General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. This homemade version allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. 

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

1. Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten

2. Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

3. Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, and beaten egg. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Preparing the Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until well combined.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
4. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Making the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet or wok, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon for cooking the sauce.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened sauce.
2. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this General Tso’s Chicken over steamed white rice or fried rice. Add a side of steamed broccoli or snow peas for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 1,578 kcal
• Total Fat: 88 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 40 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 284 mg
• Sodium: 2,327 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 128 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4.8 g
  • Sugars: 62 g
• Protein: 69 g
• Vitamin D: 1.1 mcg (6% DV)
• Calcium: 64 mg (5% DV)
• Iron: 6.2 mg (34% DV)
• Potassium: 1,075.4 mg (23% DV)

Origin of General Tso’s Chicken

The inception of General Tso’s Chicken is credited to Chef Peng Chang-kuei, a Hunanese chef who fled to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War. In the 1950s, Chef Peng crafted a dish that combined the robust flavors of Hunan cuisine with a presentation that appealed to Western palates. He named it after General Tso Tsung-t’ang, a revered Qing Dynasty military leader from Hunan Province, although there is no direct connection between the general and the dish.  Chef Peng later introduced this dish to the United States when he opened a restaurant in New York City in the 1970s. The American version evolved to feature a sweeter and less spicy flavor profile, aligning with local tastes. This adaptation led to the widespread popularity of General Tso’s Chicken across North America, solidifying its status as a staple in Chinese-American eateries. 

Cultural Significance

General Tso’s Chicken epitomizes the blending of Chinese culinary techniques with American flavor preferences. Its creation and subsequent popularity highlight the adaptability of immigrant chefs in introducing traditional elements to new audiences. The dish’s success also underscores the American penchant for deep-fried, flavorful foods, contributing to its enduring presence on Chinese restaurant menus across the country. Citeturn0search6 Beyond its culinary appeal, General Tso’s Chicken has permeated popular culture, symbolizing the Americanization of ethnic cuisines. It represents how traditional dishes can be transformed and embraced in new cultural contexts, reflecting the dynamic nature of food as a cultural artifact. 

Flavor Profile and Texture

The allure of General Tso’s Chicken lies in its harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The chicken pieces are typically marinated, battered, and deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. The sauce, a defining feature, combines sweetness from sugar, tanginess from rice vinegar, umami from soy sauce, and a subtle heat from dried chili peppers. This complex flavor profile caters to a wide array of taste preferences, contributing to its widespread appeal. The dish is often garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding visual appeal and additional layers of flavor. The interplay between the crunchy coating and the succulent chicken, enveloped in a glossy sauce, offers a satisfying culinary experience that has captivated diners for decades.

Variations and Customization

Over time, General Tso’s Chicken has inspired numerous variations, each adding a unique twist to the classic recipe. Some chefs incorporate broccoli florets or bell peppers to introduce a vegetable component, enhancing both nutrition and color contrast. Others experiment with the sauce, adjusting the sweetness or spiciness to cater to regional tastes or personal preferences. In response to dietary trends, healthier versions have emerged, featuring baked rather than fried chicken to reduce fat content. Additionally, some adaptations use alternative sweeteners or gluten-free ingredients to accommodate specific dietary restrictions. These variations demonstrate the dish’s versatility and its ability to evolve while maintaining its core identity.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

Traditionally, General Tso’s Chicken is served over steamed white rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce and provides a neutral backdrop that complements the bold flavors of the dish. For a more elaborate presentation, it can be accompanied by stir-fried vegetables or lo mein noodles, creating a balanced and visually appealing meal. In contemporary settings, creative presentations have emerged, such as serving the chicken in lettuce wraps for a fusion appetizer or incorporating it into bao buns for a trendy twist. These innovative serving methods highlight the dish’s adaptability and its potential to transcend traditional culinary boundaries.

Health and Nutritional Considerations

While General Tso’s Chicken is celebrated for its delectable taste, it is traditionally prepared through deep-frying, resulting in a higher calorie and fat content. The sauce’s sugar content also contributes to its overall caloric value. For health-conscious individuals, modifications such as baking the chicken, reducing sugar in the sauce, or incorporating more vegetables can make the dish more nutritious without compromising flavor. It’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes and balance the meal with wholesome sides like steamed vegetables or brown rice to create a more healthful dining experience. These adjustments allow for the enjoyment of General Tso’s Chicken within a balanced diet.

Popular Occasions and Uses

General Tso’s Chicken has transcended its restaurant origins to become a popular homemade dish, often featured in family dinners, potlucks, and festive occasions. Its bold flavors and universal appeal make it a crowd-pleaser suitable for various events, from casual gatherings to celebratory feasts. The dish’s adaptability also makes it a favorite in fusion cuisine, inspiring creations like General Tso’s tacos or pizzas, showcasing its influence beyond traditional Chinese-American dining. Such innovations reflect the dish’s enduring popularity and its ability to inspire culinary creativity.

Conclusion

General Tso’s Chicken exemplifies the dynamic nature of culinary traditions, illustrating how dishes can evolve and adapt across cultures and time. From its origins with Chef Peng Chang-kuei to its status as a beloved staple in Chinese-American cuisine, the dish embodies the fusion of flavors and techniques that resonate with diverse palates. Its rich history, cultural significance, and versatile nature ensure that General Tso’s Chicken will continue to be savored and reinvented by food enthusiasts around the world, solidifying its place in the tapestry of global cuisine.