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General Tso's Chicken has become a quintessential dish in American-Chinese cuisine, captivating the taste buds of millions with its delightful blend of flavors. This dish, often characterized by its crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a sweet and spicy sauce, has found its way onto the menus of countless restaurants across the United States. While you can easily order it for takeout, there's something uniquely satisfying about preparing it at home. Homemade General Tso's Chicken allows you to control the flavors, adjust spice levels, and opt for healthier cooking methods, ensuring a meal that meets your personal preferences.

Homemade General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Discover the joy of making homemade General Tso's Chicken, a beloved staple in American-Chinese cuisine. This recipe guides you through creating crispy chicken coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy sauce. Learn about the ingredients that make this dish special, from marinating tips to the best frying techniques. Elevate your dining experience at home by mastering this flavorful dish, with variations to suit your taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful culinary adventure!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp rice wine (or mirin)

1 tsp cornstarch

For the Breading:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp ginger powder

1 large egg

1/4 cup cold water

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

3 tbsp hoisin sauce

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ginger, minced

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for heat level)

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For Garnish:

2-3 green onions, chopped

Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

    Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water until well combined. Gradually add the dry mixture to the egg mixture, mixing until you have a smooth batter.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Dip each piece into the batter, ensuring it's well-coated. Place the battered chicken on a tray.

        Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

          Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once bubbling, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

            Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss until the chicken is well-coated and the sauce clings beautifully to the pieces.

              Garnish and Serve: Transfer the General Tso's Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hr | 4 servings