Easy 30-Minute General Tso's Chicken

Easy 30-Minute General Tso's Chicken

Craving the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy takeout from your own kitchen? This easy General Tso's chicken recipe uses a quick cornstarch coating on juicy chicken thighs for a crispy exterior. Serve this budget-friendly protein over steaming jasmine rice for a fast weeknight dinner that beats any restaurant version.

4.99 from 64 votes

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings

Calories per serving 332 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
¼ cup cornstarch
5 thin slices ginger peeled
⅓ cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
½ green onion finely chopped
¼ teaspoon sesame seeds toasted kind

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 garlic cloves minced
2 teaspoon sesame oil toasted kind
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes add another ½ teaspoon if you want it spicier
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup water cold

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the listed sauce ingredients and set aside.
Dice chicken thighs into 1½-inch cubes. Do not pat dry - some moisture helps with the next step.
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl, add cornstarch, and toss to coat evenly. Feel free to add more if needed.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in small batches until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to drain off excess oil.
Leave a thin layer of oil in the pan. Sauté ginger over medium-high heat. Pour in sauce and simmer for 30 seconds until thickened and glossy.
Toss the fried chicken quickly in the thickened sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

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