Name: General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup); 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups steamed broccoli florets; Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

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If you’re searching for a big, bold dish that’s better for you and full of flavor, General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner deserves a permanent spot on your meal rotation. This recipe delivers juicy, golden chicken and a glossy, sweet-tangy sauce that sticks to every bite, all with a lighter touch—perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. With wholesome ingredients and just the right amount of heat and crunch, it’s a winner for everyone at the table (even the picky eaters). Prepare to fall in love with a healthier take on a legendary favorite!

General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few pantry staples can bring General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner to life. Each ingredient is handpicked to contribute to the iconic taste, sticky texture, and beautiful color—without weighing you down or requiring fancy shopping trips.

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures lean, protein-packed bites that cook up juicy and tender.
Cornstarch: Gives the chicken its signature crisp coating with much less oil—essential for that irresistible texture.
Olive or Avocado Oil: A small amount for sautéing delivers golden chicken while keeping things heart-healthy.
Garlic: Three cloves add deep savory notes that perfume the sauce and make the whole kitchen smell amazing.
Fresh Ginger: A bit of grated ginger brings warmth and zing, brightening up every bite.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Creates a silky base for the sauce while letting you control the saltiness.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and rich color—lower-sodium so you can enjoy more flavor, guilt-free.
Rice Vinegar: Gives the sauce a tangy pop that balances sweet and savory elements perfectly.
Honey (or Maple Syrup): All-natural sweetness without refined sugars; choose your favorite for a subtle flavor twist.
Hoisin Sauce: This glossy, complex condiment is a must for authentic, restaurant-style taste.
Sesame Oil: Just a splash for nutty, toasty undertones in the final sauce.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat—add as much (or as little) as your family enjoys!
Steamed Broccoli Florets: Two cups up the nutrition and greens, absorbing that flavorful sauce for a perfect veggie side.
Sliced Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: For an eye-catching garnish packed with crunch and fresh flavor.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing those juicy, bite-size pieces of chicken breast with cornstarch until every nook is covered. This magic dusting forms the base for a crisp crust—the kind you crave when thinking about General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner. Don’t be afraid to be thorough here; it lays the foundation for everything that comes next!

Step 2: Crisp and Cook

In a large skillet or wok, warm up your olive or avocado oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add in the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces and let them sizzle, turning occasionally for 5 to 6 minutes. You’re aiming for golden brown, cooked-through perfection. Once ready, scoop them out and set aside (try not to nibble too many—yet!).

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Without waiting, toss your minced garlic and grated ginger into the same hot skillet and stir for about 30 seconds, just until they’re fragrant and irresistible. This step infuses the oil and gives the entire dish its signature, mouthwatering aroma.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and those sneaky crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little fire. Stir everything together and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes so it thickens slightly and turns glossy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Slide the chicken back into the pan and toss to coat each piece in that beautifully thickened sauce. Add the steamed broccoli florets and give everything a good mix for 1 to 2 more minutes. The broccoli drinks up the sauce and the vibrant green makes everything pop—plate up and get ready to wow your family!

How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner

Garnishes

Garnishing isn’t just for looks! Sprinkle a generous handful of sliced green onions and a pinch of sesame seeds over your General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner. They add crunch and a pop of fresh flavor that balances the rich sauce, transforming this dish from good to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This meal shines over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or nutty quinoa, letting every drop of sauce soak in. For even more color and crunch, consider pairing with steamed snap peas, a cool cucumber salad, or simple roasted carrots.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, pile everything onto a large platter and let everyone serve themselves. Or, try making individual “rice bowls” layered with grains, vibrant vegetables, and plenty of General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner for an Instagram-worthy presentation that’s as fun to eat as it is to serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll keep for up to three days. The chicken stays tender, and the sauce soaks in even more flavor, making a terrific next-day lunch.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Cool the chicken and sauce completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container (separately from plain rice or grains). Freeze for up to two months—just defrost in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for a quick, comforting dinner.

Reheating

To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until hot and bubbling. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating also works—cover, heat in short bursts, and stir for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I make General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari and double-check your hoisin sauce for gluten-free labeling. Everything else in this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.

Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just use boneless, skinless thighs and follow the same method—they’ll cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

You sure can. For even less oil and a crispy texture, arrange the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, before tossing them in the sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is totally customizable! The suggested amount of crushed red pepper flakes gives a gentle warmth, but you can dial it down to zero for sensitive palates or turn it up if you want some extra kick.

What vegetables can I add or swap in?

This recipe is super flexible—try adding bell peppers, snow peas, baby bok choy, or even cauliflower for a meatless twist. Just be sure to steam or cook them lightly so they stay bright and crisp.

Final Thoughts

Once you try General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner, it’s bound to become your go-to for nights that call for something hearty, healthy, and universally loved. Takeout-style flavor meets smart home cooking—give it a whirl, and watch your family reach for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a healthier take on the classic General Tso’s Chicken with this easy and flavorful recipe. Tender chicken pieces are coated in cornstarch for a crispy texture, then tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce with a hint of spice. Served with steamed broccoli and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving:

2 cups steamed broccoli florets
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden brown, then set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger, then add broth, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, add broccoli, and heat through. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For extra crispiness, bake the cornstarch-coated chicken at 425°F for 15 minutes before adding to the sauce.
Try using cauliflower as a vegetarian alternative to chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Chinese-American