Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken

Crispy juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce with a spicy kick! This Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this delicious dish that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout. The standout quality of this recipe lies in its adaptability — you can air fry the chicken for a healthier option, ensuring everyone can enjoy it without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Delicious Flavor: A perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as a main dish or served over rice or noodles.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by making this at home instead of ordering takeout.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level to suit your preferences by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Paper towels or wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan: Essential for frying the chicken evenly and achieving that crispy texture.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients without spills.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for dicing chicken accurately and safely.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 5 thin slices ginger (peeled)
• 1/2 green onion (finely chopped)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 tbsp regular soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar/white vinegar)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or red chili flakes; add double if you prefer spicier)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
• ½ cup water (cold)

How to Make Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients as listed above. Set it aside to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Dice chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces. Do not pat them dry; some moisture is needed for coating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Transfer the diced chicken into a large bowl and add cornstarch. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil on medium-high heat in a large pan. Carefully lower coated chicken into oil, spreading it apart quickly. Fry in small batches until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid stirring too much; let it sit to form a crust.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Remove fried chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil. Remove leftover oil from the pan.

Step 6: Cook Ginger and Sauce

On medium-high heat, add ginger followed by the prepared sauce mixture. Allow it to come to a boil until thickened.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Toss in fried chicken pieces and mix well with the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken

Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience. You can serve it in various ways to elevate your meal and impress your guests.

On a Bed of Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant rice complements the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
• Fried Rice: A savory fried rice mix can add texture and flavor, making it a hearty meal.

With Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Broccoli: Adds color and crunch, providing a nutritious side that balances the dish.
• Sautéed Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy offers a mild taste that pairs well with the spicy chicken.

As Part of a Platter

• Chinese Pancakes: Serve the chicken with warm pancakes for wrapping, creating fun finger food.
• Spring Rolls: Crisp spring rolls can provide an appetizer-like feel, enhancing your dining experience.

Garnished

• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds can enhance presentation while adding a nutty flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions add brightness and freshness to the dish’s overall taste.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken

To make sure your Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your sauce.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Frying in small batches helps achieve that perfect crispy texture without steaming the chicken.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify red pepper flakes according to your personal heat preference for an ideal kick.
• Let Sauce Thicken Properly: Ensure you allow the sauce to boil before adding chicken for better adhesion and flavor absorption.
• Experiment with Oils: Different oils like peanut or canola can impart unique flavors, so feel free to experiment!
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your dish right after cooking for the best texture and taste, as it may lose crispiness over time.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken enhances its deliciousness. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice that’s easy to make and complements the sweetness of the chicken.
2. Steamed Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, carrots, and snap peas provides color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
3. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat offer a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
4. Miso Soup: This light soup adds warmth to your meal while balancing heavier dishes like General Tso Chicken.
5. Asian Noodle Salad: Cold noodles tossed with sesame dressing give a refreshing touch that pairs well with hot dishes.
6. Cucumber Salad: Crispy cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar add brightness and crunch that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly.

• Not using enough oil – Using too little oil can lead to uneven cooking and soggy chicken. Make sure to heat enough vegetable oil in the pan for frying.
• Overcrowding the pan – If you add too many pieces of chicken at once, they will steam instead of fry. Cook in small batches to achieve that crispy texture.
• Skipping the cornstarch coating – Not coating your chicken in cornstarch can result in sogginess. Toss the chicken well to ensure an even coating before frying.
• Ignoring the sauce simmering time – Failing to let your sauce thicken properly can lead to a watery dish. Allow it to boil and reduce for a few minutes before adding the chicken.
• Rushing the frying process – Frying on too high heat or stirring too much prevents crispy results. Let the chicken sit in the pan for optimal crust formation.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or oil if needed, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken?

Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for a quick meal at home.

How do I make Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken spicier?

To enhance the spice level, simply double the amount of red pepper flakes included in the recipe.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute skinless boneless chicken breasts if preferred. However, thighs tend to be more juicy and flavorful.

How do I air fry Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken?

To air fry, coat your chicken with cornstarch and place it in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust ingredients like sugar or soy sauce based on your taste preferences, or add vegetables like bell peppers for added nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy General Tso Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights! Customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust spice levels according to your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy satisfying takeout flavors right at home!