Alright besties, gather ’round! Who here is OBSESSED with takeout but, like, also trying to adult and cook at home more? ME! That’s why I’m SO hyped to share this recipe for the Best General Tso Chicken EVER. Forget greasy delivery – this version is surprisingly easy, way faster than ordering, and you know exactly what’s going into it.
This recipe nails that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy that we all crave. Plus, making it yourself means you can customize the spice level to your liking. Want it mild? No problem. Want to set your mouth on FIRE? Go for it! I’m telling you, once you learn how to make the best General Tso Chicken, you’ll never go back to takeout. Seriously, get ready to impress your friends (and yourself) with this easy Best General Tso Chicken recipe. Let’s get cooking!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions:
This Best General Tso Chicken is begging to be served with a side of fluffy Jasmine Rice with Toasted Pine Nuts and Chives to soak up all that delicious sauce.
For a veggie side, some Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic would be a perfect complement. You could also rock some Vegetarian Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce as an appetizer!
Tips and Notes:
- Spice It Up (or Down): The amount of red pepper flakes in this recipe gives it a medium kick. Feel free to add more or less to suit your taste. A dash of Sriracha at the end works too!
- Crispy Chicken is Key: Make sure your oil is hot before frying the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop, and your chicken won’t be as crispy. Work in batches if needed!
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and whisk it into the sauce while it simmers. This will thicken it right up.
- Prep is Everything: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This recipe comes together quickly, so you want to be organized!
Okay, so who’s ready to ditch the takeout menu and make some magic in the kitchen? What’s your favorite way to customize General Tso’s? Spill the tea in the ratings! Peep the Asian Inspired category for more inspo.
Best General Tso Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Wok or large skillet
- 1 Slotted Spoon
- 1 Colander or sieve
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb boneless chicken breast - cut into thin slices 2 inches long, against the grain
- 2 ts dark soy sauce
- 2 ts rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 ts finely chopped ginger root
- 1 ts cornstarch
- 1 ts sesame oil
- 1/3 c oil - preferably peanut
- 2 dried red chiles - cut in half lengthwise
- 1 tb chopped fresh orange peel or 2 ts dried citrus peel - soaked & coarsely chopped
- 1/2 ts roasted Sichuan peppercorns - finely ground, optional
- 2 ts dark soy sauce
- 1/4 ts salt
- 1 ts sugar
- 1/2 ts sesame oil
Instructions
- Cut chicken into thin slices 2 inches long, cutting against the grain. Place in a bowl with dark soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Mix well and marinate for about 20 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet until very hot. Remove the chicken from the marinade using a slotted spoon and add to the pan.
- Stir-fry the chicken for about 2 minutes until browned, then remove and leave to drain in a colander.
- Pour off most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 2 teaspoons. Reheat the pan over high heat and add the dried chiles. Stir-fry for 10 seconds.
- Return the chicken to the pan, add the remaining ingredients, and stir-fry for about 4 minutes, mixing well.
- Serve the dish immediately.
