Crispy General Tso Chicken: Homemade Takeout Favorite in 50 Minutes

Irresistible General Tso Chicken for an Easy Dinner

General tso chicken is everyone’s favorite crispy sweet and spicy Asian-inspired dinner that’s easier to make at home than you think.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Rating: 4.8/5 (1451 reviews)
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Asian Inspired, Asian, Chinese
• Keywords: general tso chicken, crispy chicken, sweet and spicy, homemade chinese takeout

Ingredients for General Tso Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (adjust for heat)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Oil

   Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bread the Chicken

   In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Place cornstarch in another bowl. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then roll in cornstarch until fully coated.

3. Fry Until Golden

   Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

4. Prepare the Sauce

   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chili garlic sauce, water, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch.

5. Sauté Aromatics

   In a clean wok, sauté garlic and ginger over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Simmer the Sauce

   Pour sauce mixture into the wok. Simmer until it thickens and becomes a glossy glaze.

7. Coat the Chicken

   Add fried chicken to the wok and toss until every piece is coated in the sweet and spicy sauce.

8. Garnish and Serve

   Transfer General Tso Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Tricks

• Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: After the first fry, let chicken rest for 2 minutes and fry again for 1–2 minutes.
• Adjust Heat: Increase chili garlic sauce or add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch alternative.
• Make Ahead: Prepare sauce in advance and reheat before tossing with chicken.

Nutrition Information

Per serving: 634 kcal; 55 g carbs; 24 g protein; 37 g fat; 1192 mg sodium; 18 g sugar.

Serve up your homemade general tso chicken to delight family and friends tonight!

Credit: Original Recipe on AllRecipes