Crispy General Tso's Chicken

Name: Crispy General Tso's Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 600 g boneless chicken thighs; 1 tsp ginger; 1 tsp garlic; 3 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp chili paste; 1 tsp sesame oil; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp cornstarch; 3/4 cup chicken stock; 1-4 cup neutral oil for frying or brushing; 2 tbsp neutral oil; 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; 2 tbsp green onion; 1 tsp sesame seeds

This crispy General Tso's chicken is coated in a glossy sweet, savory, and spicy sauce with garlic, ginger, hoisin, and sesame. It is a takeout-style favorite you can make at home with juicy chicken thighs and a quick stovetop sauce.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time15 Mins

Cook Time10 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

boneless chicken thighs
600 g
ginger
1 tsp
garlic
1 tsp
light soy sauce
3 tbsp
hoisin sauce
1 tbsp
rice vinegar
1 tbsp
chili paste
2 tsp
sesame oil
1 tsp
brown sugar
3 tbsp
cornstarch
0.8
chicken stock
0.8 cup
neutral oil for frying or brushing
1 cup
neutral oil
2 tbsp
red chili flakes
0.5 tsp
green onion
2 tbsp
sesame seeds
1 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sesame oil until smooth. This mixture will be used for both the marinade and the sauce.

Spoon 2 tbsp of the sauce mixture into a separate bowl with the chicken. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, toss well, and marinate for 30 minutes.

Add the cornstarch to the marinated chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Separate any pieces that stick together so the coating stays light and crisp.

Transfer the coated chicken to a colander or sieve and shake gently to remove excess cornstarch. This helps prevent the frying oil from becoming cloudy and keeps the crust crisp.

Finish the sauce by whisking the brown sugar and 1 tbsp cornstarch into the remaining sauce mixture. Add the chicken stock and stir until fully combined.