General Tso's Chicken
General Tso's Chicken is a delectable blend of crispy, golden chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce that hits all the right notes of sweet and spicy. It's a simple dish that packs a punch, perfect for those nights when you're craving something comforting yet exciting.
Servings: 4
Calories: 574kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs boneless, skinless and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
- 2 green onions sliced 2-3 inches long for garnish
- sesame seeds for garnish
Sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with baking soda, dark soy sauce and a tablespoon of soy sauce. Set aside for 10 minutes to marinade.
- In another bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chili flakes, and water. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce mixture and mix well.
- Place the cup of cornstarch in a shallow plate and add the chicken pieces along with the marinade and toss the chicken well with the cornstarch to coat all the pieces.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Clean the wok, add another tablespoon of oil and heat over medium-high heat. Carefully pour the sauce mixture into the wok. Once the sauce begins to simmer, add the fried chicken pieces back in. Toss to coat the chicken with the sauce and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve with steamed white rice or your preferred side dish.
Video
Notes
- Marinating Time Matters: Don't skip the marinating step. It tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Crispy Chicken: For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken is well-coated with cornstarch and the oil is hot before frying.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
- Serving Suggestion: Best served hot with steamed rice or noodles and a side of steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the chicken's texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 1469mg | Potassium: 411mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 236IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg