General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American recipe made with crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. This easy homemade version uses simple ingredients like hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and garlic for authentic flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or takeout-style meals at home, this General Tso’s Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a restaurant-quality dish.

This homemade General Tso’s Chicken is crispy, tender, and coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that’s better than takeout. With a perfect balance of flavors and easy steps, this classic Chinese-American dish makes a restaurant-quality dinner at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 large egg whites
½ cup vegetable or canola oil

For the Sauce:

⅔ cup hoisin sauce
⅓ cup rice vinegar
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste
1½ teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Make the Coating:
In a large zip-top bag, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.
Coat the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the egg whites, tossing to coat. Lift each piece to let the excess drip off, then transfer to the bag. Seal and shake until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add chicken pieces and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.
Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce into the same skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until thickened.
Combine and Serve:
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Serve immediately over hot white or brown rice, and garnish with chopped green onions.

Tips

For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying.
Avoid crowding the pan; cook in small batches for even browning.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Use a thermometer to keep oil between 350°F–375°F (175°C–190°C) for perfect frying.

Variations and Substitutions

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower for different versions.
Swap hoisin sauce with teriyaki or oyster sauce for a flavor twist.
Add bell peppers or broccoli to the sauce for a veggie-packed meal.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes. Bake coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and replace all-purpose flour with more cornstarch or rice flour.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Fry the chicken and prepare the sauce separately. Combine and reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve General Tso’s Chicken over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or fried rice. It also pairs perfectly with stir-fried vegetables, egg rolls, or steamed dumplings for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This General Tso’s Chicken delivers the perfect mix of crispy chicken and bold, flavorful sauce — all made easily at home. It’s fresh, budget-friendly, and ready in under an hour, making it a go-to dinner favorite that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout.