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General Tso’s Chicken

A close-up of crispy, glazed General Tso's chicken bites piled high on a plate.

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Recreate the sweet, tangy, and spicy fried chicken dish beloved in Chinese-American cuisine at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
  • Optional Garnish:
  • Cooked white rice
  • Scallions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
  3. Dip chicken pieces first in the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  6. While the chicken fries, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, ketchup, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, water, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
  7. Pour the sauce into a clean wok or large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Add the fried chicken to the thickened sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  9. Serve immediately over cooked white rice, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • For crispier chicken, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying and do not overcrowd the pot.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • This recipe is a great alternative to using meal planning services for a quick weeknight dinner.

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