If you enjoy making Chinese-inspired recipes, try my Kung Pao Shrimp, Lettuce Wraps, Asian Chicken Salad, or Chow Mein.
Why I love this recipe:
Family Favorite – General Tso’s Chicken is one of my family’s favorite dishes when we get takeout, so everyone gets excited when I attempt to make it from home! I can’t say this recipe is authentic (here’s a truly authentic General Tso’s recipe), but my version is a little healthier (pan fried chicken) and has the same flavors, using basic ingredients. Affordable – I was excited to create my own version of this popular dish in my kitchen to save us money on eating out without sacrificing any flavor. Easy – You just batter and pan fry the chicken and toss it in a General tso’s sauce. It’s a fun, simple recipe even beginners will enjoy making.
Variations:
Vegetarian: Sub extra-firm tofu for chicken. Press excess moisture out of the tofu by putting it between paper towels then putting something heavy like a cast-iron skillet on top, leaving it for a few minutes. Proceed as with the chicken. Air-Fryer: Preheat to 400 degrees and, after breading, spread chicken pieces evenly so they don’t touch, spray with olive oil, and cook for 15 minutes. Slow Cooker: Mix sauce ingredients together. Prepare the chicken the same, but cook on very high heat for only 1 minute on each side, to brown the coating but not cook the chicken through. Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and add chicken, then pour half of the sauce on top. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours then stir in the remaining sauce then garnish with chopped green onions.
More Chicken Recipes:
Chicken Casserole Dirty Rice One Pan Jambalaya Chicken Divan Southwest Egg Rolls Chicken Tikka Masala Orzo Salad
I originally shared this recipe February 2016. Updated August 2020 and October 2023. Prep Breading: In a large ziplock bag, combine cornstarch, flour, salt and pepper then shake, shake, shake. In a small bowl, whisk egg whites. Bread Chicken: Coat chicken pieces in egg whites, lift and allow to drip off, then drop into breading bag. Shake until coated. Fry: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat then add half a cup of oil. Once oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches (don’t crowd), 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate. Combine: Add sauce to same pan and simmer until warm and thickened. Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving. Serve this easy General Tso Chicken recipe with white or brown rice (or for some Pan-Asian fusion, Kimchi Fried Rice) garnished with green onions and/or sesame seeds.
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