Easy General Tso’s Chicken

This Easy General Tso’s Chicken delivers all the sweet, spicy, tangy flavor you love from your favorite takeout spot—right in your own kitchen. Crispy fried chicken pieces are tossed in a glossy, aromatic sauce made with soy, ginger, chilies, and a hint of orange. It’s a perfect weeknight dish when you want something bold, comforting, and fast. Serve it over rice or steamed veggies for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup cornstarch (use as needed)
• Pinch white pepper
• Oil for frying
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• Strip of orange peel
• 3 dried red chili peppers
• ⅓ cup chopped green onion
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in water

Directions

1. Add chicken, egg, white pepper, and 1 teaspoon sugar to a bowl; toss to coat.
2. Slowly add cornstarch until chicken is evenly coated.
3. Heat a few inches of oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high.
4. Fry chicken pieces until golden and cooked through; drain on paper towels.
5. Whisk soy sauce, chicken broth, ½ cup sugar, ginger, and rice wine vinegar.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet; sauté chilies, green onion, orange peel, and garlic 1–2 minutes.
7. Pour in sauce mixture and stir well.
8. Add dissolved cornstarch, stirring until sauce thickens.
9. Add chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4

Tips

• For extra-crispy chicken, double-coat the pieces by dipping them back into cornstarch before frying.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet to keep the coating crisp.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes—breasts work fine, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.

Is this dish very spicy?
The heat is mild to medium; reduce the dried chilies for a milder version.

Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes—air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, though it won’t be quite as crispy as deep-fried.

What can I serve with it?
Steamed rice, broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried veggies all pair perfectly.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely—mix it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.