There's nothing quite like the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors of General Tso's Chicken. Crispy, juicy pieces of chicken tossed in a sticky sauce with just the right amount of heat make this dish irresistible. This restaurant classic is easier to make at home than you might think, and the best part? It’s ready in under 45 minutes!

My love for General Tso's Chicken started on a Friday night takeout binge in college, and ever since, it's been a staple when I'm craving comfort food. Making it from scratch has become a delicious tradition that never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite homemade takeout dish. This General Tso’s Chicken is everything you crave and more.
First off, it's incredibly simple to make. Forget ordering delivery – you can have this ready faster than the delivery driver can ring your doorbell. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, even weeknight dinners become special.
The flavor balance is out of this world. Imagine crispy chicken bites coated in a glossy sauce that's both sweet and savory, with a subtle kick of heat. It’s a sensory delight that will keep you coming back for more, bite after bite.
It’s family-friendly too. You can adjust the heat level to suit your family’s taste buds, making it just as enjoyable for spice lovers as it is for those who prefer a milder flavor.
And don’t forget how versatile it is. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, with steamed broccoli on the side, or even on its own for a satisfying appetizer. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in.
Ingredients Notes

The secret to an amazing General Tso’s Chicken lies in the perfect combination of simple ingredients that come together in harmony. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why.
- Chicken thighs are my preferred choice here. Their higher fat content ensures they stay juicy and flavorful, even after frying. If you only have chicken breasts on hand, they’ll work too, but be careful not to overcook them.
- Cornstarch plays a dual role in this recipe. It helps create a light, crispy coating on the chicken and also thickens the sauce, giving it that classic glossy finish. It’s a must-have!
- Soy sauce is the salty, umami backbone of the dish. I recommend using regular soy sauce, but if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Rice vinegar adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the sweetness of the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar makes a decent substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Hoisin sauce brings depth and a touch of sweetness to the sauce. It's rich and complex, with flavors that add authenticity to your homemade version. Don’t skip this ingredient!
Finally, you’ll need dried red chili peppers for that signature heat. You can adjust the amount to your liking or even leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder dish. Oh, and a wok or large skillet makes cooking easier, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do.
How to Make This General Tso’s Chicken

Creating this mouthwatering General Tso’s Chicken is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.
Start by prepping your chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them with cornstarch until fully coated. This will help achieve a crispy texture once fried. Set aside while you heat up your oil.
Next, fry the chicken. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Make the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of cornstarch. Heat a tablespoon of oil in your wok, then add minced garlic, grated ginger, and dried red chili peppers. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn them.
Combine everything. Pour the sauce into the wok, letting it simmer until thickened. Add the crispy chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly in the glossy sauce. The sauce should cling to each piece of chicken beautifully.
Serve and enjoy. Transfer your General Tso’s Chicken to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy a taste of takeout heaven in your own kitchen!
Storage Options
Have leftovers? Here’s how to keep your General Tso’s Chicken tasting fresh.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The chicken will lose some of its crispiness but will still taste delicious when reheated. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to warm it through. This will help revive some of the crispness, unlike microwaving, which can make the chicken soggy.
If you’d like to freeze it, place the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Make-ahead tip: You can prep the sauce and cut the chicken in advance. Store both in the fridge, and when it’s time for dinner, all you have to do is fry and toss!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about General Tso’s Chicken is its flexibility. Here’s how to switch things up!
- Vegetarian version: Swap out the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower. Both work beautifully and absorb the sauce just as well, making this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Healthier alternative: If you’re looking to cut calories, try baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying. You won’t get quite the same level of crispiness, but it will still be delicious.
- Extra veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to make the dish more wholesome. Sauté them in the wok before adding the sauce for a burst of color and nutrition.
- Adjusting the heat: Love it spicy? Add more dried chili peppers or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce. Prefer it mild? Reduce or skip the chilies altogether and let the sweet and savory flavors shine.
Experiment and make this dish your own. There are endless ways to customize it, and no matter what, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress.
PrintGeneral Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Enjoy this classic takeout-style General Tso’s Chicken, featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for dinner!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil, for frying
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water (slurry)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Dredge each piece in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and coat again in flour.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok and fry chicken pieces until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sugar. Stir well.
- Add chicken broth and red pepper flakes (if using) and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken.
- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
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