Name: Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; ¼ cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry); Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

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If you’ve ever wished you could whip up your favorite takeout dish at home, you’ll fall in love with this Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. It’s savory, perfectly crispy, and glazed in a sticky, sweet, slightly spicy sauce that hits all the right notes. This dish transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s ready faster than delivery. If comfort food with big flavors is your thing, get ready—this recipe’s about to become a household favorite.

Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe so wonderful is how the simplest ingredients, each with their own role, come together to create something truly showstopping. Crisp chicken, bold aromatics, and a mouthwatering sauce—that’s the secret sauce for unforgettable homemade takeout!

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Their natural juiciness ensures every bite is tender and flavorful—you get the classic General Tso’s texture!
Cornstarch: The key to a golden, crispy coating on the chicken pieces, and also used as a thickener for that luscious sauce.
Vegetable oil: Just enough is needed to crisp up the chicken without making it greasy—choose a neutral oil for best results.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with deep, savory aroma and flavor—don’t skip this!
Fresh ginger (grated): Adds a bright, slightly peppery zing that beautifully balances the sweet and umami notes in the dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A dash turns up the heat, allowing you to tweak the spiciness to suit your crowd.
Soy sauce: The essential umami base of the sauce—opt for low-sodium if you prefer less salt.
Hoisin sauce: Gives the sauce body, sweetness, and signature depth—it’s a real game-changer.
Rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang, keeping the flavors balanced and bright.
Brown sugar: Adds that irresistible caramelized sweetness that makes the sauce utterly addictive.
Chicken broth: Helps build a rich, glossy sauce—go for unsalted to control your seasoning.
Sesame oil: Just a splash offers that unmistakably toasty aroma and nutty flavor Chinese food lovers crave.
Cornstarch slurry (2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water): This final thickening step turns your sauce extra glossy and clingy—just like the best takeout.
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): The bright, fresh finish and crunch elevate every bite visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Begin by tossing your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with cornstarch until every surface is evenly coated. This simple but vital step is the secret behind that signature crispy crust—it’s what sets the Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe apart from soggy imitators. Make sure not to overcrowd the bowl so each piece gets a good, even dusting.

Step 2: Crisp the Chicken

Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches, place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally so every side achieves a burnished golden brown and the chicken cooks through. Remove cooked pieces to a plate and resist the urge to nibble—your patience will be rewarded later.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same pan (don’t clean it out—you want those tasty browned bits!), add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible. This step infuses the oil (and ultimately the whole dish) with deep, complex flavors right from the start.

Step 4: Build the Signature Sauce

With your aromatics sizzling, stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil. As the mixture simmers, you’ll notice the classic aroma wafting through your kitchen. Stir gently to combine and let it bubble away for a minute, giving all those flavors a chance to meld.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

When the sauce is nicely simmering, it’s time to thicken it up. Mix your cornstarch slurry and pour it slowly into the pan, stirring well. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a shiny, velvety glaze that’s just the right consistency to coat your chicken.

Step 6: Toss & Finish

Return your crispy chicken to the pan, tossing it in the hot, thickened sauce until every piece is covered in that glossy, irresistible glaze. This is where the magic of the Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe truly comes alive. Finally, sprinkle over the sliced green onions and sesame seeds—both for flavor and that professional, photogenic finish. Time to serve!

How to Serve Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

For the final flourish, sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds are non-negotiable. Not only do they brighten up the color of your Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe, but they also add a fresh crunch and nutty flavor that contrast perfectly with the sticky glaze. If you want more zing, a few extra red pepper flakes on top can add a pop of color and heat.

Side Dishes

This dish just begs for something to soak up all that savory-sweet sauce. Fluffy steamed white rice is the classic partner, but brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even fried rice work beautifully as well. On the veggie front, lightly steamed broccoli or snap peas round out the meal with their freshness and vivid color, creating that iconic takeout experience at home.

Creative Ways to Present

While the Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe looks great in a big family-style bowl, you can get playful! Try serving it in lettuce cups for a fun appetizer or lighter meal. For parties, set out little bamboo picks for an easy-to-eat finger food twist. Or go bento-box style: layer rice, chicken, and veggies in sections for a meal that’s both eye-catching and convenient to eat on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra? Pop the leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The chicken will soften slightly but will still be packed with flavor, soaking up all that gorgeous sauce. For best results, store the chicken and rice separately so each retains its own ideal texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze for future cravings, let the Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe cool completely before sealing it in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.

Reheating

For that just-cooked taste, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving also works in a pinch—use medium power and cover the dish to lock in moisture. Stir halfway through to be sure everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner option—just keep an eye on the cook time to avoid over-drying. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, but both will deliver a delicious result.

How spicy will the Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe be with red pepper flakes?

With the amount listed, the dish has a gentle heat. If you’re spice-shy, halve or omit the red pepper flakes. If you love a fiery kick, feel free to increase the amount to match your taste buds!

Can I make this Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in a good-quality gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and double-check your hoisin sauce ingredients to keep everything safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

What’s the secret to keeping the chicken crispy in this dish?

The trick is to cook the chicken in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan so it crisps up properly. Also, toss the chicken in sauce right before eating, rather than letting it sit in sauce for too long, to maintain the best texture.

Can I air-fry or bake the chicken for this recipe?

Definitely! Lightly oil your cornstarch-coated chicken pieces and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a lovely crispy result with less oil.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to cook this Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe as I am to share it with you! Homemade takeout is truly a joy, and this recipe will dazzle with every bite. Give it a try—the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy awaits right in your own kitchen.

Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the bold and flavorful taste of homemade General Tso’s Chicken with this easy recipe. Crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

Scale

For Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)

For Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

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Instructions

Toss the Chicken: Coat chicken pieces with cornstarch.
Cook Chicken: Brown chicken in oil, then set aside.
Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, broth, and sesame oil. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Combine: Toss chicken in sauce until coated.
Garnish: Serve garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.