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Crispy General Tsos Chicken Recipe Easy Sweet and Spicy Sauce Guide

Crispy General Tsos Chicken - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, golden chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for weeknights, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying (peanut oil preferred)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or Sriracha
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In one bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
  3. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the flour and cornstarch mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan or wok to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Working in batches, fry the coated chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  6. In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  7. Stir the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while whisking. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
  8. Place the fried chicken in a large bowl, pour the sauce over, and gently toss to coat every piece evenly.
  9. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken. Toss chicken in sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend and tamari instead of soy sauce. Air fryer option: cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: General Tso's chicken, crispy chicken, sweet and spicy sauce, easy dinner, fried chicken, homemade General Tso's