General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. While it may seem like a restaurant-only dish, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, and beaten egg. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Preparing the Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until well combined.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
4. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Making the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet or wok, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon for cooking the sauce.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened sauce.
2. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this General Tso’s Chicken over steamed white rice or fried rice. Add a side of steamed broccoli or snow peas for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 296
• Total Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 77 mg
• Sodium: 635 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugars: 12 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Vitamin A: 16 µg
• Vitamin C: 2.3 mg
• Calcium: 17.5 mg
• Iron: 1.7 mg
• Potassium: 293 mg

History of General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine with an intriguing history. Despite its name, it is not a traditional Chinese dish but rather a Western creation. The dish was named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Qing dynasty military leader, though there is no evidence that he had any connection to the dish itself. It was introduced to American culture through Chinese immigrant chefs who adapted authentic Chinese flavors to appeal to Western palates. The recipe is believed to have originated from Taiwan, where Chef Peng Chang-kuei first crafted it in the 1950s. Chef Peng had fled China during the Chinese Civil War and settled in Taiwan, where he created the dish as a means of preserving Hunan cuisine traditions. Later, the dish made its way to New York City, where it gained immense popularity. American chefs adapted it further, adding more sweetness and reducing the level of spice to suit local tastes.

Popularity of General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. Its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile appeals to a wide range of tastes. The combination of crispy fried chicken with a thick, glossy sauce makes it a comfort food favorite. It’s commonly found on the menu at Chinese restaurants and is a frequent choice for takeout and delivery orders. The dish’s versatility also contributes to its popularity. Many variations exist, with some recipes adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, while others adjust the sauce to be tangier or spicier. Additionally, home cooks enjoy making General Tso’s Chicken because it provides a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of their own kitchens.

Nutritional Information

While General Tso’s Chicken is undeniably delicious, it is typically high in calories and fat due to the frying process and the sugar content in the sauce. On average, a serving of General Tso’s Chicken can contain around 296 calories, with notable amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. However, healthier variations are possible by opting for air frying or baking the chicken instead of deep frying, using less sugar, and increasing the proportion of vegetables. For those following a balanced diet, it’s best to pair General Tso’s Chicken with nutrient-dense sides such as steamed broccoli, brown rice, or quinoa. Additionally, reducing the sauce or using low-sodium soy sauce can significantly decrease the overall sodium content.

Cultural Significance

General Tso’s Chicken symbolizes the fusion of Chinese and American culinary traditions. It reflects the adaptability of Chinese cuisine to foreign tastes and highlights the creativity of immigrant chefs. The dish also represents the resilience and resourcefulness of the Chinese diaspora in the United States, who introduced authentic flavors to a new audience. In pop culture, General Tso’s Chicken is often referenced as an iconic Chinese-American dish. It has been featured in documentaries, cooking shows, and even fictional media, further cementing its place in American food culture.

Tips for Serving General Tso’s Chicken

To elevate the dining experience, General Tso’s Chicken is often served over a bed of steamed white rice, which balances the bold flavors of the sauce. For a healthier alternative, brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used. Complementing the dish with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots enhances both nutrition and presentation. Garnishing the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds a fresh touch and extra texture. Additionally, serving it alongside traditional appetizers like egg rolls, dumplings, or wonton soup completes the meal for an authentic Chinese-American feast.

Conclusion

General Tso’s Chicken is a testament to the rich culinary exchange between cultures. Its widespread appeal stems from its perfect combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and aromatic seasonings. By understanding its history, cultural significance, and nutritional impact, we gain a greater appreciation for this beloved dish. Whether enjoyed as a takeout favorite or prepared from scratch at home, General Tso’s Chicken continues to bring people together through its delicious flavors and comforting qualities.