Get ready to impress your taste buds with my Crispy General Tso’s Chicken! This dish packs flavor and crunch, making it a perfect addition to your dinner table. I’ll guide you through simple steps, from the main ingredients to the sauce prep. Whether you’re a novice cook or a kitchen pro, you’ll find tips to make your chicken extra crispy. Let’s dive into this delicious and easy recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: This dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Crispy Texture: The double coating technique ensures that the chicken remains crispy even after being tossed in the sauce.
- Quick Cooking: With a prep time of just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable Spice Level: You can easily adjust the amount of dried chilies in the sauce to suit your preferred heat level, making it perfect for everyone.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Crispy General Tso’s Chicken
To make Crispy General Tso’s Chicken, gather these main ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– ½ cup cornstarch
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ginger powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– Oil for frying
These ingredients create a crunchy coating that gives the chicken a delightful texture. The combination of cornstarch and flour helps achieve that crispy outer layer.
Ingredients for the Sauce
For the tasty sauce, you’ll need:
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2-3 dried red chilies, crushed (adjust for spice level)
This sauce is sweet, tangy, and spicy. It enhances the chicken’s flavor and makes each bite packed with taste.
Optional Garnishes
You can add some fun garnishes to your dish:
– 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and a pop of color. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting 1 pound of chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and remain tender. In a medium bowl, mix together ½ cup of cornstarch, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ginger powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk it until combined. In another bowl, whisk 2 large eggs with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil until smooth. This will help the coating stick.
The Coating Process
Take your chicken pieces and dip them into the egg mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated. This step is key for a crispy crust. Next, move the chicken to the flour mixture. Coat each piece well, pressing gently to help the coating adhere. This double-layer of coating gives the chicken its signature crunch.
Frying the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, pour enough oil to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. It should shimmer when hot, which means it’s ready for frying. Carefully add the coated chicken in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on paper towels. This helps soak up any extra oil, keeping your chicken crispy.
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Extra Crispy Chicken
To get that perfect crunch, use a double coating. First, dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture. Then, coat them with the flour mix. Press gently to help the coating stick. This method traps air, leading to extra crispiness during frying. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough. If it’s too cool, the chicken will soak up oil and become soggy.
Frying Technique Tips
Fry in small batches. If you add too many chicken pieces at once, the oil cools down. This leads to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Use a deep skillet or wok, and fill it with at least 2 inches of oil. Keep the heat at medium-high. This helps maintain the oil temperature while cooking the chicken. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels.
Sauce Consistency Secrets
The right sauce texture is key. To thicken it, mix cornstarch with water before adding it to the sauce. Stir it in slowly while the sauce simmers. This prevents lumps and helps achieve a smooth finish. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or broth to loosen it up. You want it to cling to the chicken without being runny.
Pro Tips
- Double Frying: For extra crispiness, consider frying the chicken pieces twice. First, fry them until they are lightly golden, then remove and let them rest for a few minutes before frying them again until they are deeply golden and crispy.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the number of dried red chilies based on your spice tolerance. You can also add some fresh chili peppers for extra heat or flavor.
- Marinate for Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before coating and frying.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served hot and fresh. To maintain its crispiness, serve the chicken immediately after tossing it in the sauce.
Variations
Spicy General Tso’s Chicken
You can spice up General Tso’s Chicken easily. Add more dried red chilies to the sauce. You can also use chili paste for an extra kick. Adjust the heat to your taste. Some like it hot, while others prefer mild. Try adding fresh chili slices for a fresh flavor.
Healthier Alternatives (Baked Version)
If you want a lighter dish, bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Coat the chicken pieces as usual, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. You can still enjoy the crunchy texture without all the oil.
Vegetarian Version (Using Tofu)
For a vegetarian twist, swap chicken for tofu. Use firm tofu for the best results. Press it to remove excess water, then cut it into bites. Coat and fry the tofu just like the chicken. It absorbs the sauce well and gives a delicious taste. Enjoy this fresh take on a classic dish!
Storage Information
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. Make sure to separate the chicken from the sauce. This keeps the chicken crispy.
Reheating Tips
Reheat the chicken in an oven for the best results. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore its crispiness. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 350°F for around 5-8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken soggy.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze the chicken, first cool it completely. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. For the best taste, freeze the chicken without the sauce. When ready, thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What is General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese dish. It features crispy fried chicken pieces. These pieces are tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. The dish often has garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. It is named after a Chinese general, Tso Tsung-t’ang. People enjoy this dish for its bold flavors and crunchy texture. It pairs well with rice or vegetables.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make General Tso’s Chicken gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. You can swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Cornstarch is already gluten-free, so you can keep that. Make sure to check all other ingredients for hidden gluten. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal without gluten.
What do I serve with Crispy General Tso’s Chicken?
Crispy General Tso’s Chicken goes well with many sides. Here are some great options:
– Steamed white rice
– Fried rice with vegetables
– Stir-fried broccoli or bok choy
– Egg rolls or spring rolls
– A fresh salad with sesame dressing
These sides add color and balance to your plate. They also complement the chicken’s flavors nicely. Enjoy your meal!
This guide showed you how to make crispy General Tso’s Chicken from scratch. We covered the main ingredients, the sauce, and garnishes. You learned the best steps for cooking and tips for extra crispiness. Variations like spicy options and healthier choices were also discussed. Lastly, we shared easy storage methods.
Now you can enjoy this classic dish your way and impress your friend
