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Classic General Tsos Chicken Recipe

Classic General Tsos Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

General Tso’s Chicken from China brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen with crispy, tender chicken in a tangy-sweet sauce that comes together faster than ordering takeout. Perfectly balanced and packed with bold flavors, this classic dish turns an ordinary dinner into a delightful culinary adventure.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Binders and Seasonings:

  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger

Cooking Medium:

  • vegetable oil

Optional Heat:

  • chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Dice 1 pound chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and submerge in ¼ cup soy sauce for 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  2. Create two separate shallow dishes: one with 1 cup all-purpose flour and another with 2 lightly beaten eggs. Remove chicken from marinade and thoroughly dredge each piece first in egg, then coat completely in flour.
  3. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, heating to 350°F. Carefully place battered chicken pieces into hot oil, maintaining medium-high heat. Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes until exteriors turn deep golden brown and crispy.
  4. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
  5. In a separate saucepan, combine 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, ¼ cup sugar, remaining soy sauce, and optional chili flakes. Simmer at medium heat for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Gently toss crispy chicken pieces in prepared sauce, ensuring each piece receives an even, glossy coating.
  7. Serve immediately while chicken remains warm and sauce clings perfectly to each morsel.

Notes

  • Always cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
  • Marinating chicken briefly in soy sauce adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Let your oil reach the right temperature (around 350°F) before frying to get that perfect golden crunch without absorbing excess oil.
  • When making the sauce, taste and adjust seasonings to your preference, adding more chili flakes for extra heat or a touch of honey for sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-13 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 510 kcal
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg