General Tso's Chicken

Crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, lightly spicy glaze.

General Tso’s chicken is the American-Chinese sweet-heat fried favorite—crisp chicken in a glossy citrus-tinged sauce, often with broccoli and rice. At home, balancing sugar and vinegar is what makes it taste like takeout.

Ingredients

• 1.1 lb chicken thigh, cubed
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 2 cloves garlic and ginger

Steps

1. Toss chicken with 1 tbsp soy, egg white, and cornstarch; rest 10 minutes.
2. Deep-fry at 170°C / 340°F for 4–5 minutes until golden; drain.
3. Whisk remaining soy, sugar, vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tsp cornstarch for the sauce.
4. Sauté garlic, ginger, and chili 30 seconds; add sauce and simmer 1 minute until glossy.
5. Toss fried chicken in the sauce until every piece is coated.
6. Garnish with scallion greens and serve immediately over rice.

Tips

• Fry soon after coating so the crust stays crisp.
• Reduce sauce in the pan, then toss chicken quickly.
• Finish with sesame seeds and scallion.

• Cauliflower makes a strong vegetarian stand-in.
• A splash of orange juice boosts citrus notes.

Best immediate. Fridge 1 day; air-fryer reheating restores some crunch.