Description
This easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken pieces tossed in a tangy, savory sauce with just the right touch of heat. Made with simple, natural ingredients and featuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile, this dish is quick to prepare and makes a satisfying meal ideal for weeknights or leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
Sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (natural)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (natural)
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced (natural)
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup water mixed with natural gelling agent
Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This coating will help achieve a crispy texture when fried.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat, keeping the oil temperature around 350°F. Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels to maintain crispiness.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), soy sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (natural), minced garlic, minced ginger, red chili flakes, and the water mixed with natural gelling agent. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Cook the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into a heated pan over medium heat. Simmer while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, forming a luscious glaze.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces into the pan with the thickened sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated evenly with the flavorful glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately while hot, crispy, and bursting with flavor.
Notes
- Double coat the chicken by dipping in cornstarch, a light batter, then cornstarch again for extra crunch.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked pieces.
- Prepare the sauce fresh right before tossing the chicken to preserve vibrant flavors.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for a more complex and aromatic sauce.
- Adjust sweetness and acidity by tasting the sauce as you cook to achieve perfect balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: General Tso's Chicken, crispy chicken, tangy sauce, Chinese-American recipe, quick dinner, bold flavors, natural ingredients
