Print

Crispy General Tso’s Chicken: Forget takeout.

General Tso’s Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Learn to make crispy, delicious General Tso’s Chicken at home. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, creating a better-than-takeout dish you’ll love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • In a shallow dish, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
  • Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  • Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and hoisin sauce.
  • In the same wok or skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
  • Add the red pepper flakes.
  • Return the fried chicken to the wok and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs tend to stay more moist.

Nutrition