General Tso's Chicken
A popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. Ideal for family dinners or takeout cravings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces chicken breasts (cubed) Cut into bite-sized cubes.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch) Can substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free.
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic salt
For the Sauce
- 1 1/4 cup sugar Adjust sweetness as desired.
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white distilled vinegar Adjust tanginess as desired.
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce Can use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- 1 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional) Add for spice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (or cornstarch), paprika, and garlic salt. Mix well.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until they are fully coated.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, combine sugar, water, vinegar, salt, and soy sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the fried chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- If you like it spicy, sprinkle in the red chili pepper flakes. Stir again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
General Tso's Chicken is best served hot over a bed of steamed rice or alongside fried rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat before serving. For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken pieces.