Description
This easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe delivers tender, crispy chicken bites coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy natural gelling agent sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes using simple, fresh ingredients, it offers a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights and family dinners, it can be customized with protein swaps and vegetable additions for a delicious homemade meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (gluten-free if needed)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or dried red chili (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent (such as agar)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them with 2 tablespoons soy sauce (natural) and 3 tablespoons cornstarch to create a crispy coating when cooked.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce (natural), 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural), 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), minced garlic, grated ginger, chili flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent. Whisk thoroughly until blended and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into a clean pan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and gains a glossy texture due to the natural gelling agent.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces back into the pan with the thickened sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly with the glossy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for brightness and mild freshness. Serve hot over steamed rice or preferred sides.
Notes
- Pat dry the chicken before coating to ensure crispiness.
- Maintain medium-high oil temperature for even cooking without burning.
- Fry chicken in batches to keep pieces crispy instead of soggy.
- Stir sauce constantly during thickening to prevent lumps and to achieve smooth gloss.
- Add green onions just before serving to preserve freshness and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: General Tso's Chicken, crispy chicken, sweet and spicy sauce, quick dinner, gluten free, plant-based sauce thickener
