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General Tso Chicken

Savory General Tso Chicken: Your New Favorite Homemade Dish

General Tso Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that offer a unique cooking experience.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds Chicken Thighs Tender and juicy; can substitute with chicken breasts.
For the Coating
  • 0.5 cup Cornstarch Essential for crispy texture.
  • 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour Can use gluten-free flour.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Sea salt can be used.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Can substitute with white pepper.
For Frying
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil Canola or peanut oil works well.
For the Sauce
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh is best; can use garlic powder.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Use fresh for best results.
  • 3 pieces Dried Red Chilies Adjust quantity for spice level.
  • 0.5 cup Soy Sauce Gluten-free soy sauce available.
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar White vinegar can substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Brown sugar can be used for deeper flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce Skip for less sweet sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch For thickening, mix with water.
  • 1 tablespoons Water
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil Optional for nutty note.
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional; adjust to taste.
  • 2 stalks Green Onions Finely sliced for garnish.

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Skillet
  • Wok
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • paper towels

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss chicken pieces to coat and let sit for 10 minutes.
    General Tso Chicken
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then drain excess oil.
    General Tso Chicken
  3. Discard excess oil, leaving about a tablespoon in the skillet. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies over medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    General Tso Chicken
  4. Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and water in a bowl until combined, then set aside.
    General Tso Chicken
  5. Pour prepared sauce into skillet with aromatics, bringing to a simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
    General Tso Chicken
  6. Add fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes to absorb flavors.
    General Tso Chicken
  7. Remove from heat and drizzle sesame oil over the dish. Optionally add crushed red pepper flakes, tossing gently to combine.
    General Tso Chicken
  8. Serve General Tso Chicken over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions.
    General Tso Chicken

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Let the coated chicken sit for 10 minutes for better crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain texture.

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