Homemade General Tso’s Chicken

by Erin

Takeout is great, but sometimes it’s fun to make it yourself! Try this homemade version of General Tso’s Chicken served with steamed broccoli and rice.

Homemade General Tso's Chicken with Steamed Broccoli

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Do you ever crave takeout food, but don’t feel like going out to get it? Yet somehow you will stop at the grocery store in order to make it yourself? It happens to me more than I can count. At first I feel lazy, but somehow head in the opposite direction. Whatever the explanation, I made this chicken and it was worth all the effort.

And can you believe it? This was my first time cooking with chicken thighs! Unless you are cooking the entire thing, I somehow had it in my head that people only used the breast meat. I am glad I have been set straight.

General Tso's Chicken

But as usual I forgot to sprinkle the scallions on top. And then I ate it before I could realize it in order to take more pictures – I’m a hungry girl! Sorry already chopped up scallions, I promise to give you another purpose!

Thankfully I enjoyed this recipe enough to cook it more than once and made sure to include those neglected green onions!

Copycat General Tso's

Looking for other copycats of your favorite Chinese takeout dishes?

Post updated 11/29/20, photo above is the original.

Homemade General Tso's Chicken with Steamed Broccoli

HOMEMADE GENERAL TSO'S CHICKEN

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Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

CHICKEN

  • 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1-1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Canola, peanut, or vegetable oil for frying

SAUCE

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Chinese chile-garlic sauce
  • 1 Tbsp peanut, canola or vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh ginger root

FOR SERVING

  • 1/2 cup cashews, roughly chopped
  • 4 whole scallions, thinly sliced
  • Steamed brown rice
  • Steamed broccoli

Directions

  1. Prep the chicken: In a large bowl bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, egg white, soy sauce, and sesame oil until a thick slurry forms (will look gummy but smooth). Add the chicken pieces and stir until all are evenly coated. Cover lightly with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Begin the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and chile-garlic sauce until smooth; set aside. Add the tablespoon of oil to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat. Stir the garlic and ginger into the oil and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan, stirring, until the sauce becomes thick and shiny. Once the sauce thickens, lower heat and keep the saucepan over a low burner partially covered to stay warm.
  4. To fry the chicken: Heat 1/2-inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed, high-sided frying pan or skillet over high heat.
  5. When the oil is shimmering, add one piece of chicken at a time (do not crowd the pan). Cook chicken for 4 minutes on each side, or until deep golden brown and crisp on both sides. Drain on a paper towel lined plate and repeat the process with remaining chicken.
  6. Transfer fried chicken into the prepared sauce and toss to coat. Increase the heat to medium, stir and cook just until hot all the way through.
  7. Sprinkle with sliced scallions and cashews if desired and serve immediately over rice with steamed broccoli.
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Source: Tasty Kitchen

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Tag @THESPIFFYCOOKIE on Instagram and hashtag it #THESPIFFYCOOKIE

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5 comments

Danielle @ Runs With Spatulas September 30, 2011 - 11:46 pm

I love General Tso’s! It’s definitely one of my “go-to’s” whenever we hit up a Chinese restaurant. Need to put this on the list to try at home!

Reply
Jennifer @ Mother Thyme September 28, 2011 - 9:38 pm

General Tso’s is my husbands favorite takeout and I have never made it for him. I will definitely be trying this recipe soon to score brownie points with the hubs! :)

Reply
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts September 28, 2011 - 10:47 am

“The General” as we call it in my house is my go to when I get takeout. I have never actually made it at home though. Not sure why!

Reply
spiffycookie September 28, 2011 - 10:48 am

Haha nice! It is one of my favorites as well.

Reply
Tracey September 28, 2011 - 8:55 am

Homemade general tso’s is one of our favorite dinners around here! SOOO good. I haven’t tried this particular recipe but it looks fantastic.

Reply

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