There’s something magical about recreating a takeout favorite in your own kitchen—and easy General Tso’s Chicken is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes: crispy, saucy, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. I remember the first time I tried making this at home with my mom—it was a snowy winter night, and we wanted something bold and comforting. From that moment, this dish became a staple in our rotation, whether it was a cozy weekend dinner or a quick summer stir-fry.
This version keeps the flavor and crunch of the original while simplifying the process—so it’s just as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for satisfying your restaurant cravings.
🕒 Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Cuisine: Chinese-American fusion
- Season: All year round
🛒 Ingredients for Easy General Tso’s Chicken
🍗 Chicken & Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
🧂 Coating:
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Water (just enough to create a thick batter)
🍯 General Tso’s Sauce:
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1–2 tsp chili flakes or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
🛢️ For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
🌱 Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
👩🍳 How to Make Easy General Tso’s Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce and coating.
2. Mix the Batter
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add water slowly to create a thick, pancake-like batter.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine broth, soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat on medium, stirring frequently.
- Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Set aside.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip marinated chicken pieces into the batter and carefully place into the hot oil.
- Fry in batches until golden and crispy (about 3–5 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
5. Toss in Sauce
- Transfer fried chicken to a large bowl. Pour the warm General Tso’s sauce over and toss until well coated.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Easy General Tso’s Chicken
- Crispy & saucy: The best of both worlds—crispy bites smothered in a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze.
- Weeknight ready: Simple ingredients, quick steps.
- Customizable heat: Make it mild or bring the fire.
- Better than takeout: Fresher, cheaper, and made with love.
🧁 Tips for the Best General Tso’s Chicken
- Use chicken thighs: They stay juicy and flavorful during frying.
- Double fry for extra crisp: Fry once, rest, then flash-fry again for ultra crunch.
- Prep ahead: Marinate and make the sauce in advance for even faster cooking.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free flour.
- Lighter option: Skip deep frying and sauté or air-fry the chicken instead.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower.
🥡 How to Store & Reheat General Tso’s Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Lay flat in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 375°F to restore crispness or microwave for convenience.
🍚 What to Serve with Easy General Tso’s Chicken
- Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice
- Stir-fried broccoli or bok choy
- Egg rolls or spring rolls
- Asian cucumber salad or pickled veggies
💬 Share Your Take on General Tso’s!
Did you spice it up or keep it mild? Serve it with noodles or rice? I’d love to see your twist on this easy General Tso’s Chicken—share your photos or tips in the comments, or tag #GeneralTsoAtHome on social media!