General Tsos Chicken

General Tsos Chicken

General Tsos Chicken is a beloved sweet and tangy deep-fried chicken dish with a flavorful, sticky sauce. It's perfect for a delightful homemade Asian-inspired meal.

Chicken

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

4

General Tsos Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its crispy, golden chicken pieces coated in a luscious, savory-sweet sauce that’s both comforting and bold. Despite its name, this dish is more of a Western creation than an authentic Chinese recipe, often enjoyed for its unique balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors. The chicken is deep-fried to achieve a satisfyingly crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce. This recipe features a homemade sauce blending soy, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness from honey and duck sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that coat the juicy chicken perfectly. Paired with vibrant broccoli, it adds a healthy, crisp contrast that completes the dish. General Tsos Chicken is frequently served with steamed rice or fried rice, making it a hearty and crowd-pleasing meal. Whether cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will bring excitement and depth to your table. It's also fantastic for those who enjoy a bit of spice and the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken nuggets glazed in a flavorful sauce. Be sure to have some chopsticks or forks ready for this irresistible dish!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Chicken Breast
  • 0.75 cup Plain Flour
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 tb Starch
  • 1 tb Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Onion Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 0.75 cup Water
  • 0.5 cup Chicken Stock
  • 0.25 cup Duck Sauce
  • 3 tb Soy Sauce
  • 2 tb Honey
  • 1 tb Rice Vinegar
  • 2 tb Sesame Seed Oil
  • 0.5 tb Gochujang
  • 2 tb Starch
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • 2 chopped Spring Onions
  • 1 tsp Ginger

Instructions

STEP 1 - SAUCE Begin by creating the vibrant sauce that will infuse the chicken with its signature flavor. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, a splash of sherry cooking wine, a quarter teaspoon of white pepper, freshly minced ginger and garlic, a touch of hot pepper for heat, ketchup, hoisin sauce, and a sprinkle of sugar. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until smooth and set aside to let the flavors meld. STEP 2 - MARINATING THE CHICKEN In another bowl, gently toss the diced chicken with a pinch of salt and white pepper for seasoning. Add in 2 egg whites to help the coating adhere, followed by 3 tablespoons of cornstarch to give the chicken a light, crisp crust once fried. Mix everything together until the chicken pieces are evenly coated. For best results, let it sit for a few minutes to truly infuse the flavors. STEP 3 - DEEP FRY THE CHICKEN Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until each piece reaches a beautiful golden brown and develops a crunchy exterior. Occasionally stir gently to loosen any pieces sticking together, ensuring each nugget crisps evenly. Once done, drain the chicken on paper towels and set aside, keeping them warm. STEP 4 - STIR FRY Bring your wok or large skillet to medium-high heat and pour in the prepared sauce. Add crisp broccoli florets directly into the simmering sauce and allow it to come to a rolling boil, letting the veggies soften slightly while soaking in the tangy flavors. To achieve the perfect glaze, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then gradually whisk this slurry into your bubbling stir-fry. Continue cooking and stirring gently until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency that clings beautifully to the ingredients. Finally, toss in your crispy fried chicken and stir-fry everything for about a minute, making sure every piece is evenly coated with the rich sauce. Serve immediately on warm plates for a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will love. *TIPS & HINTS:* - Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to get that golden crunch without absorbing excess oil. - Stir the cornstarch slurry slowly into the sauce to avoid lumps. - Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more or less hot pepper according to your taste. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Quick Info

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4