Save your money instead of ordering takeout and prepare this top-rated Chinese dish at home! This General Tso Chicken is full of flavor and is easier to make than you might think! Make this zesty chicken and serve it with a side of rice, chow mein, or even your favorite veggies, such as baby corn and broccoli. There’s something about takeout night that feels like a little family celebration in our house. James always heads straight for the spicy dishes, as do i! Ariya insists on her noodles, and Cameron (at just 13 months old) is still in that fun stage where he’ll try almost anything if it’s on my plate first! One of the dishes we all agree on — and one that has become a tradition to make at home — is my delicious General Tso’s Chicken.
Instead of calling for takeout, I started recreating our favorites in the kitchen, and this one has stuck. It’s crispy, saucy, garlicky, and that perfect balance of sweet heat. Honestly, making it at home saves us money and lets me control the ingredients, which I love as a mom. And let me tell you — this version tastes even better than our favorite local takeout spot.
If you are a sucker for good chicken recipes, I have a few you just might want to whip up. My sesame chicken is top notch. Or you might want to consider my slow cooker firecracker chicken if you like some spice.
What Is General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken is a Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a glossy, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s not an authentic Chinese recipe — it’s one that became popular in American Chinese restaurants in the 1970s and has been beloved ever since. This General Tso’s Chicken uses juicy, marinated chicken breast, tossed with a garlicky, gingery sauce that’s rich with soy, hoisin, and chili oil. Add in peppers and onions for crunch, dried Thai chiles for heat, and sesame seeds for that perfect garnish. So if General Tso Chicken one of your favorite foods & if it’s the kind of dish you can eat all the time and never get tired of it, you will be glad to know that you can make this popular Chinese takeout dish from scratch at home. Not only will you love this recipe, but so will the rest of your family.
All it takes is a few ingredients, such as chicken breast, spicy chile oil, cornstarch, and peppers, to prepare an undeniably delicious meal for lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This General Tso Chicken Recipe
- Ordering Chinese takeout is only becoming more expensive. Save your money and prepare this dish at home!
- Not only does the General Tso Chicken taste amazing, but it’s also super fresh because you’re preparing it with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
- You can kick up the level of spice based on how spicy you like your General Tso Chicken. Some people like it spicier than others.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it strikes the balance between crispy chicken and a sauce that clings to every bite. The cornstarch coating gives the chicken a light, crunchy texture that doesn’t get soggy when the sauce is added. The Shaoxing wine in the marinade adds depth, while the spicy chili oil keeps the flavors bold but not overwhelming.
Another reason it works? It’s family-friendly. James loves the spice, Ariya enjoys picking out the peppers and dipping the chicken in extra sauce, and even little Cameron will gum the softer pieces. That’s a win in my book.
Ingredient Breakdown: What They Do
- Chicken breast – Boneless and thinly sliced for tender bites that cook quickly.
- Shaoxing wine – Adds a distinct depth of flavor (you can sub with dry sherry if needed).
- Soy sauce – Salty umami base that anchors the dish.
- Spicy chili oil – Heat and smokiness that makes General Tso’s famous.
- Cornstarch – Coating for crispiness and a slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Garlic & ginger – Aromatic power duo for that classic stir-fry flavor.
- Thai chiles – Brings the heat. You can remove some for a milder dish.
- Onion & bell peppers – Adds texture, sweetness, and color.
- Hoisin sauce – Sweet, tangy, almost barbecue-like notes in the sauce.
- Mirin – A touch of sweetness and shine.
- Sesame seeds & scallions – Garnish that makes it feel like takeout.
While these are some of the most common ingredients needed to prepare such a fantastic dish, you will also need cornstarch, water, dried thai chiles, salt, pepper, and a yellow onion. When garnishing your General Tso Chicken, you can use sesame seeds and scallions sliced into small pieces.
When to Serve / Serving Ideas
This dish is the perfect weeknight dinner because it comes together in about 30 minutes. Serve it over fluffy white rice, fried rice, or even noodles. For entertaining, I like to serve it family-style with egg rolls, crab rangoons, or stir-fried veggies.
It’s also one of those meals that reheats well, so I’ll often make a batch on Sunday and portion it into containers for James’s lunches. You may even catch me eating some straight out of the refrigerator lol
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Marinade: You can prep the chicken with its marinade up to 12 hours ahead.
- Sauce: Make the sauce base and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just whisk before using.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Best reheated in a skillet or air fryer so the chicken stays crisp.
What’s the difference between General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken?
At first glance, these two dishes look similar since they both feature crispy chicken coated in a glossy sauce. The difference is in the flavor profile. General Tso’s Chicken has a more savory, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor, often with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and dried chilies. The heat level can vary depending on where you order it. Orange Chicken, on the other hand, leans heavily into sweetness with a bright citrus-forward flavor thanks to orange juice or zest. It’s less spicy and more fruity, making it a favorite for people who prefer mild dishes. In short, General Tso’s is bold, garlicky, and sometimes spicy, while Orange Chicken is sweet, tangy, and citrusy.
Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
General Tso’s Chicken is usually mildly spicy, but it can range from sweet and tangy to fairly hot depending on the recipe. Authentic restaurant-style versions often use dried red chilies or chili flakes for heat, while Americanized takeout versions are more sweet than spicy. If you’re making it at home, you’re in full control. You can leave out the chilies for a kid-friendly version or add extra for a real kick. Many home cooks like to adjust the spice level by using sriracha, crushed red pepper, or fresh chili paste, making it as mild or fiery as your family prefers.
General Tso Chicken Recipe Notes
- If you love spicy General Tso Chicken, you can use more of the spicy chili oil in this dish.
- General Tso Chicken tastes amazing when served with fried rice or white rice and broccoli. You can even add a bit of the sauce to your broccoli to give it more flavor.
- If you make this in advance, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it in the oven, on the stovetop, or even in an air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy chicken without being greasy
- Bold, sticky sauce that tastes restaurant-quality
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Family-friendly (you can adjust the spice)
- Way cheaper than takeout
Variations & Substitutions
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Swap Thai chiles for red pepper flakes for convenience.
- Try adding broccoli or snap peas for more veggies.
- Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
Leftover Ideas
Leftover General Tso’s makes a great fried rice stir-in, or you can tuck it into lettuce wraps for lunch the next day. James actually likes to make a “General Tso’s Chicken sandwich” with toasted bread and a drizzle of extra sauce — not traditional, but so good.
Budget Breakdown: How Much Does General Tso’s Chicken Cost to Make?
One of the best parts about making General Tso’s Chicken at home is how budget-friendly it is compared to ordering takeout. Let’s break it down by ingredients (prices are approximate and will vary depending on your store, location, and whether you shop bulk or retail):
- Chicken thighs (2 lbs) – $6.98 ($3.49 per lb)
- Cornstarch (½ cup) – $0.40 (from a $2.49 box)
- Eggs (2 large) – $0.46 (from a $5.49/dozen carton)
- Soy sauce (½ cup total) – $0.60 (from a $3.49 15-oz bottle)
- Rice vinegar (2 tbsp) – $0.25 (from a $2.79 bottle)
- Hoisin sauce (¼ cup) – $0.85 (from a $3.49 jar)
- Brown sugar (¼ cup) – $0.20 (from a $2.99 bag)
- Garlic (4 cloves) – $0.25 (from a $0.75 bulb)
- Ginger (1 tbsp) – $0.20 (from a $1.99 knob)
- Dried red chilies (6–8 pods) – $0.50 (from a $2.99 bag)
- Sesame oil (1 tsp) – $0.10 (from a $3.99 bottle)
- Green onions (4 stalks) – $0.50 (from a $1.49 bunch)
- Neutral frying oil (about 2 cups) – $1.25 (from a $6.49 jug, reused multiple times)
- Steamed white rice (3 cups cooked) – $0.90 (from a $2.99 5-lb bag)
Estimated Total Cost: $12.44
Servings: 4 generous restaurant-style portions
Cost Per Serving: about $3.11
Compare that to takeout, where a single General Tso’s combo plate usually runs $12–$15 per person. Cooking at home means you can feed the whole family for less than the price of two takeout orders—plus you know exactly what’s going into your food.
Lighten Up Version
You can bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying. Use less oil in the sauce, and swap Greek yogurt for some of the mayo if serving it in wraps.
Reader Favorite Tips and Ideas
- “I added broccoli and loved the extra crunch.”
- “Made it with tofu — still delicious!”
- “Double the sauce, trust me!”
Troubleshooting Tips
- Chicken soggy? Don’t overcrowd the oil.
- Sauce too thin? Add more cornstarch slurry.
- Too salty? Balance with a spoonful of honey or sugar.
My Personal Kitchen Notes
The first time I made this, Ariya thought it was “spicy candy chicken” because of the glossy sauce. Cameron, meanwhile, made a mess of himself but devoured it. James keeps telling me this one beats his favorite restaurant version — and he doesn’t say that lightly!
General Tso’s Chicken FAQ (Everything You Ever Wanted to Know!)
1. What is General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken is a crispy fried chicken dish coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s one of the most popular Chinese-American takeout classics, often made with battered chicken pieces, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Unlike traditional Chinese dishes, it was actually popularized in North America in the 1970s, making it a staple in American-Chinese restaurants.
2. Who was General Tso?
The dish is named after Zuo Zongtang (also spelled Tso Tsung-t’ang), a 19th-century Qing dynasty military leader. However, there is no evidence that he had any connection to the recipe. It was created decades later by Chinese chefs adapting flavors for American palates.
3. Is General Tso’s Chicken authentic Chinese food?
Not in the traditional sense. It’s more of a Chinese-American invention that draws on Chinese cooking techniques (like deep frying and stir-frying) but tailors the flavors to suit Western tastes. In China, you won’t typically find General Tso’s Chicken on menus, though some restaurants have started serving it to cater to tourists.
4. Why is it so popular in the U.S.?
The balance of crispy fried chicken with a bold, sweet-savory sauce appeals to a wide range of eaters. It’s comforting, indulgent, and pairs perfectly with white rice, making it a go-to for both takeout and homemade versions.
Cooking & Techniques
5. How do you make General Tso’s Chicken crispy?
The crispiness comes from coating chicken in cornstarch (or a flour mixture) before frying. Frying at the right oil temperature (around 350°F) ensures the coating is golden brown without absorbing too much oil. Double-frying is another technique used by restaurants to make the chicken extra crunchy.
6. What cut of chicken should I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the most popular choice because they stay juicy and flavorful. However, chicken breast can also be used for a leaner option, though it’s more prone to drying out.
7. Can I make General Tso’s Chicken without frying?
Yes! While deep-frying gives you the classic crispy texture, you can lighten things up by baking or air frying the chicken instead. To bake, coat the chicken in a light layer of oil, spread it on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes until golden.
8. Can I make it in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket, spray with cooking spray, and cook at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway through. This method gives you crunch without the mess of frying.
9. What’s in the sauce?
The classic General Tso’s sauce is made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar (or honey), garlic, ginger, and chili flakes or dried red peppers. Cornstarch is added to thicken the sauce to that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
10. How spicy is General Tso’s Chicken?
Traditionally, it has a mild to medium level of heat. The spice comes from dried red chilies or chili flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chilies or leaving them out entirely for a mild version.
Ingredient Substitutions
11. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute, and ensure that hoisin sauce and rice vinegar are gluten-free. Replace regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the coating.
12. Can I make it low-sugar or keto?
Definitely. Swap sugar for a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or stevia. For keto, serve it with cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
13. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can make a substitute by mixing soy sauce, peanut butter (or tahini), honey, and a splash of rice vinegar. While it won’t taste exactly the same, it gives you that sweet-savory balance.
14. Can I use tofu instead of chicken?
Yes! Crispy fried tofu works wonderfully. Coat cubed tofu in cornstarch, fry or air fry until crispy, and then toss in the General Tso’s sauce. It’s a great vegetarian alternative.
15. Can I make it with shrimp, beef, or pork?
Yes — the sauce is versatile and works with different proteins. Shrimp should be cooked quickly to avoid overcooking, while beef or pork should be sliced thinly for tenderness.
Meal Prep & Storage
16. Can I make General Tso’s Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to keep the sauce and chicken separate until serving. Store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and re-crisp in the oven or air fryer before tossing in warmed sauce.
17. How long does it last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.
18. Can I freeze General Tso’s Chicken?
Yes. Freeze the chicken pieces separately from the sauce for best results. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer, then toss with freshly heated sauce.
19. How do I reheat it without it getting soggy?
The oven or air fryer is best. Heat at 350°F until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it makes the coating soft.
20. Is it good for meal prep?
Yes. Store cooked rice, chicken, and sauce separately in meal prep containers, then combine and reheat before eating.
My Final Thoughts
General Tso’s Chicken has become one of those recipes that I know will stay in our family rotation for years. It’s quick, satisfying, and always a hit around the table. I love that I can recreate our favorite takeout meal at home with better ingredients and for a fraction of the price.
More Restaurant Quality Recipes At Home
General Tso Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1”
- ¼ cup shaoxing wine
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp spicy chile oil
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 6 dried thai chiles
- ½ yellow onion roughly chopped
- 1 red pepper roughly chopped
- 1 green pepper roughly chopped
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Scallions
General Tso Sauce
- ¼ cup Soy sauce
- ¼ cup Hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp Spicy chili oil
- 2 tbsp Mirin
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 2 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Preheat 2 cups of oil in a wok until 350*
- Add chicken to a bowl with shaoxing wine, soy sauce, spicy chili oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let marinate as the sauce is prepared.
- General Tso Sauce. Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin, spicy chili oil, sesame oil, and mirin to the pan and bring to a low boil. Once the sauce starts to bubble, stir in the cornstarch slurry and remove from heat.
- Add cornstarch to the chicken and toss to coat. Fry for 3 minutes. Do not overcrowd the oil. Work in batches and place fried shrimp onto a paper towel lined sheet as you work.
- Remove all but 1 tbsp of oil from the pan. Add the garlic, ginger, dried thai chiles, onion, and green and red peppers to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the sauce and stir. Cook until thickened, about 4 minutes.
- Add the chicken to the sauce in the wok and toss to coat.
- Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds and enjoy!
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