General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American takeout classic, featuring crispy chicken bites tossed in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s a perfect combination of bold flavors and textures that you can now easily recreate at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 egg
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup flour
Salt & pepper to taste
Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
3 tbsp sugar
½ cup chicken stock
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp sesame oil

Other:

6-8 dried red chilies
2 tsp ginger, finely chopped
2 tsp garlic, finely chopped
2 scallions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together egg, salt, pepper, flour, and cornstarch. Toss chicken pieces into the batter until well coated.
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chicken stock, cornstarch, and sesame oil to make the sauce.
In a wok or large skillet, heat a little oil and sauté dried chilies, ginger, and garlic for about a minute.
Pour in the sauce and bring it to a simmer, stirring until it thickens.
Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat well.
Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrients

Calories: ~450 per serving
Protein: 24g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 850mg
Cholesterol: 110mg

The Origins of General Tso’s Chicken

Although the dish has become synonymous with Chinese-American cooking, General Tso’s Chicken has roots in Chinese history that many people don’t realize. The dish is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Chinese statesman and military leader from the Qing Dynasty, who was known for his military prowess and contributions to the empire. Interestingly, General Tso himself never tasted this dish, nor did he have any connection to its creation.

The dish was first introduced in the United States in the 1970s by Chinese chefs who were trying to create something unique for American palates. Chef Peng Chang-kuei, who emigrated from Taiwan to New York City, is often credited with popularizing General Tso’s Chicken in the United States. The dish was originally prepared as a homage to the general, but over time, it was adapted to suit the tastes of American diners. Chef Peng’s recipe, however, was not spicy in the way most Americanized versions of the dish are known for today.

The creation of General Tso’s Chicken symbolizes the broader trend of Chinese immigrants adapting their native recipes to fit the preferences of their new environment. This fusion of flavors, along with the rich history behind the name, has made General Tso’s Chicken an enduring favorite in Chinese-American cuisine.

What Makes General Tso’s Chicken So Popular?

General Tso’s Chicken is a dish that strikes a perfect balance of flavors, making it universally appealing. The contrast between the crispy fried chicken and the sweet, savory sauce is what sets it apart from other chicken dishes. The sauce itself is a combination of soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, providing a flavorful base that complements the natural richness of the chicken.

Additionally, the dish is customizable. While the traditional version features fried chicken, it is also possible to make a healthier version by opting for grilled chicken or using a lighter sauce. Some versions of General Tso’s Chicken even feature vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, adding a burst of color and flavor. Its versatility and ability to cater to different preferences are part of the reason why it remains a favorite in many households.

Another reason General Tso’s Chicken is so beloved is its perfect balance of heat. While it isn’t overwhelmingly spicy, the dish typically includes dried red chilies that add a slight kick to the sauce. This mild heat is balanced with the sweetness from sugar and the savory depth of soy sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

General Tso’s Chicken in Chinese-American Cuisine

General Tso’s Chicken plays an important role in the development of Chinese-American cuisine, a style of cooking that emerged in the 19th century when Chinese immigrants first arrived in the U.S. to work on the transcontinental railroad. As Chinese immigrants adapted their dishes to local ingredients and American tastes, a new hybrid cuisine began to emerge. Chinese-American food is often characterized by bold flavors, crispy textures, and easy-to-prepare dishes, making it a hit with American diners.

The success of General Tso’s Chicken helped pave the way for other Chinese-American dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken, Orange Chicken, and Kung Pao Chicken. These dishes all share the same characteristic of being sweet, savory, and a little bit spicy, and they have become staples in Chinese-American restaurants. General Tso’s Chicken, in particular, became so popular that it was eventually introduced in Chinese restaurants across the world, with each location offering its own variation of the dish.

As Chinese-American cuisine continues to evolve, General Tso’s Chicken remains a beloved dish, representing both the creativity of Chinese chefs in America and the global influence of Chinese culinary traditions.

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken at Home

Making General Tso’s Chicken at home is easier than it might seem. The key to a successful dish lies in achieving the perfect balance between the crispy chicken and the savory sauce. Here are a few tips to get it right:

Use chicken thighs: While chicken breasts are a leaner option, chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness, making them the best choice for General Tso’s Chicken. The dark meat helps maintain the tenderness of the chicken after frying.
Crisp the chicken properly: To get that irresistible crunch, it’s important to coat the chicken pieces well with cornstarch and flour before frying. Make sure the oil is hot enough to cook the chicken quickly, achieving a crispy exterior without overcooking the meat.
Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more dried chilies or a bit of chili paste to the sauce. For those who want a milder version, simply reduce the number of chilies or leave them out entirely.
Cook the sauce separately: Preparing the sauce in a separate pan ensures that it thickens properly before it coats the chicken. The sauce should be glossy and slightly thick, clinging to each piece of chicken without being too watery.
Garnish: Don’t forget to garnish your dish with fresh scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. This will enhance the dish and give it a restaurant-quality presentation.

Variations of General Tso’s Chicken

Over the years, several variations of General Tso’s Chicken have emerged, with each version offering a slightly different take on the classic dish. Some of the most common variations include:

General Tso’s Chicken with Vegetables: Some versions of the dish include vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots, which not only add nutritional value but also provide extra texture and color to the dish.
Healthier General Tso’s Chicken: For those looking for a lighter alternative, you can bake or grill the chicken instead of frying it. Additionally, a lighter sauce can be made by using less sugar or opting for a low-sodium soy sauce.
General Tso’s Chicken with Tofu: For vegetarians or those looking to reduce their meat consumption, tofu can be substituted for chicken in this dish. The tofu can be pressed to remove excess moisture and then fried to achieve a crispy texture similar to the chicken.
Spicy General Tso’s Chicken: If you prefer a hotter dish, you can increase the number of dried chilies or use fresh chili peppers. Adding a bit of chili paste or chili flakes to the sauce will also give the dish a more intense heat.

Conclusion

General Tso’s Chicken is more than just a popular dish at Chinese-American restaurants; it represents a fusion of cultures and culinary creativity that has become beloved worldwide. Its rich history, delicious flavors, and versatility have made it a staple of Chinese-American cuisine. Whether you enjoy it in its traditional fried form or prefer a healthier or spicier variation, General Tso’s Chicken remains a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to make at home and sure to impress your guests.

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