General Tso's Chicken
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General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its delicious sweet and savory flavors. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to recreate this classic takeout dish at home. With crispy chicken and a flavorful sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. Great flavors: The combination of sweet and savory flavors in General Tso’s Chicken is truly irresistible.
  2. Quick prep time: This recipe comes together easily, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  3. Perfect for meal prep: You can make a batch of General Tso’s Chicken ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken thighs are typically used for this recipe. You can also substitute chicken breast if desired.
  • Sauce: The sauce is a key component of this dish, with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the chicken until crispy.
  3. In another pan, sauté green onion, garlic, red chilies, and orange zest.
  4. Add sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, peanut oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, cornstarch, and water to make the sauce.
  5. Combine the chicken with the sauce and cook until heated through.

Helpful Tips:

  • For extra crispiness, you can double fry the chicken.
  • Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer red chilies to the sauce.
  • You can use tofu or cauliflower as a vegetarian alternative to chicken.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
  2. Use a wok for stir-frying to achieve the best results.

Serving Suggestions:

General Tso’s Chicken pairs well with steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

General Tso's Chicken

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store leftovers, place the General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast for a leaner option.
  2. How spicy is General Tso’s Chicken? The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or fewer red chilies.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make a batch of General Tso’s Chicken and store it for easy meal prep.
  4. Is General Tso’s Chicken gluten-free? You can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

Conclusion:

Try making General Tso’s Chicken at home for a delicious and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to customize the spice level or protein choice to suit your preferences. Enjoy this classic Chinese dish with friends and family, and let us know how it turns out!

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General Tso's Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Deep-frying, Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Description

General Tso’s Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that features crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe combines tender chicken with a flavorful sauce that is sure to satisfy your takeout cravings!


Ingredients

– 4 cups vegetable oil for frying

– 1 large egg

– 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon white sugar

– 1 pinch white pepper

– 1 cup cornstarch

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sauce)

– 3 tablespoons chopped green onion

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– 6 dried whole red chilies

– 1 strip orange zest

– 1/2 cup white sugar (for sauce)

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 3 tablespoons chicken broth

– 2 tablespoons peanut oil

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 2 teaspoons sesame oil

– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

– 2 teaspoons cornstarch

– 1/4 cup water


Instructions

1. In a bowl, beat the egg and add the chicken pieces, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well.

2. Coat the chicken in cornstarch and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

3. In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil and sauté green onion, garlic, chilies, and orange zest.

4. Add sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, peanut oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, cornstarch, and water. Cook until thickened.

5. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated. Serve hot and enjoy!


Notes

– For a spicier kick, add more dried red chilies to the sauce.

– You can also add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to make it a complete meal.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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