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Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken Recipe

Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken Recipe for Ultimate Flavor

Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken Recipe is a game changer featuring crispy chicken in a savory-sweet sauce that impresses family and friends.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Sauce
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar Adds sweetness; can swap with coconut sugar.
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Provides saltiness; use tamari for gluten-free.
  • 1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce Contributes sweetness and richness.
  • 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar Balances flavors; substitute with apple cider vinegar.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic is recommended.
  • 2 tbsp Sesame Oil Adds a nutty fragrance; can replace with olive oil.
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust for spice preference.
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch Thickens sauce and ensures crispy chicken.
  • 1/2 cup Cold Water Used to create a cornstarch slurry.
Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Thighs Juicier than breasts; can substitute with chicken breasts.
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil For frying; select high smoke point oil.
Garnishing
  • 2 tbsp Green Onions Adds freshness; can be omitted.
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds Optional but recommended for crunch.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • small bowl
  • slotted spoon
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and cold water until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Cut chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces and coat them in cornstarch, ensuring an even coating for crispiness. Set aside.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add coated chicken pieces in small batches and fry for 5-7 minutes, turning until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Drain excess oil, leaving about one tablespoon. Sauté fresh ginger slices for 30 seconds, then pour in the sauce mixture. Bring to a gentle boil and stir until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Return fried chicken to the skillet, tossing in the sauce until evenly coated.
  6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken is coated evenly in cornstarch and fry in small batches. Store leftovers separately for optimal crispiness.

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