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Amazing General Tso’s Chicken: 1 Secret Crisp

General Tso's Chicken
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Recreate the takeout favorite General Tso’s Chicken at home. You will enjoy crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce rich with garlic and ginger. This recipe brings a cherished memory right back to your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sauce)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
  • Optional garnish: Sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  2. Toss the chicken pieces in the dry mixture until fully coated.
  3. Pour enough vegetable oil into a wok or deep skillet to reach about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  4. Carefully fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons sugar, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  6. Pour out most of the frying oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet or wok. Heat the remaining oil over medium heat.
  7. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  8. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  9. Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss gently until every piece is well coated.
  10. Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if you are using them. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Richard notes that fresh ginger makes a big difference in the final flavor.
  • For an extra crispy coating, you can double-fry the chicken pieces briefly.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the chicken; adjust sugar or vinegar to match your memory of the flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/generals-tsos-chicken-recipe-crispy-takeout-style/