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General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. This delicious meal is often served with rice and steamed broccoli, making it a favorite for takeout and homemade dinners alike.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese-American
Servings 4 People
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowls
  • 1 whisk or fork
  • 1 frying pan or wok
  • 1 slotted spoon
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 paper towels

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • Steamed rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs. In another bowl, place the cornstarch.
  • Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
  • In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce into the pan, bringing it to a simmer.
  • Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss them in the sauce until well coated.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve the General Tso's Chicken over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

Adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes.
For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying.
Feel free to add vegetables, such as bell peppers or broccoli, to the dish for added nutrition.