General Tso's Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a dish that’s beloved by many for its balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch. The crispy chicken pieces are enveloped in a rich, tangy sauce that makes every bite a flavor-packed experience. With just the right amount of heat and savory notes from soy and hoisin sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Whether you serve it with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or simply on its own, General Tso’s Chicken is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a weeknight meal, or a weekend treat. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adjusting the spice level to suit your preferences. Serve it with a garnish of green onions and dried chilies for an added kick or simply enjoy its original balance of flavors.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

500g boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust for heat preference)
3 dried red chilies (optional, for extra heat)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Mix cornstarch, flour, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Coat the chicken pieces with the dry mixture.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Remove and set aside.
In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, hoisin sauce, chili paste, and water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
Add the crispy chicken pieces to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Add dried red chilies (optional) for an extra kick, and garnish with chopped green onions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Origins of General Tso’s Chicken

While General Tso’s Chicken is often associated with traditional Chinese cuisine, its roots are not entirely Chinese. The dish was actually created in the United States in the 1970s by Chinese-American chefs who sought to develop something that would appeal to Western tastes. The dish was named after General Tso, a famous Chinese military leader, although the recipe has little to do with his legacy or any historical ties to Chinese cuisine.

In fact, it was created in response to the growing popularity of Chinese food in the U.S., particularly in Chinese-American restaurants. The dish was crafted to showcase the distinctive sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that were starting to define American Chinese cuisine. Today, General Tso’s Chicken is one of the most recognized and loved dishes in the Chinese-American food category.

The Flavor Profile of General Tso’s Chicken

One of the reasons why General Tso’s Chicken is so beloved is its complex and balanced flavor profile. The dish is designed to hit all the right taste sensations: sweet, savory, salty, and spicy. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that make this dish so flavorful:

Sweetness: The sweetness in General Tso’s Chicken usually comes from sugar, hoisin sauce, or other sweeteners like rice vinegar. This helps to balance out the spiciness and gives the dish its signature rich taste.
Spice: The heat in this dish often comes from dried red chilies or chili paste. The level of spice can be adjusted based on personal preference, making it a versatile dish for those who like a little kick or those who enjoy bold heat.
Savory: Soy sauce and hoisin sauce contribute to the savory component of the dish, adding depth and richness to the sauce that coats the crispy chicken pieces.
Tangy: Rice vinegar is commonly used to give the dish a slight tanginess, which complements the sweetness and balances the overall flavor profile.

The combination of these elements creates a dish that is exciting to the taste buds, with every bite offering a mix of crunch, sweetness, spice, and savory satisfaction.

Making General Tso’s Chicken at Home

While General Tso’s Chicken is readily available at most Chinese takeout restaurants, making this dish at home can be a rewarding experience. Not only can you control the level of sweetness and spiciness, but you can also ensure that the chicken is perfectly crispy and coated in the rich sauce that makes the dish so irresistible.

To make General Tso’s Chicken at home, it’s important to focus on a few key techniques to get the perfect texture and flavor. First, the chicken should be coated in a mixture of cornstarch and flour before frying. This creates the signature crispy crust that contrasts perfectly with the rich sauce. For the sauce, it’s essential to use high-quality soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar to achieve the right balance of flavors.

Another important tip for making General Tso’s Chicken is to fry the chicken in small batches. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and becomes crispy, rather than overcrowding the pan and causing the chicken to steam. Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, the sauce is quickly stirred and poured over the chicken, ensuring that every piece is generously coated.

Variations of General Tso’s Chicken

As with any dish, General Tso’s Chicken can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Below are some variations that you can try to customize the dish:

Vegetarian General Tso’s: For a meatless version of the dish, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or another plant-based protein. Tofu is a great choice because it can absorb the sauce while still providing a satisfying texture.
Spicy General Tso’s: If you enjoy more heat, you can increase the amount of chili paste or add extra dried red chilies to the sauce. For an even spicier kick, consider adding a touch of Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
Gluten-Free General Tso’s: For those who are gluten-sensitive or follow a gluten-free diet, you can easily make a gluten-free version of General Tso’s Chicken by using gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch instead of flour for the coating.

By experimenting with different ingredients and cooking methods, you can create your own twist on this classic dish, making it your own while still capturing the essence of General Tso’s Chicken.

Serving General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

With Steamed Rice: The most common way to serve General Tso’s Chicken is with a bed of steamed white rice. The mildness of the rice complements the bold flavors of the chicken and helps balance the spiciness.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, serve the chicken with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas. These vegetables add freshness and crunch, pairing beautifully with the crispy chicken.
In a Wrap or Burrito: For a fun twist, you can wrap General Tso’s Chicken in a soft flour tortilla along with some shredded lettuce, rice, and other vegetables for a fusion-style meal.

No matter how you choose to serve it, General Tso’s Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that can easily be the star of any meal.

Conclusion: Why General Tso’s Chicken is a Crowd-Pleaser

General Tso’s Chicken has earned its place as one of the most popular Chinese-American dishes. The combination of crispy chicken, sweet and spicy sauce, and savory undertones makes it a dish that is loved by people of all ages. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a meal to impress guests, General Tso’s Chicken is sure to be a hit.

What makes this dish even more appealing is its versatility. It can be adjusted to suit different dietary preferences, spice levels, and even ingredient availability. It’s a perfect example of how food can be both comforting and exciting, with layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. With the right ingredients and a little know-how, you can recreate this beloved dish at home and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, next time you’re craving something flavorful, sweet, and spicy, look no further than General Tso’s Chicken!