There’s something undeniably comforting about the crispy, sweet, and tangy flavors of General Tso’s Chicken. Perfectly crispy chicken bites coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce make this a dish that feels indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
The first time I made this recipe, I was shocked at how much better it tasted than takeout—and my family couldn’t get enough. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, this dish has become a weeknight staple in our household. Let’s dive into why you’re going to love this homemade version of a takeout classic.
Why You'll Love This General Tso’s Chicken
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible dish. General Tso’s Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy texture and bold, tangy flavor, all in one bite.
First, it’s incredibly quick to make. From prep to plate, this recipe takes less than 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying.
The homemade sauce is a game-changer. It combines pantry staples like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and vinegar to create a sweet and tangy glaze with just the right amount of heat. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.
Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. Pair it with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies to create a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s also great for leftovers, tasting just as good (if not better!) the next day.
Finally, making it at home means you can control the ingredients, avoiding overly processed sauces and excessive oil, while still delivering all the flavor of your favorite takeout.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this General Tso’s Chicken lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients. Each one contributes to the dish’s signature taste and texture.
Chicken thighs are the star of the show. Their naturally juicy and tender texture makes them ideal for frying, and they soak up the sauce beautifully. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs offer a richer flavor.
Cornstarch is the key to achieving that perfectly crispy coating. It creates a light crust that holds up well under the sticky sauce, ensuring every bite has a satisfying crunch.
Soy sauce forms the base of the sauce, delivering that umami depth we all love. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the saltiness.
Hoisin sauce adds a slightly sweet and savory element, giving the sauce its distinct flavor. Combined with rice vinegar, it creates the tangy balance that defines General Tso’s Chicken.
For a hint of spice, a touch of red pepper flakes or sriracha does the trick. You can scale up or down depending on how much heat you like. Don’t forget the green onions and sesame seeds for garnish—they add freshness and texture to the final dish.
No special equipment is needed, but a deep skillet or wok will make frying and sauce preparation easier.
How To Make This General Tso’s Chicken

Creating restaurant-quality General Tso’s Chicken at home is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to make it step by step.
Start by prepping your chicken. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and coat them in a mixture of cornstarch and a pinch of salt. This will ensure each piece fries up crispy and golden.
Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet or wok. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Each piece should cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
While the chicken is frying, mix up your sauce. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a splash of water. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
After the chicken is done, pour off most of the oil from your skillet, leaving about a tablespoon behind. Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in your prepared sauce, letting it simmer for a minute.
Toss the fried chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat every piece in the sticky, flavorful sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and well-coated.
Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), storing General Tso’s Chicken is easy. Transfer any remaining chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened in the fridge. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken less crispy.
If you’d like to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can fry the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Combine them just before serving for maximum crispness.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations to try.
For a lighter option, skip the frying and stir-fry the chicken instead. It won’t be as crispy, but it’s still delicious with the sauce.
If you’re vegetarian, swap out the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets. Both options work wonderfully with the sauce.
Looking to amp up the veggies? Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the skillet when cooking the garlic and ginger. The veggies will soak up the sauce, adding extra flavor and texture.
Prefer a sweeter sauce? Increase the amount of sugar or hoisin sauce slightly. For those who love heat, throw in extra red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
This recipe is your canvas—don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Whatever variation you choose, General Tso’s Chicken is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
PrintGeneral Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Make an authentic General Tso’s Chicken recipe at home with crispy fried chicken, a flavorful sauce, and the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. This easy recipe is ideal for a quick dinner that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, dip them in beaten eggs, and fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and sesame oil to make the sauce.
- In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil, then sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Add the fried chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 670mg
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