: Overcooking the chicken can lead to a dry texture.

Prevention: Monitor the cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F. Remove from heat immediately once done.

✅

Too Much Sugar

Problem: If the dish is too sweet, it can overpower the other flavors.

Recovery: Add a splash of vinegar or soy sauce to balance out the sweetness with acidity and saltiness.

✅

Bland Flavor

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Prevention: To enhance the flavor, add more soy sauce, garlic, or ginger. A pinch of salt can also boost the taste.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: If your dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, add a bit of sugar or honey to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: If it's bland, consider adding more spices or a dash of soy sauce for an extra flavor boost.

An array of fresh ingredients for Flavorful General Tso's Chicken including chicken, vegetables, and sauces.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Flavorful General Tso's Chicken

Selecting the right ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor in General Tso's Chicken. Use fresh, high-quality chicken for tenderness and flavor, and opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels. Fresh garlic and ginger are also key ingredients that provide depth to the dish. When possible, use organic vegetables for added freshness and taste.

Preparation is important; make sure to mince the garlic and ginger finely to maximize flavor release. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. For the sauce, mixing ingredients in a bowl allows for better control over the flavor balance. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as you go along for the best results.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Breast: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal due to its lean and tender quality. Ensure it's fresh and of good quality to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is the backbone of the sauce, providing umami and saltiness. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to better control the salt level in your dish.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile. Choose a high-quality hoisin sauce for the best taste; it should be thick and rich with a complex flavor.
An action shot of cooking Flavorful General Tso's Chicken in a sizzling pan.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

The key to perfect General Tso's Chicken lies in mastering the stir-frying technique. This method allows for quick cooking at high heat, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and the vegetables retain their crunch. Preparing all ingredients before cooking is crucial for a seamless cooking experience. Stir-frying should be done in batches if necessary to maintain the right temperature in the pan.

Timing is essential; keep a close eye on the chicken as it cooks to avoid overcooking. The ideal color for the chicken is golden brown, and the sauce should be glossy and clinging to the chicken. Properly cooked vegetables should be vibrant and slightly tender but still crisp.

The Secret to Perfect Flavorful General Tso's Chicken

The secret to achieving perfect General Tso's Chicken is in the frying technique. Ensure the oil is preheated to the right temperature before adding the chicken. This will create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Flavorful General Tso's Chicken

Prep 20 min
Cook 25 min
Serves 4-6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    Provides umami flavor
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    Adds a tangy flavor
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
    Gives sweetness and depth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    For thickening the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
    Balances the flavors

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken breast
    Cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    For coating the chicken
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
    For frying and flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    Adds aromatic depth
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
    Enhances flavor profile
  • 3 green onions, sliced
    For garnish and flavor
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste
    Adds heat to the dish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken

    Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces and marinate it in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch for 15 minutes.

  2. Coat the Chicken

    Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in all-purpose flour, ensuring an even coating.

  3. Heat the Oil

    In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat until hot.

  4. Fry the Chicken

    Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

  5. Prepare the Sauce

    In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, chili paste, and sugar until well combined.

  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce

    Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over it and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

  7. Add Green Onions

    Toss in the sliced green onions and stir to combine, cooking for another minute.

  8. Serve Hot

    Serve the General Tso's Chicken hot over steamed rice or with noodles.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Serving Suggestions

Best served over steamed jasmine rice or with fried rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or extra green onions.

Recipe Variations

Customize with additional vegetables or adjust the spice level with more chili paste.