As the aroma of sizzling chicken fills the kitchen, I can’t help but smile at the thought of whipping up my favorite comfort food—Homemade General Tso’s Chicken. This dish isn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a delightful blend of crispy, tender chicken enveloped in a sweet and spicy sauce that will transport your taste buds to your favorite takeout joint (minus the delivery fee!). What I adore about making this version at home is how quick the prep is—ready in under an hour and healthier too. Plus, with gluten-free options available, everyone can savor its bold flavors without any guilt. Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Let’s dive into this delicious journey together!

Why is General Tso’s Chicken a Must-Try?

Crispy Perfection: Each bite features golden-brown chicken that’s irresistibly crunchy on the outside.
Sweet and Spicy: The balanced sauce brings a delightful kick with its sweet and tangy profile, making this dish a flavor explosion.
Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour, it’s an ideal choice for those hectic weeknight dinners.
Meal Prep Friendly: Easily make it ahead of time—perfect for busy schedules and satisfying cravings without the wait of takeout!
Customizable: Whether you prefer it gluten-free or with added veggies like broccoli, you can tailor it to your dietary needs. Treat yourself to this General Tsos Chicken and discover why it’s a favorite at home!

General Tso’s Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – 1½ pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces; this is the star protein for your flavorful dish.
• Cornstarch – ½ cup; it creates a crispy coating when fried, and you can substitute with rice flour for gluten-free options.
• All-purpose Flour – ½ cup; it helps in achieving a perfect crust texture—swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste; these simple seasonings enhance the overall flavor beautifully.
• Egg Whites – 2 large; they bind the coating to the chicken, ensuring a satisfying crunch.
• Vegetable/Canola Oil – ½ cup; ideal for frying, but ensure you use an oil with a high smoke point for best results.

For the Sauce
• Hoisin Sauce – ⅔ cup; it brings an irresistible sweetness and depth of flavor to your dish.
• Rice Vinegar – ⅓ cup; this ingredient balances the sweetness with its pleasing acidity.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – ⅓ cup; adds umami to the sauce—use tamari for a gluten-free version.
• Light Brown Sugar – ¼ cup, packed; it provides sweetness to counterbalance the sharpness, and feel free to use coconut sugar as a substitute.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced; it serves as an aromatic flavor enhancer that brings the dish to life.
• Ground Ginger – 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger; this spice adds warmth and depth; fresh ginger is always a delicious choice!
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – ½ teaspoon (or more to taste); customize the heat level to your liking with this spicy addition.
• Cornstarch (for thickening) – 1½ teaspoons; perfect for achieving that desirable sauce thickness.

Now that you have gathered all the essential ingredients for your Homemade General Tso’s Chicken, get ready to indulge in a dish that is truly a delight for the senses!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, season 1½ pounds of bite-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup of cornstarch and ½ cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour). Whisk together the 2 large egg whites until frothy, then dip each chicken piece into the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated before setting them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Fry Chicken
Heat ½ cup of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 3–4 minutes. Carefully add the coated chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken pieces for about 4–5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup of hoisin sauce, ⅓ cup of rice vinegar, ⅓ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, and ¼ cup packed light brown sugar until smooth. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon of fresh minced ginger), and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Finally, mix in 1½ teaspoons of cornstarch for thickening, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine
Once the chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove any excess oil from the skillet, leaving just enough to coat the bottom. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir well over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, making sure to coat the fried chicken thoroughly in the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and serve your homemade General Tso’s Chicken immediately over steamed jasmine rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. The vibrant, sticky sauce and perfectly crispy chicken make for an enticing dish that will surely impress your family and friends.

What to Serve with Homemade General Tso’s Chicken

Pairing your General Tso’s Chicken with the right sides will elevate your meal to a new level of deliciousness.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant base that absorbs the savory sauce, making each bite heavenly.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers add a fresh crunch that complements the dish beautifully. Their earthy flavors provide balance.
Egg Rolls: Crispy and flaky, these appetizers are perfect for dipping and add a delightful textural contrast to your meal.
Fried Rice: Hearty and filling, fried rice infused with soy and sesame flavors pairs perfectly, embracing the sweet and spicy notes of the chicken.
Sesame Noodles: These soft, chewy noodles tossed in sesame oil provide a delightful counterpart to the crispy chicken.
Cool Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding a vibrant crunchy crunch and a touch of acidity.
Lychee Martini: This fruity cocktail, with its sweet and floral notes, can be an exquisite drink pairing that enhances the overall flavor experience.

General Tso’s Chicken: Endless Variations

Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own—let your creativity shine in the kitchen with these fantastic twists!

Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and all-purpose flour with rice flour for a gluten-free delight. Enjoy the same great flavors, perfectly tailored to your diet.
Baked Alternative: For a healthier twist, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method still yields a satisfying crunch without excess oil.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for tofu, cut into cubes. Coat in the same flour mixture and fry until golden for a delicious plant-based version.
Veggie Boost: Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only enhances the nutrition but also adds lovely colors to your dish.
Sweet Heat: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of Sriracha for an extra kick. Spice lovers can rejoice with this fiery upgrade!
Citrus Zest: Incorporate a splash of orange or lemon juice into the sauce for a refreshing citrus brightness that complements the sweetness.
Sesame Flavor: Toss in some toasted sesame oil into the sauce for an added layer of nutty flavor. This small addition can elevate the dish immensely.
Save for Later: For meal prep, fry a larger batch of chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Reheat and combine when you’re ready to serve for that just-cooked crisp!

Dig into the world of delicious possibilities by trying variations of this classic dish, and if you’re looking for more equally tasty recipes, check out my Chicken Enchiladas Sour and Bang Bang Chicken for inspiration!

Storage Tips for General Tso’s Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to regain its crispiness.

Meal Prep: If meal prepping, consider storing the chicken and sauce separately until serving to keep the coating crunchy and flavorful.

Expert Tips for General Tso’s Chicken

• Heat the Oil: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding chicken; this guarantees crispy chicken instead of a greasy mess.

• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature; overcrowding leads to soggy pieces.

• Perfect Crunch: For maximum crispiness, coat chicken pieces well with the cornstarch and flour mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.

• Thick Sauce: If your sauce isn’t thickening as desired, let it simmer slightly longer to reach that perfect glossy consistency.

• Make Ahead: You can fry the chicken and prepare the sauce separately; mix them just before serving for the best texture.

• Gluten-Free Swap: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice flour as an alternative to keep your General Tso’s Chicken gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Make Ahead Options

These Homemade General Tso’s Chicken are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chicken and coat it with the cornstarch and flour mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days—just give it a good stir to recombine before using. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the marinated chicken until golden, then toss it with the reheated sauce for a quick, delicious meal that tastes just as fresh and flavorful as when made on the spot. This way, you save time without sacrificing quality!

General Tso’s Chicken Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting chicken for General Tso’s Chicken?
Absolutely! For the best results, use fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts that are firm with a slight pink tint. Avoid any that have dark spots or an off-smell, as both are signs of spoilage. Also, ensure there’s no excess liquid packaging, as this can affect the cooking process.

How should I store leftovers of General Tso’s Chicken?
After enjoying your delicious meal, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its crispiness, consider reheating it in a skillet over medium heat, which takes about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Can I freeze General Tso’s Chicken?
Very! To freeze your homemade dish, allow it to cool completely first. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container, ensuring you seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What should I do if my sauce isn’t thickening as expected?
If your sauce seems too thin, don’t worry! Simply let it simmer a bit longer over medium heat. For a quick fix, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, and slowly stir it into the bubbling sauce for added thickness. This should help you achieve that perfect, glossy finish!

Are there any dietary considerations for General Tso’s Chicken?
Yes! For those who need gluten-free options, simply swap the soy sauce with tamari and use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, you can enjoy this dish with a variety of vegetables or even substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version. Always double-check ingredients like sauces and marinades for hidden gluten!

How long can I keep General Tso’s Chicken in the fridge?
You can enjoy your delicious General Tso’s Chicken for up to 3 days when stored properly in the fridge. To keep it fresh, be sure to use an airtight container. If you’re ever unsure, a taste test is always a great idea—if it smells good and tastes good, you’re in the clear!