Sweet and Spicy General Tso’s Chicken

Introduction

General Tso’s Chicken is one of the most popular dishes in Chinese-American cuisine. Known for its crispy fried chicken bites coated in a glossy, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

This recipe for Sweet and Spicy General Tso’s Chicken captures everything you love about the restaurant version—crispy chicken, a sticky sauce that clings to every piece, and bold flavors that keep you coming back for more. It’s perfect for when you’re craving takeout but want to enjoy a fresh, homemade version.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comfort food with a kick. The chicken is crispy on the outside yet tender inside, and the sauce is everything—sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy all at once. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet so satisfying.

What makes me love it even more is that it’s a homemade version of takeout. You know exactly what’s going into it—fresh chicken, simple pantry ingredients, and no artificial additives. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and feels like a restaurant-quality dish right from your own kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s one of the most iconic Chinese-American dishes, loved worldwide.
• The crispy chicken + sticky sauce combination is simply irresistible.
• It’s better than takeout—fresher, healthier, and customizable.
• You can adjust the sweetness and spice to your preference, making it family-friendly.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~420 calories per serving (may vary depending on oil and portion size)
• Cuisine: Chinese-American
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 3 tbsp sugar (or honey)
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
• 1–2 tsp chili paste or red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)

For Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1-inch fresh ginger (grated)
• 3–4 dried red chilies (optional, for heat)
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Coat chicken in batter and fry until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare sweet and spicy sauce.
3. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and dried chilies.
4. Add sauce and simmer until thick.
5. Toss fried chicken in sauce until well coated.
6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Frying

• In one bowl, beat eggs.
• In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour.
• Dip chicken pieces in egg, then dredge in flour mixture.

Step 2: Fry Chicken

• Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok.
• Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy (about 4–5 minutes).
• Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, ketchup, and chicken broth.
• Stir in cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook Aromatics

• Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok.
• Add garlic, ginger, and dried chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Chicken

• Pour sauce into the wok. Bring to a simmer until thickened.
• Add fried chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve immediately.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Best served with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
• Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bok choy for a balanced meal.
• Serve hot and fresh for the ultimate crispy-saucy texture.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Fry chicken in small batches for maximum crispiness.
• Keep oil at a steady temperature to avoid soggy coating.
• Adjust spice by adding more or fewer chilies.
• Serve immediately—sauce-coated chicken tastes best fresh.

Variations

• Healthier Version: Pan-fry or bake chicken instead of deep-frying.
• Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with cauliflower or tofu.
• Extra Saucy: Double the sauce ingredients if you like more coating.
• Sweeter Version: Use honey instead of sugar for a richer sweetness.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze sauce separately from chicken. Fried chicken can be frozen for up to 1 month. Re-crisp in oven before tossing with sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk for sauce
• Tongs for frying

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy General Tso’s Chicken is the ultimate homemade takeout favorite. With its perfectly crispy chicken and bold, glossy sauce, it delivers everything you crave—sweetness, tanginess, heat, and savoriness—all in one dish. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and always a crowd-pleaser. Once you try this version, you’ll find yourself skipping the takeout menu and cooking it at home again and again.