General Tso's Chicken

Mandy in the Making

Video Stats

Host: Mandy in the Making
Published: Aug 18, 2025
Views: 126.3k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 20 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic takeout favorite without the hassle of ordering in. The chicken thighs are cut into bite-sized pieces and coated in cornstarch, which gives them a delightful crunch when pan-fried. The sauce, made from a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a hint of sugar, strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory.

As you prepare this dish, the aroma of garlic and ginger fills the air, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste. The chicken cooks quickly, and once it’s tossed in the sauce, it becomes beautifully glazed and flavorful. Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that will impress your family and friends.

What I love about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the sweetness or spice levels to suit your taste. If you prefer a bit more heat, adding some crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the dish. This General Tso’s Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
31:06

Mix olive oil, garlic powder, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hot sauce.

2
33:40

Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.

3
34:44

Air fry chicken for 10 minutes, then add broccoli and onions.

4
39:04

Plate the chicken and serve with rice.

26:03

Tip: Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

27:49

Tip: Simmer covered to retain moisture and flavor.

30:31

Tip: Use a non-stick pot to prevent sticking.

33:11

Tip: Use a larger bowl for marinating to avoid spills.

36:06

Tip: Preheat air fryer for better cooking results.

39:02

Tip: Check chicken for doneness before serving.

40:11

Tip: Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic to avoid burning.

5
01:14

Chop three cloves of garlic.

6
01:21

Chop chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks.

7
02:13

Combine cold water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.

03:07

Tip: Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.

8
03:15

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

9
03:22

Toss chicken in cornstarch and set aside.

10
04:18

Add 1/4 cup of olive oil to the heated skillet.

11
05:19

Brown chicken in batches, cooking through and flipping as needed.

05:34

Tip: Ensure oil is hot before adding chicken to prevent sogginess.

06:09

Tip: Consider deep frying for a crispier texture.

12
06:50

Add minced ginger and garlic to the skillet.

07:12

Tip: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference.

13
07:24

Pour in the prepared sauce and whisk until simmering.

14
07:43

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat.

15
08:14

Cook rice to serve with the chicken.

16
11:27

Chop carrots, celery, and onion for soup.

17
12:36

Sauté chopped vegetables in olive oil and butter for 5-7 minutes.

12:46

Tip: Sauté vegetables until soft for better flavor.

13:41

Tip: Use low sodium chicken broth to manage salt levels.

18
13:58

Add garlic and flour to the sautéed vegetables.

19
14:29

Pour in chicken broth and add chicken thighs.

14:31

Tip: Set a timer to avoid overcooking.

20
14:43

Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes.

21
15:01

Add orzo to the pot and cook for 10 minutes.

15:17

Tip: Stir orzo occasionally to prevent sticking.

22
16:07

Squeeze lemon juice into the soup before serving.

16:22

Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

23
18:04

Make garlic toast to serve with soup.

18:04

Tip: Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.

20:10

Tip: Customize your Wild Grain box to suit your preferences.

22:10

Tip: Use a splatter guard to minimize mess when frying.

24:20

Tip: Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Soy Sauce5 tbsp
Rice Vinegar4 tbsp
Cornstarch2 tbsp
Garlic3 cloves
Ginger2 tbsp
Sugar2.5 tbsp
Olive Oil1/4 cup
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes1/2 tsp
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Soy

    → Substitution: Coconut Aminos

Nutrition

Calories
450
kcal per serving
Protein
30
per serving
Carbs
30
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • General Tso's Chicken originated in Taiwan in the 1950s but was adapted for American tastes in New York during the 1970s.
  • The dish is typically sweeter in the U.S. compared to its original Taiwanese version.
  • Pan-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying reduces the overall fat content.
  • Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the sodium levels in the dish.