Dinner

General Tso’s Chicken

Name: General Tso’s Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups vegetable oil for frying; 1 large egg; 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon white sugar; 1 pinch white pepper; 1 cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons chopped green onion; 1 clove garlic, minced; 6 dried whole red chilies; 1 strip orange zest; ½ cup white sugar; ¼ cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons chicken broth

A classic Chinese-American takeout favorite, this General Tso's Chicken features crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. It's a surprisingly manageable dish to make at home.

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together the egg, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and white pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
Add the cornstarch to the bowl with the chicken and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Heat 4 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
In a clean skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green onion, minced garlic, dried red chilies, and orange zest. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup white sugar, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the skillet.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish known for its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Tender, crispy chicken pieces are tossed in a glossy sauce that is both sweet and tangy, with a hint of heat. This recipe brings that restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.