General Tso’s Chicken is a favorite Chinese food takeout choice that is sweet and slightly spicy with a kick from garlic and ginger.
If you love the sweet and tangy flavors of Orange Chicken, but want something with bit more kick, give General Tso’s Chicken a try! It’s sure to be a new favorite Chinese main dish!
Sabrina’s General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken popular menu option that can be found at most American-Chinese restaurants. Crispy wok fried chicken bites are tossed in sticky, sweet and spicy sauce for an entree that is deliciously addicting. The best part is that it’s quicker and cheaper to make than ordering out. This spicier, zestier cousin to the sweeter orange chicken is a fantastic option when you’re looking to make delicious Asian takeout at home! For another spicy fave try my Sweet Chili Chicken.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken thighs , cut into 1 inch chunks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- vegetable oil , for frying
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
To Finish
- 1 tablespoon ginger , minced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
Instructions
- Toss the chicken thighs with the quarter cup of cornstarch and let sit while you mix the sauce ingredients.
- Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar and tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl and whisk together.
- Add the chicken to a pan with the oil and fry until crispy.
- Remove chicken from the pan and drain all but a tablespoon of the oil. Next, add in the chili flakes, ginger and garlic.
- Cook the aromatics until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add in the chicken and toss, then add in the sauce.
- Stir for about 30 seconds, or until thickened.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Video
Nutrition
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Table of contents
Chef’s Note: Hoisin Sauce
The addition of the hoisin sauce may seem small, and you may be tempted to skip it because it isn’t a normal pantry item unless you are used to doing Asian cooking. This fermented soybean-based sauce is traditionally made with Chinese five spice blend for a distinctive flavor beloved by many. You’ll immediately recognize the flavor when you try it and the one bottle will make many delicious dishes. If you can, I encourage you to add it to your shopping list because it really adds to that distinct General Tso’s flavor.
Ingredients
- Chicken: We’re using boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the recipe. But you can use skinless chicken breasts, or even chicken tenders.
- Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar is a pretty inexpensive vinegar in the grocery store and an amazing flavor boost for salads as well as many Asian recipes. You won’t regret the purchase.
- Hoisin Sauce: This is a staple Asian pantry item. It has an awesome depth of flavor and is sometimes referred to as Asian BBQ sauce.
- Sesame Seeds: Presentation counts. A little sprinkling of sesame seeds, chopped chives or even red chili pepper will instantly add flair to your meal.
- Sugar: A little bit of sugar balances the heat and savory flavors while making the sauce sticky and thick.
- Aromatics: The sauce is finished off with some chili flakes for heat, ginger for some freshness and garlic for a savory punch.
How to Store
- Serve: Serve hot and don’t keep the chicken out for more than two hours.
- Store: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove.
- Freeze: This is a great meal to freeze. Store extras in the freezer for up to 6 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight when ready and reheat until completely hot.
Air Fryer Method
- Step One: Prepare the chicken by coating in the cornstarch. In a single layer in the air fryer, spray the top with a light coat of cooking oil and cook on 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Set a time and flip the chicken over at the 4 minute mark to cook both sides. Cook in batches to ensure a crispy chicken.
- Step Two: While the chicken cooks, modify the recipe only in frying the garlic and ginger and pepper flakes and then adding in the already made sauce. Stir it up and let it thicken and get nice and hot.
- Step Three: Once the chicken is done cooking, you can add it directly to the sauce and serve hot!
- Note: You can also try my Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe for another cooking option!
Frequent Questions
The legend says that there was an actual General from Hunan Province in China who was well known as a general and military leader. An immigrant from China created the dish in New York in the 1950’s where it was popularized and spread across Chinese restaurants around the USA. He named the dish in honor of that famous general.
General Tso’s Chicken is prepared by frying chicken and coating it with a sweet, salty, and sticky sauce. It’s similar to orange chicken but with ginger and garlic instead of citrus, plus Hoisin sauce, so it’s more savory with a fresh, zestier kick.
More Delicious Asian Chicken Recipes
Photos used in a previous version of this post:
Wonderful taste
This recipe is absolute perfection! Our kids ask for it at least once a week! We like it spicy so I add a little more pepper flakes but it is certainly not necessary. Thank you for the recipe! You have taken away my fear of cooking Asian cuisine!
Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and let me know. I know a lot of cuisines at first seem intimidating but I’m happy that you decided to give it a try. Opens a whole new world!
I’ve made this a few times and I have to say it is easy and so delicious! Better than take out for sure!!
Made this with tofu didn’t have the hoisin. I thought such a small amount wouldn’t be missed but it’s needing an oomph so i guess that’s what it is. Still good but can’t wait to try again with the hoisin
Excellent!
I made this last night and it was delicious! I experiment with a lot of similar recipes and my 3 co-eaters said this was one of, if not the best one. I don’t love the mess of frying the chicken (I only used 1/4 inch of oil in a deep pot and its still messy) but it is worth it. I didn’t change anything! Thanks!
Hey sabrina,
Never had general tso’s chicken before so thought i’d try it out as i had all the ingredients at home. My 9yo son LOVED it so much he licked the plate clean and wished for more (and of course his wish was granted, gave half my husband’s portions to him). Thanks for this great recipe, will be keeping it!
Absolutely delish! Fast and effortless loved it! Thanks!
I rarely comment on recipes but this one is PERFECT and we love it in my house! Perfect proportions of everything and great instructions. I add a lot more garlic and pepper flakes but that’s just our taste. Highly recommend!!
Yay! Glad to have inspired you to come back and let me know. I appreciate the 5 star rating.
Excellent recipe..you nailed it. My kids thoroughly enjoyed it. I added toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Thank you so much!
The rice vinegar is way too strong and makes it less appealing.
Yum. Made it according to the recipe. Yummy. I think my frying oil temperature was too low, but the cornstarch breading still crisped up. Thank you for enabling me to enjoy one of my favorites.
YES! This was fantastic. My fiance wanted to push for seasoning the cornstarch but we stuck to the recipe. EXCEPT we used El Gaucho Diablo Steak season instead of red pepper flakes. We cooked the one pound in 3 small batches.
I’m glad you both enjoyed it, Windy.
I rarely fry anything, but this recently looks wonderful. How much oil should I have in the pan? Enough to cover the chicken pieces? Is peanut oil what you would recommend?
To get the crispy coating, you need to fry the chicken. You want to have the chicken floating in the oil, about 3 inches. Hope this helps!
Best recipe ever. Made it exactly accept used ground Ginger and doubled the red pepper flakes. We like spicy definitely a 5 star rating.
. Best recipe ever. Made exactly except used ground ginger and dbl the red pepper flakes. We like spicy.. so easy to make
Is it possible to convert this into metroc system?
If you click on the green link that says ‘Metric’ under the ingredient list, it’ll adjust the measurements. Hope this helps!
Hi! I don’t have hoisin sauce – if I make this will it still be good? If not, how can I replace it? Thanks!
It adds a distinct flavor so I don’t recommend skipping it.
Omg, I LOVE this recipe!!! ? I used Peanut Oil to fry the chicken. I added white pepper to the cornstarch that the chicken was dredged. Also used Cane Sugar instead of regular white sugar.
This has been my ‘go to’ recipe for Gen Tso’s chicken!
Always a favorite ?
Thank you David! So glad you love the recipe!
The taste of this recipe was what I was looking for. And thanks for the cooking timers what a great idea.
Tastes delicious however the nutrition information is WAY off. If you’re sticking to a certain calorie count or macros be sure to enter the recipe into whatever diary you use before eating.
If you’re sticking to a certain calorie count, you shouldn’t even be looking at this recipe.
Is it possible to substitute the minced ginger for ground ginger?
Yes, but you’ll want to double the amount.
I’m going to try this later this week and I’m super excited!! Never tried anything like this (well making myself, it’s my favourite for Chinese though). If using ginger powder is that ok?
If that’s all you have to use, that would work though you’ll only want to use 1/4 teaspoon of the powder since it’s more concentrated than fresh. Good luck!
I followed the recipe faithfully…… and it was wonderful! I love Chinese food, but many of the recipes just don’t live up to what I can get from a restaurant. I think this recipe was even better than my favorite take out.
Thanks, Connie!
Best fried chicken ever I thought I messed up when I took the chick out because it didn’t look like the picture yet but then you put the sauce on it and it looks perfect if u have never fired chicken you can’t go wrong with this meal with some white rice
Wow, I haven’t had this good of a general tso’s chicken since I went to Washington D.C./Arlington v.a. years ago.
This particular recipe reminded me of the fondness of trying that dish on a whim one day via food delivery to a hotel we were staying at the time, my family and I and I hadn’t been able to have that same taste /sense memory since, when I had this the aromas, the texture, the taste all of it came calling back, even if it was for a trip of sad things, having that dish made it bearable., and this recipe made me have happy mind memories.
thank you so much for making this easy and simple yet fanatastic to be better than the one I now get in my hometown, just don’t tell them that.. 😉
the only thing I tweaked was the ingredents of the ginger and the garlic for what i had on hand, i used one tsp of garlic powder not salt, and one tablespoon of powdered ginger in the 4 portions setting…
I have subscribed as I hope to try more recipes,and have shared this with everyone I know .Thanks again !
I love it and it’s become my go to, !
another hint for first timers: The more this sits overnight chilling the hotter it becomes in a good way all the flavours just marry each other brilliantly.
I’m glad you love it so much!
Made this tonight. Doubled the recipe. Sauce was way too sweet. And something was missing. Next time I’ll cut the rice vinegar a bit, use less sugar, and I’ll probably add a bit of sesame oil. Great recipe otherwise! Gonna try your spring roll recipe next!
Simple, quick but great recipe! I added whole red chiles for more kick, and topped with toasted sesame seeds. You might want to revise the nutritional info though – 1g protein can’t be right, and what about fat content? Thanks for sharing!
I just made this recipe tonight. I really enjoyed it. I didn’t have any chili flakes, but I had everything else on hand. Thank you.
Super Easy and absolutely delicious! I will be making this again!! My family LOVED it!!
Thank you!
I made the sauce to put in the refrigerator for tomorrow’s dinner. It’s not heated yet but the soy sauce taste is a little strong. Is this normal? If not how can I fix this?
OMG so good! Chinese restaurants don’t serve General Tso’s in the UK so it was so amazing to be able to recreate it at home. Thank you!
This was bomb! My husband & I loved it!
I am not much of a Cook and I somehow pulled this off. Loved the recipe! My family seemed to really enjoy it too! Thanks!
First time deep frying in oil. since I was 16 and burned down my best friends parent’s kitchen in the 1970’s! I just Googled how long to cook chicken pieces, and how much oil to use. I was nervous, but it came out perfectly! Very tasty sauce, and I toasted a bunch of sesame seeds for presentation. I made bacon fried rice to go with it- a combo I watched Michael Strahan make on Facebook! We were very happy at my house tonight!
Oh my gosh!! I can see why you waited so long to try again, haha! Glad to hear it was a success this time!
Best General Tso’s I’ve ever had! Sauce is on point. TIP: You can add corn starch to the chicken as it fries to improve coverage. More is better than less! Half inch thick strips of chicken were perfect. Cook until golden brown.
How do you add it while it’s frying?
This Dish tasted so delicious, I had so many people surprised and stating it was better than takeout. Definitely will be using this recipe in the future.
Made this dish the other night, and it was so delicious! Thank you for your recipes. Trying more soon.
Was great tasting. Took a little longer since we doubled the recipe. Chicken could be a little bigger chunks though as they got to be chewy.
Awesome!
All six members of my family loved this meal and left their plates empty after eating second helpings!!
( I doubled the recipe!)
Thank you !
Can it be made with sweetener instead of sugar, and if so, any particular kind?
I haven’t tested it using anything else. If you decide to try, I’d love to know what worked for you. Thanks!
This recipe is absolutely amazing! 1st attempt was a success. Only thing I did different was that I didn’t have fresh ginger on hand so I used my ground ginger from the spice cabinet but cut it in half. My family fell in love with this dish and it is now printed and filed in my go to recipe book. I served it with garlic rice and steamed zucchini. Thank you for this recipe!
Can you make the chicken pieces in an air fryer rather than fry them in the oil?
I haven’t tested it that way. If you decide to try, I’d love to know how it turns out. Thanks!
I just did it tonight! Just before the chicken was done in the air fryer I sautéed the garlic, ginger and red pepper in some oil and just continued with the recipe like normal. Was fantastic and just too easy! Everyone loved it. Thank you!
Thanks for the feedback, Sam. So glad to hear it worked out.
Can I air fry instead of frying in oil?
I’ve not tested it that way but if you decide to try, I’d love to know how it turns out. Thanks!
Best general tso chicken I ever had will definitely make again thank you so much for sharing recipe
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs and just cut them into small pieces?
Sure 🙂
I made this exactly as the directions indicated, getting the exact ingredients. I added broccoli during the ginger/garlic addition. The family ABSOLUTELY loved it. Thank you for the recipe.
Is 90 calories per serving correct?
No. It can’t be. The protein amount is also incorrect and there is no fat included in the nutritional info either. I wouldn’t rely on the nutrition facts on this one.
really good. note to use a lot of oil.
This was good. thanks for sharing. I did make a few tweaks. I added more sugar and about a tbsp of brown sugar. I also added a bit of Thai chili oil. I added more sugar to cut the vinegar cuz it was a lot for me. I also tripled the recipe as I wanted more sauce to cover my veggies and rice.
Made for dinner last night and will make again! Doubled the sauce and threw in some veggies. Might use a bit less sugar next time. Hubs loved it! Thanks!
Hi there! If we want to make this following your “baked orange chicken” recipe, would we use breadcrumbs as that recipe calls for?
Thanks,
Aly
You could.
It would have turned out good but mom sucks at reading directions so what we have is soggy chicken with sauce on it. It tasted like it kinda.