
General Tso’s Chicken (also called General Tso Chicken) is one of the most popular Chinese recipes and most ordered chicken dish in Chinese restaurants in the United States.
It’s made of battered and deep-fried chicken in a sweet, savory, and spicy General Tso’s sauce. It’s served at Chinese restaurants, buffets, and a popular Chinese takeout item.
Many don’t even dare to ask “How to make General Tso Chicken?” because they assume it’s difficult. But the good new is that it’s very easy to make at home.
Who is General Tso?
General Tso’s Chicken originated from Hunan, China. There was a brave Chinese general by the name of General Tso (Zuo Zongtang 左宗棠) and he loved this chicken dish. However, this is largely a US or western reference.
Secret Ingredients:
The authentic recipe of General Tso’s chicken always calls for the following ingredients:
- Soy sauce. Use a good quality soy sauce.
- Dark soy sauce lends nice dark brown color to the dish.
- Chinese rice vinegar plays a vital role in lending the bold vinegary note to the sauce.
- Hoisin Sauce is the secret ingredient.
- Dried red chilies—an important ingredient in Hunan cooking, making the chicken and the sauce mildly spicy.
How Do You Make General Tso’s Chicken?
To make general chicken, you will need chicken meat. I prefer chicken breasts. Cut the chicken into cubes and coat the chicken generously with corn starch. Deep fry the chicken until they turn light to golden brown.
Next, stir fry the minced ginger, garlic, and dried chilies and pour the General Tso’s Chicken sauce and cook until the sauce thickens.
Serve General Tso’s Chicken with:
For a wholesome dinner, make the following dishes.
Complete Meal Plan
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Darryl
I’d always heard about this American dish and was eager to try it when I went to the states a few years ago. I must have been unlucky because the take-out place I ordered from gave me something that was more like sweet & sour chicken… or is that what it’s supposed to be like? I guess there is a LOT of sugar in the recipe…
Rasa Malaysia
It’s different, this has a spicy and vinegary note. You should try this General Tso’s Chicken recipe.
Poms
General Tso’s Chicken? Seriously??
Rasa Malaysia
Seriously, yes!
Shaun
I have a weakness for two things:
1. Your garlic chicken
2. General Tso’s chicken
Definitely trying this tomorrow!!!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Shaun, awww, you are so sweet. Thanks! I have more delicious recipes that you should have weakness for, lol.
Eddie Siy
Likewise. Tso chicken seems really good. Cooking it tomorrow
Rasa Malaysia
Awesome!
Diana Bahnert
I like everyone of these recipes. However,I have not tried them out yet. Will do so soon.Thank you for the recipes and the beautiful illustrations. 5 stars for the above reasons.
Rasa Malaysia
Aww thanks Diana. You need to try this recipe!
Doug Beeby
What are the quantities for the General Tso’s sauce.
Rasa Malaysia
The recipe is at the bottom of the page, please scroll down, the recipe card is shaded in pink.
Tom Wells
I am planning on trying your recipe tonight. Just curious if you have ever tried to cook the chicken in an air fryer rather than frying it first.
Rasa Malaysia
No air dryer, it won’t work well as the chicken is battered?