General Tso’s Chicken – Discover the secret to making the most delicious General Tso’s Chicken right at home! This iconic Chinese dish is known for its crispy texture, tangy-sweet sauce, and mouthwatering flavors. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a perfect balance of crispy chicken, vibrant green onions, and a rich sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this homemade version of General Tso’s Chicken that will rival your favorite takeout!
Imagine the tantalizing aroma of General Tso’s Chicken filling your kitchen as you prepare this beloved recipe. As a food lover, I couldn’t resist experimenting with different flavors, and it wasn’t long before this dish became a staple in my household. Every time I make it, my husband’s eyes light up, and my little family gathers around the table in anticipation. There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, crispy coating, and the explosion of flavors in every bite. This recipe has brought us together and created lasting memories, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today.
Why This Chicken Delight Is a Must-Try?
- Crispy Perfection: The secret to achieving that coveted crispy texture lies in the cornstarch slurry coating. It creates a delicate and satisfying crunch that will leave you craving more.
- Flavorful Sauce: The homemade sauce is the star of this dish, blending soy sauce, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and other savory ingredients. It strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess, coating each piece of chicken with rich, irresistible flavors.
- Versatile Ingredients: The recipe calls for tender chicken breast, green onions for a fresh kick, dried chilies for a hint of heat, and broccoli to add some wholesome goodness. These ingredients work together harmoniously, creating a colorful and well-rounded dish.
- Restaurant-Quality Results: By following this recipe, you’ll be able to recreate the authentic taste of General Tso’s Chicken that you’d find in your favorite Chinese restaurant. Impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Ingredients:
Cornstarch Slurry:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 35 grams (1/4 cup) soy sauce
- 85 grams (3/4 cup) cornstarch
Sauce:
- 30 grams (1/4 cup) cornstarch
- 30 milliliters (1/8 cup) water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) sugar
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) soy sauce
- 30 milliliters (1/8 cup) white vinegar
- 30 milliliters (1/8 cup) white wine
- 480 milliliters (2 cups) chicken broth
- For serving the chicken separate from the sauce to maintain crispiness, add 180 milliliters (3/4 cup) + 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) water and 2 dashes of soy sauce to the sauce mixture.
Other:
- 900 grams (2 lbs.) chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 bunches of green onions
- 5-8 dried chilies
- Broccoli
Directions:
Prepare the Sauce: In a quart jar, combine all the sauce ingredients. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until well mixed. You can do this ahead of time, but give it a shake or two before use.
Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a bowl, prepare the cornstarch slurry by gradually adding the ingredients in order. Aim for a consistency similar to peanut butter, adding more cornstarch as needed.
Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the cornstarch slurry, ensuring they are well coated. Use a fork to let any excess slurry drip off.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a wok or deep pan. Carefully place about eight pieces of coated chicken into the hot oil and fry until crispy and golden brown. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken pieces. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate and keep it warm in a preheated oven.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same wok, add the green onions and dried chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for approximately 30 seconds to release their fragrant flavors.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir the sauce mixture until it thickens up and reaches a bubbling candy-like consistency.
Combine and Serve: Add the fried chicken and broccoli to the sauce mixture, quickly tossing them to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute or two to allow the flavors to meld. Serve this mouthwatering General Tso’s Chicken with a side of rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Notes:
- To make it spicier, you can increase the amount of dried chilies or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots.
- For a healthier alternative, you can bake the coated chicken in the oven instead of frying it. Simply preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and bake until crispy and cooked through.
- General Tso’s Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or even as a filling for lettuce wraps.
In conclusion, General Tso’s Chicken is a dish that captures the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts around the world. Its irresistible combination of crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and vibrant ingredients makes it a standout recipe that will leave you wanting more. By following this recipe, you can recreate the magic of your favorite Chinese restaurant right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for loved ones or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, General Tso’s Chicken is sure to delight. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to the vibrant streets of China. Enjoy the crunchy, sweet, and tangy goodness of this beloved dish and create cherished memories with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used as a tasty alternative to chicken breasts. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can. Simply substitute gluten-free soy sauce and double-check that the other ingredients you use are gluten-free as well.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of dried chilies or omit them altogether. For those who love extra heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or increase the number of dried chilies.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using it.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To maintain the crispy texture of the chicken, it’s best to reheat it in the oven or air fryer. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
![](https://8fivefive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/General-Tsos-Chicken-300x300.jpg)
General Tso's Chicken
Ingredients
Cornstarch Slurry:
- 1 egg beaten
- 35 grams 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 85 grams 3/4 cup cornstarch
Sauce:
- 30 grams 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 30 milliliters 1/8 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
- 50 grams 1/4 cup sugar
- 60 milliliters 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 30 milliliters 1/8 cup white vinegar
- 30 milliliters 1/8 cup white wine
- 480 milliliters 2 cups chicken broth
- For serving the chicken separate from the sauce to maintain crispiness add 180 milliliters (3/4 cup) + 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) water and 2 dashes of soy sauce to the sauce mixture.
Other:
- 900 grams 2 lbs. chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 bunches of green onions
- 5-8 dried chilies
- Broccoli
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a quart jar, combine all the sauce ingredients. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until well mixed. You can do this ahead of time, but give it a shake or two before use.
- Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a bowl, prepare the cornstarch slurry by gradually adding the ingredients in order. Aim for a consistency similar to peanut butter, adding more cornstarch as needed.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the cornstarch slurry, ensuring they are well coated. Use a fork to let any excess slurry drip off.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a wok or deep pan. Carefully place about eight pieces of coated chicken into the hot oil and fry until crispy and golden brown. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken pieces. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate and keep it warm in a preheated oven.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same wok, add the green onions and dried chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for approximately 30 seconds to release their fragrant flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the sauce mixture until it thickens up and reaches a bubbling candy-like consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Add the fried chicken and broccoli to the sauce mixture, quickly tossing them to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute or two to allow the flavors to meld. Serve this mouthwatering General Tso's Chicken with a side of rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Notes
General Tso's Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or even as a filling for lettuce wraps.
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