General Tso’s Chicken

Growing up, one of my favorite dishes was undeniably General Tso’s Chicken. It wasn’t just about the crispy pieces of chicken that were perfectly coated in that sweet and spicy sauce; it was the whole experience of enjoying it with family. Whether we were huddled around the dining table or gathered for a movie night, this dish was always a crowd-pleaser. I still remember the first time I tried making it at home. The kitchen was filled with the enticing aroma of sizzling chicken and garlic, making my mouth water with anticipation. It became a staple in my home, especially during busy weeknights when I craved something comforting yet quick to prepare. If you’re looking for a meal that brings joy and warmth, then General Tso’s Chicken is it!

Main Ingredients for General Tso’s Chicken

The magic of General Tso’s Chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. The key players in this recipe include succulent chicken, fresh broccoli, and a tantalizing sauce made from tamari or soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and other delightful seasonings. Together, these ingredients create a meal that is not only enjoyable but also packed with flavor.

• 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes – The star of the dish, providing protein and heartiness.
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder – Adds a rich, savory flavor.
• Black pepper and chili flakes – Enhance the spice profile.
• 1/4 cup flour or gluten-free flour – Helps create a crispy coating for the chicken.
• 4 tablespoons melted butter or extra virgin olive oil – Essential for cooking and adds richness.
• 3 cups broccoli florets – Provides nutrition and a pop of color.
• Sesame seeds and green onion, for serving – Garnishes that offer texture and freshness.
• 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce – Forms the base of the sauce.
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce – Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – Provides a tangy contrast.
• 1 tablespoon chili paste – Gives heat to the dish.
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger – Offers a warm, spicy kick.
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil – Adds a rich, nutty flavor.

Putting Together General Tso’s Chicken

Creating your own General Tso’s Chicken at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. The best part is how simple yet delicious it is! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying this dish in no time.

1. Preheat the oven to 450° F. It’s essential to have a hot oven to achieve that crispy texture on the chicken. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or rub it with oil to prevent sticking.
2. On the sheet pan, mix the cubed chicken, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili flakes. This combination of spices is what gives the dish its signature flavor. Once combined, add the flour and toss everything again until the chicken is well coated. This is crucial for creating that crispy outer layer.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the mixture, tossing to ensure every piece is coated. Arrange the chicken on one side of the baking sheet. On the other side, add the broccoli florets. Toss the broccoli with a bit of butter or olive oil, along with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and crispy.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a bowl or glass jar, combine the tamari or soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, chopped garlic, and ground ginger. Whisk everything together until smooth. This sauce is what makes the dish shine!
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the broccoli from the sheet pan. Pour the General Tso’s sauce over the chicken and toss everything to ensure the chicken is well coated in the sauce. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes. This step allows the sauce to caramelize slightly and cling to the chicken.
6. When it’s done, serve your General Tso’s Chicken hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. We love serving it over rice to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Things Worth Knowing

Substitutions and Tips

When it comes to making General Tso’s Chicken, there are a few helpful tips and substitutions you might consider. Here’s a list of ideas to enhance your cooking experience.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within three days for the best flavors.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen after cooking. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: Serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. The fluffy grains complement the saucy chicken perfectly.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version.
• Heat Levels: Adjust the spice by moderating how much chili paste you add. Less for milder flavors, more for extra heat!

Accompaniments for General Tso’s Chicken

Pair General Tso’s Chicken with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal. Here are some great options:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Fried Rice: For a twist, serve with fried rice for added texture and flavor.
• Salad: A light salad, like a cucumber or Asian slaw salad, serves as a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Spring Rolls: Serve alongside crunchy spring rolls for a delicious appetizer or light side.
• Soups: Light soups, like hot and sour soup, can complement the meal wonderfully.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen!

FAQ

Conclusion

This General Tso’s Chicken recipe encapsulates the essence of comfort food with its delicious flavors and satisfying textures. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the joy it brings to your dining table. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a casual night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite!

General Tso's Chicken

Craving something flavorful and satisfying? Try this easy General Tso's Chicken recipe for a delicious weeknight dinner. With its crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• black pepper and chili flakes
• 1/4 cup flour or gluten-free flour
• 4 tablespoons melted butter or extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• sesame seeds and green onion, for serving
• 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 450° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or rub with oil.
2. 2. On the sheet pan, mix the chicken, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili flakes. Add the flour and toss again. Add 2 tablespoons melted butter, tossing to coat. Arrange the chicken on one side of the baking sheet. Add the broccoli to the other side. Toss with butter or olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
3. 3. Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a bowl or glass jar, combine all ingredients.
4. 4. Remove the broccoli from the sheet pan. Then pour the General T's sauce over the chicken and toss the chicken up in the sauce. Bake for another 5 minutes until the sauce is baked onto the chicken.
5. 5. Serve the chicken and broccoli with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. We always serve this over rice!

Notes

• Homemade Hoisin Sauce: In a small sauce pot, mix 1/4 cup tamari/soy sauce with 3 tablespoons molasses. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, 2 teaspoons hot sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk in 1/3 cup of water. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce is smoothed and thickened.

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Meet Fiona Lewis

I love cooking with the seasons and keeping things rustic and real. I believe the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family. I had so much fun creating this recipe, and I can't wait to hear what you think of it!