General Tso’s Chicken
Why make this recipe
General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish that brightens up any dinner table with its sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. This recipe is loved for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a delicious sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or lunch boxes. Plus, you can easily make it at home with simple ingredients.
How to make General Tso’s Chicken
Making General Tso’s Chicken is not hard, and it can be done in just a few steps. You’ll start by preparing the chicken, then mix up the sauce, and finally cook everything together. This meal will impress everyone without requiring a lot of time or fancy skills.
Ingredients :
- 4 chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic salt
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white distilled vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Directions :
How To Make General Tso’s Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix the flour (or cornstarch), paprika, and garlic salt.
- Toss the cubed chicken in the mixture until they are well coated.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine sugar, water, vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and chili pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
- Pour this sauce into the pan where you cooked the chicken. Bring it to a boil and let it thicken.
- Add the crispy chicken back into the sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated.
- Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
How to serve General Tso’s Chicken
Serve General Tso’s Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice or with fried rice. You can also add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a colorful and healthy touch. Drizzle a little extra sauce on top for added flavor.
How to store General Tso’s Chicken
To store leftover General Tso’s Chicken, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you want to store it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Tips to make General Tso’s Chicken
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken by dipping them in the flour mixture, then in egg, and again in the flour mixture before frying.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chili flakes according to your taste.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken to get that nice crispy texture.
Variation
You can experiment with various vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. You might also try using tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it completely before cubing and coating.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up before adding the chicken.
Is General Tso’s Chicken healthy?
While it is a delicious dish, it can be high in sugar and calories due to the sauce. Consider using less sugar and serving it with more vegetables to make it healthier.

General Tso's Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the flour (or cornstarch), paprika, and garlic salt.
- Toss the cubed chicken in the mixture until they are well coated.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine sugar, water, vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and chili pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
- Pour this sauce into the pan where you cooked the chicken. Bring it to a boil and let it thicken.
- Add the crispy chicken back into the sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated.
- Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
