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General Tsos Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade 5-Ingredient Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy homemade General Tso’s chicken recipe featuring crispy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, tangy, and perfectly balanced sweet and spicy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Optional chili flakes or fresh chili to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into roughly 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the chicken and toss gently until each piece is fully coated.
  3. Pour about 1.5–2 inches of vegetable oil into a wok or deep skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  4. Working in batches, carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili flakes. Set aside.
  6. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the wok, leaving it hot over medium heat. Pour the sauce mixture into the wok and simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy (about 2-3 minutes).
  7. Add the fried chicken back into the wok and toss quickly to coat evenly. The sauce should cling to each piece without pooling.
  8. Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent sogginess. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Sauce thickens quickly; stir constantly to avoid burning. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce and arrowroot powder for cornstarch.

Nutrition

Keywords: General Tso's chicken, easy dinner, crispy chicken, homemade Chinese, 5-ingredient recipe, quick meal, sweet and spicy chicken