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General Tso’s Chicken has become a beloved staple in Chinese-American cuisine, captivating taste buds with its unique combination of flavors and textures. This dish, often found on takeout menus across North America, is celebrated for its crispy exterior, tender chicken, and a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy elements. The allure of General Tso’s Chicken lies not only in its taste but also in its ability to transport diners to the heart of Chinese culinary traditions while catering to Western palates.

Crispy and Delicious General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Discover the secrets to making the perfect General Tso’s Chicken at home with this delightful recipe. This iconic dish combines crispy chicken with a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, all while offering a satisfying crunch. Learn the essential techniques for marinating, breading, and frying to achieve that restaurant-quality taste. Impress your family and friends as you bring a taste of Chinese-American cuisine to your kitchen, perfect for any occasion.
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Ingredients
  

For the Marinade:

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp sesame oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

1 egg

1/2 cup cornstarch

For the Sauce:

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup chicken broth

3 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp hoisin sauce

1 tsp chili sauce (adjust for spice level)

1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For Stir-Frying:

2-3 tbsp vegetable oil

2-3 dried red chili peppers (optional, adjust for spice preference)

2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)

Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

    Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, beat the egg. In another dish, add cornstarch. Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the egg, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch. Shake off excess cornstarch and set aside.

      Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and set this aside for later.

        Fry the Chicken: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches (do not overcrowd), and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

          Stir-Fry Vegetables: With the remaining oil in the skillet, add the dried red chili peppers and white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

            Combine with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

              Add Chicken: Toss the crispy chicken back into the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the sauce. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.

                Final Touches: Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

                  Serve: Serve your delicious General Tso’s Chicken over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

                    Prep Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4