We have all been there before. You get home after a long day and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. You start looking for dinner ideas that will satisfy everyone without making a mess.
Usually we reach for the takeout menu. But what if you could make something even better at home? This Chinese Food General Tso Chicken is the answer to your weeknight prayers.
It is sweet and crispy with just the right amount of tang. Plus it is much cheaper than ordering from the local spot down the street. You will save money and feel like a kitchen pro.
Finding great dinner ideas does not have to be a chore. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that become family favorites. This dish is definitely one of those staple meals.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to love this General Tso Chicken Dish because it is incredibly fast. Most people think making Asian inspired Fried Rice Dish or chicken at home takes forever.
That is simply not true here. You can have this on the table in about twenty five minutes. That is faster than most delivery drivers can get to your front door.
Another reason to love this is the General Tso Chicken Sauce. It has that perfect balance of flavors. It is not too spicy and not too sour like some other versions.
This recipe is also very customizable. If you want more heat you can add it. If you want it extra sweet you can adjust the sugar. You are in total control.
It is a great way to introduce your kids to new dinner ideas. The crispy texture and sweet sauce are usually a huge hit with even the pickiest eaters in the house.
Honestly it is just fun to make. There is something so satisfying about seeing the General Chicken Sauce thicken up and coat every single piece of golden chicken perfectly.
You do not need any fancy equipment either. A simple frying pan is all it takes to create this Homemade General Tso’s Dish. It is proof that great food is accessible.
Budget conscious cooks will appreciate how affordable the ingredients are. Most of these items are probably already sitting in your pantry right now. No special trips to the store are needed.
When you are tired of the same old boring dinner ideas this recipe brings a spark back to the table. It feels like a treat but it is actually a very practical meal.
Lastly this dish pairs perfectly with so many sides. You can serve it with Yummy Fried Rice or even simple steamed veggies. The versatility is really what makes it a winner.
Ingredients
For The Breading
- 4 chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 1 cup all purpose flour or cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
For The Sauce
- 1 and 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white distilled vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes optional for heat
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite sized pieces. You want them to be uniform so they cook evenly. This ensures every bite is just as juicy as the last.
In a medium bowl whisk together your flour or cornstarch with the paprika and garlic salt. This creates a flavorful base for your General Tso Chicken Dish coating.
Toss the chicken pieces into the flour mixture. Make sure every piece is fully coated. This is the secret to getting that crispy texture we all love in dinner ideas like this.
Step 2: Fry Until Golden
Heat about three quarters of a cup of oil in your frying pan. Once it is hot carefully add the chicken in batches. Do not overfill the pan or it will get soggy.
Fry the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes a few minutes per side. Remove the pieces and set them aside on a paper towel.
The goal here is a light and crispy exterior. If you are looking for healthy dinner ideas you could air fry these too but the traditional pan fry is so delicious.
Step 3: Simmer The Sauce
In the same pan or a clean one combine all your sauce ingredients. Whisk together the sugar water vinegar salt and soy sauce. Add the chili flakes if you like heat.
Pour this mixture over your fried chicken pieces. Bring the whole thing to a boil and then lower the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for about twelve minutes.
As it simmers the General Tso Chicken Sauce will begin to thicken. It will turn into a beautiful glaze that clings to the chicken. This is where the magic happens.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers you can easily store them. Put the chicken in an airtight container once it has cooled down to room temperature.
It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about three to four days. This makes it one of those dinner ideas that works great for meal prep the next day.
When you are ready to eat it again I recommend using the oven or an air fryer. This helps bring back some of that original crispiness that the microwave might lose.
If you use the microwave just heat it in short bursts. Add a tiny splash of water if the General Chicken Sauce seems too thick after being in the fridge.
You can also freeze this dish. It lasts for about two months in the freezer. Just make sure it is sealed well to prevent any freezer burn from ruining the flavor.
Tips
To make the meat extra tender you can use a simple trick. Mix a little baking soda and vinegar with the raw chicken and let it sit for ten minutes before breading.
If you want to save even more time you can use a crockpot. Just fry the chicken quickly then toss it in the slow cooker with the sauce for a few hours.
For a complete meal try serving this over Chinese Food Recipes Rice Noodles. The noodles soak up the extra sauce perfectly and make the dish feel very substantial.
Another great side is Yummy Fried Rice. You can throw in some peas and carrots to get your vegetables in while enjoying the savory flavors of the meal.
If you are watching your carbs you can serve this with steamed broccoli. A great tip is to place a colander of broccoli right over the simmering chicken pot.
The steam from the sauce will cook the broccoli in about seven minutes. It is a clever way to multi task and keep your dinner ideas efficient and healthy.
Do not be afraid to experiment with the General Chicken Sauce. Some people love adding fresh ginger or minced garlic to the pan for an extra layer of aroma.
If you find the sauce is not thickening as fast as you want you can add a tiny cornstarch slurry. Just mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in.
For those who love Asian Food Recipes Noodles you can toss cooked noodles directly into the pan at the end. It turns the whole thing into a stir fry style meal.
Remember that the quality of your soy sauce matters. Try to use a brand you enjoy because it provides the main savory backbone for this Homemade General Tso’s Dish.
Conclusion
Making your own Chinese Food General Tso Chicken is a rewarding experience. It proves that you do not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy restaurant quality food.
These types of dinner ideas are perfect for busy families who want to eat well without the stress. It is fast simple and packed with flavor in every bite.
Once you try this General Tso Chicken Dish you might find yourself skipping the takeout line more often. There is just something special about a home cooked meal.
Whether you serve it with Asian Food Recipes Noodles or a simple bowl of rice it is sure to be a hit. It is comforting and familiar yet feels like a special occasion.
So the next time you are stuck for dinner ideas give this recipe a shot. Your family will thank you and your wallet will definitely thank you too.
Happy cooking and I hope you enjoy every single crispy bite of this amazing dish. It really is one of the best ways to bring joy to your kitchen table.
FAQ
Is General Tso Chicken Very Spicy?
Not necessarily. This version uses a small amount of red chili flakes so it has a mild kick. You can easily leave them out if you prefer a completely mild meal.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes you absolutely can. Chicken thighs are often even more juicy than breasts. They work perfectly with the General Tso Chicken Sauce and stay tender during the simmering process.
What Is The Best Way To Reheat This?
The best way is in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for about ten minutes. This helps the breading stay crispy instead of getting soft in the microwave.
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
You can make this Homemade General Tso’s Dish gluten free by using cornstarch for the breading. Also ensure you use a tamari or gluten free soy sauce for the glaze.
Does This Work With Rice Noodles?
It definitely does. Serving this over Chinese Food Recipes Rice Noodles is a fantastic alternative to white rice. It gives the dish a different texture that many people love.
Easy General Tso’s Chicken
This Easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe brings that sweet and crispy takeout flavor right to your kitchen, fast! Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s ready in about 25 minutes. Customize the tang and spice to your liking for a comforting, no-fuss meal that everyone will love.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour (or cornstarch), paprika, and garlic salt. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated for that crispy texture.
- **Fry Until Golden:** Heat about ¾ cup of oil in your frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about a few minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- **Simmer the Sauce:** In the same pan (or a clean one), combine the sugar, water, white distilled vinegar, salt, and soy sauce. If you like a little heat, add the red chili pepper flakes now. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- **Combine and Thicken:** Pour the sauce mixture over the fried chicken pieces in the pan. Let it simmer uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the General Tso Chicken Sauce begins to thicken into a beautiful glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
For extra tender chicken, mix raw chicken with a little baking soda and vinegar for 10 minutes before breading.
To save time, you can quickly fry the chicken then transfer it to a slow cooker with the sauce for a few hours.
Serve this dish over rice noodles or with a side of yummy fried rice.
For a healthy and efficient side, steam broccoli by placing a colander of florets over the simmering chicken pot for about 7 minutes.
Don’t be afraid to add fresh ginger or minced garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
If the sauce doesn’t thicken enough, a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with cold water) can be stirred in.
Use a good quality soy sauce for the best flavor backbone in this homemade dish.
Nutrition
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