General Tso's chicken is a beloved takeout favorite, but making it at home is easier than you think! This recipe provides a simplified approach, achieving that iconic sweet and savory flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish, all made from the comfort of your own kitchen.
What Makes This General Tso's Chicken Recipe Easy?
This recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. We've streamlined the process by using readily available ingredients and straightforward cooking methods. No specialized equipment or advanced culinary skills are required – just a willingness to create something delicious!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a drop of batter sizzles immediately), carefully add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to fully cling to the chicken.
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Serve: Serve the General Tso's chicken immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds (optional).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For extra heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You could also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
While frying gives the chicken a crispier exterior, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken might not be as crispy, but it will still be delicious.
What kind of rice is best to serve with General Tso's chicken?
White rice is a classic pairing, as it complements the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. However, fried rice or even brown rice would also work well.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it gently before adding the chicken.
How do I store leftover General Tso's chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken; this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken.
- Stir the sauce constantly while it simmers to prevent lumps.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
This easy General Tso's chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
