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General Tso’s Chicken Delight is a dish that has captivated the taste buds of many, emerging as a staple in American Chinese cuisine. Known for its irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, this dish not only satisfies cravings but also brings a delightful crunch to the dining experience. Its popularity can be attributed to the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts across the United States.

The Best General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Discover the delicious world of General Tso’s Chicken Delight, a beloved dish in American Chinese cuisine. This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with a delightful crunch. Learn about the key ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch that create its irresistible taste and texture. Follow simple steps to marinate, bread, and fry chicken to perfection, all while enjoying the satisfaction of homemade takeout. Elevate your cooking with this flavorful classic!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

Water (as needed to create a batter)

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup chicken broth

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece ginger, grated

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For Stir-Frying:

3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

    Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper. Slowly add water, mixing until a thick batter forms.

      Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

        Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, and carefully add to the hot oil. Fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

          Combine and Stir-Fry: In the same skillet (remove excess oil if needed), add the fried chicken pieces, then pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss to coat evenly and heat through for about 2 minutes.

            Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hour | 4 servings