This General Tso’s Chicken recipe brings the beloved takeout classic to your kitchen. Bite-sized pieces of tender chicken are lightly coated and browned, then slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce made with soy, hoisin, rice vinegar, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.

Perfectly sauced and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables. Whether for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers bold, irresistible flavors every time!

Why You’ll Love It:

Takeout Made at Home: Skip the delivery fees and make this restaurant favorite from scratch.
Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, and brown sugar creates a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and umami-packed.
Tender, Crispy Chicken: The cornstarch coating ensures golden-brown, crispy chicken that holds up beautifully in the sauce.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats like a dream, making it ideal for leftovers or packed lunches.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly, but you can also use thighs for a juicier result. Cut them into even bite-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
Cornstarch: This is the secret to a light, crispy coating. Don’t substitute with flour—it won’t give you the same crunch!
Hoisin Sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth to the sauce. If you don’t have hoisin on hand, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey or molasses can work in a pinch.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to your preferred spice level—add more for heat or omit for a milder dish.
Optional Garnishes: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds are more than just decorative; they add a fresh, nutty contrast to the dish.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken

Toss the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix:
1 lb bite-sized chicken pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Toss the chicken until each piece is evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture. This step ensures a crispy exterior when cooked.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat the Oil:
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. The oil should sizzle when a piece of chicken is added.

Cook the Chicken:
Add the coated chicken to the skillet in small batches. Avoid overcrowding to maintain even browning.
Sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until lightly golden on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.

3. Make the Sauce

Whisk the Sauce Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

4. Cook in the Slow Cooker

Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the browned chicken in the slow cooker.
Stir gently to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.

Slow Cook:
Cover and set the slow cooker to:
Low: Cook for 4 hours.
High: Cook for 2 hours.
The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender while absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce.

5. Serve

Prepare for Serving:
Once cooked, gently stir the chicken to ensure it is fully coated in the thickened, glossy sauce.

Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over a bed of steamed white rice or fried rice.
Garnish with:
Sliced green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Add steamed broccoli or snow peas on the side for a complete, balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions:

The versatility of General Tso’s Chicken makes it a perfect centerpiece for various sides:

Rice: Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Noodles: Serve alongside lo mein or stir-fried noodles for a takeout-style dinner.
Vegetables: Steamed or roasted broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy add freshness and balance to the dish.
Appetizers: Pair with homemade egg rolls or spring rolls for an appetizer course.

Storage and Reheating:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Variations:

Make this dish your own by trying some fun variations:

Spicier Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to amp up the heat.
Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets for a plant-based alternative.
Healthier Twist: Use an air fryer to cook the chicken instead of frying it in oil, or substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce to reduce sodium.
Extra Veggies: Stir-fry bell peppers, onions, or carrots and add them to the slow cooker for a veggie-packed version.

Conclusion:

General Tso’s Chicken is proof that you can recreate your favorite takeout dishes at home with ease and confidence. This recipe delivers tender, crispy chicken coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s just the right balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.

Serve it as a family dinner, impress your friends at a dinner party, or make a batch for meal prep—you really can’t go wrong. With its simple steps and bold flavors, this homemade version of General Tso’s Chicken is bound to become a go-to recipe in your repertoire.

Now grab your chopsticks (or fork!) and enjoy the irresistible taste of takeout from the comfort of your own kitchen. Happy cooking!