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Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

This Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for a fast homemade Chinese-inspired meal, it requires just 25 minutes and uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Whether fried traditionally or air fried for a lighter touch, this dish provides a flavorful alternative to takeout without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast
  • ¼ cup cornstarch or potato starch
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
  • 5 thin slices ginger peeled
  • ½ green onion finely chopped (for garnish)
  • ¼ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoon regular soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or red chili flakes (add double for spicier)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
  • ½ cup cold water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and cold water. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces. Do not pat the chicken dry as some moisture helps the starch stick better.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Transfer the chicken pieces into a large bowl. Add the cornstarch and toss thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the starch.
  4. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in small batches, spreading them apart quickly. Fry without stirring to allow a crust to form, cooking until golden brown on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried chicken and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to let excess oil drain off. Remove any remaining oil from the pan to prevent burning the sauce.
  6. Cook the Sauce: In the same pan over medium-high heat, add the peeled ginger slices followed by the prepared sauce. Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly.
  7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss the fried chicken in the thickened sauce, making sure each piece is well coated.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with finely chopped green onion and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade General Tso Chicken!

Notes

  • To air fry the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • You can substitute chicken breast for thighs, but thighs provide juicier results.
  • If you prefer less spicy, reduce the red pepper flakes to ¼ teaspoon.
  • This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people.
  • Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a full meal.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/quick-and-easy-general-tso-chicken-recipe/