20 Chinese Restaurant General Tso's Chicken Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
General Tso's Chicken is a popular dish that has become a staple in Chinese restaurants all over the world. Its crispy exterior, smothered in a rich and flavorful sauce, paired with tender pieces of chicken, makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. While the origins of this dish may be debated, its popularity cannot be denied. In this article, we will delve into the history of General Tso's Chicken and share with you a professional and well-organized recipe that will allow you to recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own home.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Soya, Sesame Oil, White Pepper, Light
A staple in Chinese-American cuisine, General Tso's Chicken is a sweet and spicy dish that has gained popularity all over the world. The chicken is typically deep-fried and then coated in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chili paste. This dish is usually served over a bed of rice and topped with green onions and sesame seeds. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a good balance of flavors in their meals.
2of 19
General Tso's Chicken Chinese New Year Celebration
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Egg, Water, Flour, Black Pepper, Cayenne
In Chinese culture, General Tso's Chicken is a popular dish served during Chinese New Year celebrations. This dish symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and abundance, making it a perfect addition to any festive gathering. The chicken is typically cut into bite-sized pieces and served alongside other traditional Chinese dishes. It's a great way to add some traditional Chinese flavors to your celebrations.
3of 19
Easy General Tso's Chicken
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, All Purpose Flour, Boneless, Skinless
If you're looking for a quick and easy version of General Tso's Chicken, this recipe is for you. It uses pre-made General Tso's sauce, which you can find in most grocery stores, making it a breeze to whip up. Simply cook the chicken, toss it with the sauce, and serve over rice. It's a time-saving and delicious option for those busy weeknights.
4of 19
Quick General Tso's Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Green Onions, Arrowroot Powder, Fresh
Similar to the easy version, this quick General Tso's Chicken recipe also uses pre-made sauce, but it adds a few extra ingredients to elevate the flavors. Adding fresh ginger and garlic, along with some red pepper flakes, gives this dish an extra kick. Plus, it only takes about 20 minutes to make, making it perfect for those nights when you need a meal on the table fast.
5of 19
Crock Pot General Tso's Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cornstarch, Salt
For a hands-off approach to making General Tso's Chicken, try this crockpot recipe. It's perfect for busy days when you don't have time to stand over the stove. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it and forget it. The result is tender, flavorful chicken that's coated in a delicious sauce. Serve it with rice and some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
6of 19
Healthy General Tso's Chicken
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Honey, Garlic Chili Sauce
For those looking for a healthier version of this classic dish, this recipe is a must-try. The chicken is baked instead of fried, and the sauce is made with less sugar and uses low-sodium soy sauce. The result is a lighter, healthier version that doesn't sacrifice any of the flavors. It's a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite Chinese takeout dish.
7of 19
General Tso’s Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Dried Red Chili
This recipe stays true to traditional General Tso's Chicken, with a few added twists. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch, giving it an extra boost of flavor and tenderness. Then it's coated in a crispy batter and fried to perfection. The sauce is a delicious combination of honey, soy sauce, and chili paste, creating the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
8of 19
HOMEMADE GENERAL TSO'S CHICKEN
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Sauce, Cornstarch, Egg White, Soy Sauce
For those who prefer to make everything from scratch, this homemade General Tso's Chicken recipe is for you. It takes a bit more time and effort, but the end result is worth it. You'll make your own batter for the chicken, as well as the sauce, ensuring that every component is bursting with flavor. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to your liking, making it perfect for those who love a little extra heat.
9of 19
Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cornstarch, Black
If you love the convenience of using a slow cooker, but still want the flavors of homemade General Tso's Chicken, this recipe is a great option. The chicken is slow-cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. And the best part? You can prep it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal ready and waiting for you.
10of 19
General Tso Chicken (with Video)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Cornstarch, Vegetable Oil, Ginger
For those who prefer visual instructions, this recipe comes with a helpful video that guides you through each step. It's perfect for visual learners or those who are new to making General Tso's Chicken. The end result is tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
11of 19
General Tso's Chicken (Baked!)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Rice Wine
Another healthier version of General Tso's Chicken, this recipe uses a combination of baking and frying to achieve a crispy exterior without all the oil. The chicken is first baked in the oven, then finished off in a frying pan to get that perfect golden-brown color. The sauce is made with honey, soy sauce, and Sriracha, giving it a unique twist on the classic flavor.
12of 19
Lighter General Tso's Chicken
Main Ingredients: Light Brown Sugar, Rice Wine Vinegar, Ketchup, Hoisin
This recipe is perfect for those looking for a lighter version of General Tso's Chicken without sacrificing flavor. The chicken is baked instead of fried, and the sauce is made with agave nectar instead of sugar. This creates a healthier and more natural option that still has all the delicious flavors of the classic dish.
13of 19
Pressure Cooker Chinese Take-Out General Tso's Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Potato Starch, Eggs, Peanut Oil
Using a pressure cooker is a great way to speed up the cooking process, and this recipe is no exception. The chicken is cooked in a pressure cooker until it's tender and juicy, then coated in a flavorful sauce that's made with brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. It's a delicious and easy way to enjoy homemade General Tso's Chicken in a fraction of the time.
14of 19
P.F. Chang’s General Tso Chicken
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Water, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Sugar, Soy
If you've ever dined at P.F. Chang's, then you know just how delicious their General Tso's Chicken is. This recipe aims to recreate that same flavor at home. It uses a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. Serve it with some steamed rice and veggies for a complete meal.
15of 19
General Tso’s Chicken, America’s Most Popular Chinese...
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Chillies, Garlic, Ginger
This recipe is a great option for those who love the flavors of General Tso's Chicken but want to switch things up a bit. Instead of using chicken breast, this recipe uses chicken thighs, which tend to be more tender and flavorful. The result is a slightly different texture and taste that still hits all the right notes.
16of 19
General Tso's Chicken - How To Make General Tso's...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Chinese Cooking Wine, Lite Soy Sauce
For those who love to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe is a great starting point. It guides you through how to make your own General Tso's sauce from scratch, giving you the freedom to adjust the flavors to your liking. It also provides tips on how to achieve the perfect crispy chicken without deep-frying. It's a great recipe to have in your arsenal for future chicken dishes.
17of 19
General Tso Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Thighs, Chili Pepper, Root Ginger
This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic General Tso's Chicken by incorporating orange juice into the sauce. The result is a tangy and sweet dish that has a perfect balance of flavors. The chicken is first coated in a flavorful spice mixture, then pan-fried to get that crispy exterior. It's a delicious and refreshing take on the traditional dish.
18of 19
General Tso's Chicken Wings
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Low Sodium Chicken Stock, Dark Soy Sauce
For those who love wings, this General Tso's Chicken Wing recipe is a must-try. The wings are coated in a mixture of cornstarch and spices, then baked until crispy. They are then tossed in a sticky, sweet and spicy sauce, creating a finger-licking good dish. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish with some rice and veggies.
19of 19
Restaurant-Style Chinese Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Scallions, Oranges, Chicken
Last but not least, this recipe puts a unique spin on General Tso's Chicken by adding orange juice and zest to the sauce. The result is a tangy and flavorful dish that's perfect for those who love a little bit of citrus in their meals. The chicken is coated in a crispy batter and fried before being tossed in the delicious sauce. It's a restaurant-style dish you can make at home!
The History of General Tso's Chicken
The Origins
There is some debate as to who created General Tso's Chicken, but most people credit the dish to Peng Chang-kuei, a chef from Hunan province in China. Peng was known for his innovative and bold dishes, and he created this dish in the 1950s while working as a chef in Taiwan.
The Name
Interestingly, the dish is not actually named after a military general, as many may assume. It is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Qing dynasty military leader from Hunan province. However, there is no evidence that he ever had any connection to the dish. It is believed that the name was chosen to honor his military prowess and reflect the dish's bold and spicy flavors.
The Evolution
General Tso's Chicken first gained popularity in the United States in the 1970s, when it was introduced by chef T.T. Wang. He modified Peng's original recipe to cater to the American palate, adding extra sweetness to the sauce. This version became so popular that it spread to Chinese restaurants all over the country, and eventually, the world.
The Recipe
Now that you know a bit about the history of General Tso's Chicken, it's time to try making it yourself. This recipe stays true to the traditional flavors of the dish, with a few modifications to make it easier to recreate at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour.
2. Dip the chicken pieces in the beaten egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy, then set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. In the same pan, add the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Add in the rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Stir and let the sauce thicken for a few minutes.
7. Add the chicken pieces back into the pan and coat with the sauce.
8. Once the chicken is fully coated and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions.
10. Serve over rice and enjoy your homemade General Tso's Chicken.
With this recipe, you can now recreate the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right in your own kitchen. Impress your family and friends with this delicious and authentic dish that has stood the test of time. So go ahead and give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
![General Tso Chicken Recipe [video] - S&SM](https://sweetandsavorymeals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/General-Tso-Chicken-2-680x1020.jpg)
![General Tso Chicken Recipe [video] - S&SM](https://sweetandsavorymeals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/General-Tso-Chicken-4-1024x1536.jpg)
![General Tso's Chicken - [Best] Authentic General Tso’s Chicken](https://www.allchickenrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/general-tso-chicken-authentic.jpg)
.jpg)
