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Our family eats Asian food FREQUENTLY and often enjoy this classic General Tso’s Chicken!!
With all the Asian dishes we have on the site, it’s only right we include this family-favorite! It’s a little sweet like our Orange Chicken and Honey Chicken recipes, but it has a unique flavor all its own that comes from the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
This is one of our FAVORITE Asian dishes. It is seriously addicting, and this recipe is as good as any Chinese takeout – and actually just as quick!! From start to finish, it’s on the table in only 20 minutes.
This is definitely one recipe that gets rave reviews! Serve it with our favorite Wontons and Fried Rice for the complete spread.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Quick and easy. This Asian dish is just as delicious as take-out, AND it’s just as fast! It’s ready in only 20 minutes.
- Perfect flavor. It has a bit of a sweet taste with a hint of spice, and after adding broccoli, it’s extra hearty and tasty.
- Kid-approved. Our kids love this family-favorite recipe! The subtle sweetness is just right.
General Tso’s Chicken Ingredients And Substitutions
- 2 tablespoons sugar – For an even sweeter taste, add ½ to 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or honey.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce – We’ll often add dried chilies, minced garlic, or red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – aka rice wine vinegar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – white or wheat flour
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 large egg white – see How to Separate Egg Whites
- 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs – We prefer chicken thighs as they tend to cook up tender and juicy, but chicken breasts can also be used.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – or another high-smoking-point oil such as canola oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, or olive oil suitable for higher temperatures.
- 2 cups cooked white rice or cooked noodles – see How to Cook Rice
- optional toppings – sesame seeds, chopped scallions
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken
- SAUCE. Mix sugar, chili sauce, and vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
- CHICKEN. In another bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. In a third bowl, beat soy sauce and egg whites. Add chicken to the egg white mixture and toss to coat, then transfer the coated chicken to the flour bowl and toss it around.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add floured chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7–8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and crispy.
- BROCCOLI. Add General Tso’s sauce to the skillet and cook for 2–3 more minutes, making sure to coat the golden brown chicken pieces.
- SERVE. Serve over rice or noodles.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- I like to partially freeze the chicken, which makes it easier to cut into even-sized chicken cubes using a sharp knife. Allow it to thaw before making the recipe.
- For an even milder dish, use less chili sauce. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes.
- I have found that eggs are easier to separate when they are cold, but then let the egg white come to room temperature to combine better with the soy sauce.
- No deep frying with this recipe; we love that we can pan-fry the coated chicken in just a small amount of oil.
General Tso’s Chicken
Make General Tso's chicken, our favorite sweet and spicy takeout classic, fresh at home in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 egg white
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bunch broccoli florets, cut into bit-sized pieces (about 3 cups)
- 2 cups cooked white rice or cooked noodles
Instructions
- Mix sugar, chili sauce, and vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. In a third bowl, beat soy sauce and egg white. Add chicken to the egg white mixture and toss to coat, then transfer the coated chicken to the flour bowl and toss around.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add floured chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7–8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and crispy.
- Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until broccoli is softened, then add the chili sauce mixture to the skillet and cook for 2-3 more minutes, making sure to coat the broccoli and chicken.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Video
Notes
Recipe Tips.
- We like to partially freeze the chicken, which makes it easier to cut into even-sized chicken cubes using a sharp knife. Allow it to thaw before making the recipe.
- For an even milder dish, use less chili sauce. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes.
- We have found that eggs are easier to separate when they are cold, but then let the egg white come to room temperature to combine better with the soy sauce.
- No deep frying with its recipe; we love that we can pan-fry the coated chicken in just a small amount of oil.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g, Calories: 296kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 81mg, Sodium: 427mg, Potassium: 274mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 37IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
How to store?
Store leftovers in an airtight container(s) for 3-4 days or in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. The best way to reheat is in a sauté pan. If you’re in a hurry, it can be microwaved.
Complete The Meal
Sides
Desserts
Fortune Cookie Recipe
15 mins
Fruit Pizza Cookies
18 mins
Chocolate Sheet Cake
35 mins
Dessert Parfait
1 hr 10 mins
Asian Chicken Dishes
Collections
This recipe was originally published August 2017.
Much easier than the recipe we’ve been using. Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for giving it a try and I hope you love it!
My son will like this. Looks great. Thank you
Can this be made in an air fryer?
I personally haven’t tried, but I am sure they could 🙂
Love your recipes. A great way to share them.
Awe, thank you so much!
This recipe is a favorite at my house because it is so easy, so yUmmy, and Everyone loves it. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
You are so welcome! Glad your family likes it! Thank you!
Im an orange or honey chicken fan and Dont really deviate however im so glad i tried this recipe. It was sO good!
My grandaughters favorite Chinese meal! We all love chinese food and when we make this dish i have to triple or quadruple the recipe. So good and very authentic!
My daughter would have this meal every day if she could! it is really good! we love the taste and how easy it is to make! Yummy
any version of a healthier way to do general tsaos is one im excited for! cant wait to give this a try