Crispy & Sweet General Tso’s Chicken Delight Recipe

Tantalizing general tsos chicken dances on the edge of culinary innovation, promising a flavor explosion that defies ordinary expectations.

Crispy, succulent morsels beckon with their vibrant crimson glaze and aromatic spices.

Sweet and savory notes intertwine, creating a complex taste profile that surprises and delights.

Regional Chinese-inspired cuisine meets modern kitchen creativity in this beloved dish that sparks excitement at every bite.

Complex layers of seasoning change simple ingredients into a remarkable dining experience.

Delicate balance between heat, sweetness, and umami elevates this recipe beyond standard takeout fare.

Bold flavors await you, ready to transport your taste buds on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Why General Tso’s Chicken Delight Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Dive into a tantalizing mix of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that dance on your taste buds with every single bite.
• Experience the perfect crunch of golden-fried chicken pieces coated in a silky, glossy sauce that delivers an irresistible textural contrast.
• Whip up this restaurant-style dish in under an hour, transforming a simple dinner into a gourmet experience without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily adjust the heat level by tweaking chili paste and flakes, making it a crowd-pleaser for both mild and spicy food lovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need for General Tso’s Chicken Delight

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish, best when using boneless and skinless chicken thighs for juicier results.

• Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Rich and savory base that adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tangy brightness to balance the sauce.
• Chili Paste: Introduces a spicy kick and complex heat to the dish.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor profile.

• Cornflour: Creates a crispy exterior for the chicken and helps thicken the sauce, resulting in a glossy finish.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a caramel-like sweetness that complements the savory elements.

• Ginger, Garlic: Fresh ingredients that provide a robust and fragrant base for the sauce.
• Chili Flakes: Adds a gentle heat and additional layer of spiciness.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that brings a light, sharp flavor and visual appeal.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides a nutty crunch and traditional visual garnish.

• Chicken Stock: Helps create a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Cooking Oil: Used for deep frying and sautéing ingredients.

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

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Chili paste
• Sesame oil

Blend everything until perfectly combined and fragrant.

Step 2: Marinate Succulent Chicken

• Grated ginger
• Crushed garlic

Let chicken soak in delicious marinade for half an hour, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken Coating

Generously dust marinated chicken pieces with cornflour. Gently shake off excess coating using a colander, ensuring an even, light layer.

Step 4: Develop Silky Sauce Base

• Brown sugar
• Cornflour

Whisk in chicken stock until mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Crisp Up Chicken

Heat oil in deep skillet to 390°F. Carefully fry chicken pieces until they turn golden and crunchy, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 6: Build Aromatic Stir Fry Sauce

• Chopped garlic
• Minced ginger
• Chili flakes

Add prepared sauce and simmer until sauce thickens deliciously.

Step 7: Final Assembly

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Serve immediately alongside steamed rice for a mouthwatering meal.

Tips to Perfect General Tso’s Chicken Delight

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
• Cornflour Coating Trick: Shake off excess cornflour thoroughly to ensure a crispy, light exterior that doesn't become soggy when fried.
• Temperature Precision: Maintain oil at exactly 200°C for perfect golden-brown chicken that's crispy outside and juicy inside.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk cornflour mixture carefully to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Serving Timing Tip: Toss crispy chicken in sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.

Storing and Reheating General Tso’s Chicken Delight

• Refrigerate: Store leftover General Tso's Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent dryness. Alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Freeze: Preserve the chicken for longer storage by placing in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the crispy texture and rich flavor.

Side Ideas for General Tso’s Chicken Delight

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Grab a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to cut through the chicken's rich, spicy flavors and complement the sweet-tangy sauce.
• Match Refreshing Beer: Choose a light lager or wheat beer that balances the dish's intense spiciness and provides a cool contrast to the hot, crispy chicken.
• Serve with Veggie Sides: Prepare steamed broccoli or stir-fried bok choy to add fresh, green crunch that helps neutralize the meal's bold, powerful taste profile.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Whip up a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to provide a light, cooling accompaniment that refreshes the palate between bites of the spicy General Tso's chicken.

Ways to Add a Twist to General Tso’s Chicken Delight

• Spicy Honey Fusion: Replace chili paste with honey and add extra red pepper flakes for a sweet and fiery version of General Tso's chicken.
• Lighter Baked Option: Skip deep-frying by baking marinated chicken pieces on a wire rack at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, achieving a crispy exterior with less oil.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, using the same marinade and cooking technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, replace cornflour with arrowroot powder, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.

Questions About General Tso’s Chicken Delight

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat and make it more tender.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce or omit the chili paste and chili flakes to lower the heat level while keeping the delicious flavor profile.

• What if I don't have a deep skillet for frying?

You can use a regular frying pan or wok. Just ensure the oil is hot enough (around 200°C) and the chicken pieces are evenly cooked and golden.

• How do I know the sauce is properly thickened?

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a slightly glossy, smooth consistency that clings to the chicken pieces when stirred.

General Tsos Chicken Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent General Tso’s Chicken Delight brings bold Chinese-American flavors to dinner tables with crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces glazed in a tangy-sweet sauce. Homemade comfort merges with restaurant-quality taste, promising a delectable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 600 grams (1.4 pounds) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 2 teaspoons chili paste (e.g., Sambal Oelek)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon ginger, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic, finely grated
• 2 teaspoons ginger, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes

Coating and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 to 4 cups oil for frying (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
• 2 tablespoons oil (peanut, vegetable or canola)
• Finely sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sesame oil in a comprehensive mixing vessel to create a vibrant, aromatic marinade.
2. Immerse chicken pieces into the marinade, incorporating freshly grated ginger and minced garlic. Allow the protein to absorb flavors for a half-hour, enhancing its taste profile.
3. Carefully dust the marinated chicken with cornflour, ensuring an even, light coating that will create a crispy exterior when fried.
4. Craft the finishing sauce by blending the reserved marinade with brown sugar and cornflour, then gradually incorporate chicken stock until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Heat oil in a deep skillet to optimal temperature, carefully introducing chicken pieces and frying until they transform into golden, crunchy morsels with a perfectly crisp texture.
6. In a separate skillet, awaken aromatic notes by quickly sautéing chopped garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, releasing their essential oils and intense flavors.
7. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and thicken, creating a glossy, rich coating for the chicken.
8. Gently fold crispy chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
9. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and taste by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds as a final flourish.
10. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, presenting a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance deep, rich flavor profiles and ensure tender meat texture.
• Maintain oil temperature at 200°C for crispy, golden-brown chicken without absorbing excessive grease during frying.
• Use a colander when coating chicken with cornflour to remove excess flour, preventing clumpy and uneven coating.
• Prepare sauce ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and prevent last-minute ingredient searching.
• Serve immediately after combining chicken with sauce to preserve crispy exterior and optimal temperature.
• Select fresh green onions and high-quality sesame seeds for vibrant garnish that elevates visual appeal and adds subtle nutty crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg