General Tso's Chicken Recipe: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Let me tell you something – General Tso’s Chicken is one of those dishes that always hits the spot. The crispy, sweet and sour batter, the juicy chicken, and the vibrant red peppers – it’s a real classic. And the best part? You can make it yourself at home! No more relying on the takeaway for that satisfying crunch and explosion of flavour.

I’ve been making General Tso’s Chicken for years, and trust me, this recipe is the real deal. It’s been refined over time, so you get that authentic taste without the hassle. I’ll walk you through every step, from prepping the chicken to frying it to perfection.

Ready to get your taste buds tingling? Let’s dive in!

Part 1: The Ingredients

First things first, we need to grab our ingredients. I'm all about convenience, but when it comes to General Tso’s Chicken, a trip to an Asian supermarket is a must. You’ll find higher-quality ingredients, and believe me, it makes a difference.

Chicken: The Star of the Show

• 800g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

Now, you might see recipes using chicken breasts, but I’m a firm believer in chicken thighs for this dish. They're juicier, more flavorful, and hold up much better to the batter. You'll get that perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.

The Sauce: A Symphony of Flavors

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick!)

General Tso's sauce is all about finding that perfect balance. It's sweet, it's sour, it's salty, it's umami – a real explosion of flavor in every bite. Don't skimp on the ginger! It adds that unique depth that makes this dish so special.

The Batter: The Secret to Crispiness

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup ice water

The secret to that incredible crispy batter? Ice water. It creates a light, airy texture that makes all the difference. Trust me, don’t swap it for room temperature water. You’ll notice the difference in the final dish.

The Extras: Finishing Touches

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Part 2: Prepping the Chicken

Okay, we've got all our ingredients, now let's get that chicken ready for its starring role.

Marinate for Tenderness and Flavor

We’re going to marinate the chicken to tenderize it and add even more flavor. My go-to marinade is simple and effective: just 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Coat the chicken pieces evenly and let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up that amazing sauce.

Part 3: Making the Sauce

This is where the magic really happens. Let’s create that irresistible flavor profile.

Blending the Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Set the sauce aside for now. It'll be ready to shine later!

Part 4: Creating the Batter

Now it’s time for the batter, the key to that satisfying crunch.

Mixing for Texture

In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually whisk in the ice water until you have a smooth batter. Don’t be alarmed if it seems a bit thin. It’s supposed to be! That’s what helps create that airy, crispy texture.

Part 5: Coating the Chicken

We’ve got the chicken prepped, the sauce ready, and the batter mixed. Now, it’s time to bring it all together!

Coating for Crispiness

Take each chicken piece and dip it into the batter, making sure it's completely coated. Gently shake off any excess batter. You want a nice, even coating – not drowning in batter, just enough for that crispy crust.

Part 6: Frying the Chicken to Perfection

This is the moment of truth – getting that beautiful golden-brown crust.

Heating the Oil

Pour the vegetable oil into a large wok or skillet. Heat it over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle immediately when you add the chicken, but not so hot that it burns.

Frying for Golden Perfection

Carefully place the battered chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps ensure even cooking. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through. Let them get nice and crispy before flipping them.

Draining for Crispness

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain that crispness.

Part 7: Finishing Touches with the Sauce

We're almost there! Now, let’s bring all those delicious flavors together.

Heating the Sauce

Pour the sauce into the same wok or skillet you used to fry the chicken. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. You want the sauce to thicken slightly. If it's too thin, add a tablespoon of cornstarch at a time, whisking continuously, until you get the consistency you prefer.

Adding the Chicken

Once the sauce is thickened, add the fried chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is coated in the sauce. Now, add the sliced red bell peppers and toss again.

Part 8: Serving Your Masterpiece

Ta-da! You’ve made a truly delicious General Tso’s Chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the General Tso’s chicken immediately over a bed of rice. Sprinkle with some sesame seeds and green onions for a final touch of flavor.

And that’s it! You’ve just created a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Part 9: Tips and Tricks for Success

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make this recipe even better.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use high-quality ingredients. It really makes a difference in the flavor.
• Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. It needs space to cook evenly and get that crispy crust.
• Make sure to toss the chicken in the sauce long enough to heat it through and allow the flavors to meld.
• Feel free to add more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.

Variations to Explore

Get creative! Experiment with other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas. You can even try different types of meat, like pork or tofu.

Now, let’s address some common questions.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Chicken Breasts?

You can, but I wouldn't recommend it. Chicken breasts tend to be drier than thighs, and they can become tough if they're overcooked. I find that thighs provide a more succulent and flavorful result.

2. What Can I Substitute for Rice Vinegar?

If you don't have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. But be warned – they won't have the same tangy flavor.

3. Can I Use Cornflour Instead of Cornstarch?

Yes, you can use cornflour in place of cornstarch, but it won't have the same smooth texture.

4. How Long Can I Store the Cooked Chicken?

You can store the cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat it, microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes.

5. Can I Make the Chicken in Advance?

Yes, you can fry the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to reheat and serve it.

Part 10: Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

You've got a delicious dish, now let's make it a full-fledged meal!

side dishes

General Tso’s chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or egg fried rice.

You can even go for noodles, a side of spring rolls, or some tasty prawn crackers for a real takeaway feel.

Drinks

For drinks, a cold beer is always a winner, but if you're feeling fancy, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Pinot Grigio.

Of course, a classic Chinese tea or a refreshing lemonade are also great options.

Part 11: Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!

There you have it, a complete guide to creating your own authentic General Tso’s Chicken. It’s easier than you think and so much more rewarding than ordering takeout.

Get your apron on, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a delicious adventure! Enjoy!