Authentic General Tso Chicken

General Tso Chicken consists of marinated pieces of chicken thighs, deep-fried and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. This delectable dish is typically served with white or fried rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, making it better than take-out!

The Origin of General Tso Chicken

The creation of General Tso Chicken is credited to Chef Peng Chang-kuei. Over time, the recipe was sweetened to suit the American palate and became a staple on most Asian restaurant menus in the United States. Now, you can make this flavorful dish at home to serve over a bed of rice.

Chicken Ingredients

This recipe has two main components: the chicken and the sauce.

Chicken: Chicken thighs are used in this recipe for their flavor, but chicken breasts can also be used if preferred.

Shaoxing Wine: A traditional Chinese rice wine, also known as yellow wine, can be difficult to find. It is essential for the authentic flavor, but you can order it online or use substitutes.

Ginger: Ground ginger is used in both the marinade and the sauce.

Crushed Red Pepper: Start with one teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes; you can always add more for additional heat. Even one teaspoon provides a noticeable kick.

Marinating the Chicken

1. Whisk together Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
2. Place the chicken pieces in a large zipped plastic bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for an hour.

Frying the Chicken

1. Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl for the coating.
2. Heat about 2 inches (5 centimeters) of oil in a large pot to 375°F (190°C).
3. Toss the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess flour.
4. Fry 10-15 pieces of chicken at a time for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
5. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
6. Ensure the oil temperature remains at 375°F (190°C) before frying the next batch. Tent the cooked chicken to keep it warm while preparing the sauce.

What is Shaoxing Wine?

Shaoxing wine is a traditional Chinese rice wine from Shaoxing, a city in China’s Zhejiang Province. It adds authentic flavor to the dish. If you cannot find it locally, dry sherry or dry vermouth can be used as substitutes. For a non-alcoholic option, use chicken or vegetable stock.

Oven Method for General Tso Chicken

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Coat the marinated chicken in the flour mixture and place on the baking sheet.
3. Spray the tops with cooking spray.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
5. Add the baked chicken to the sauce and toss to combine.
6. Baking will not give the chicken the same crispiness as frying, but it will still be delicious.

Air Fryer Method for General Tso Chicken

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with nonstick spray.
2. Coat the marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
3. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.
4. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Add the air-fried chicken to the sauce and toss to combine.

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 2 pounds (900 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (65 grams) cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Canola oil, for frying

Sauce:

• 1 cup (240 grams) chicken broth
• ⅓ cup (85 grams) soy sauce
• ⅓ cup (70 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• Green onions, diced, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Chicken:

1. Place the chicken in a large zipped bag.
2. Whisk together Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and shake to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for an hour.
4. Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl.
5. Heat 2 inches (5 centimeters) of oil in a large pot to 375°F (190°C).
6. Toss the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess flour.
7. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
8. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.

Sauce:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine broth, soy sauce, sugar, wine, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a boil.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and rice wine vinegar. Slowly pour into the boiling mixture while whisking continuously.
3. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about a minute.
4. Remove from heat, add the chicken, and toss to combine.
5. Serve with rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Enjoy your homemade General Tso Chicken, a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors!