Print

General Tso’s Chicken (Takeout Copycat): 1 amazing copycat recipe

1 amazing copycat recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

This General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a delicious takeout-style copycat featuring crispy fried chicken thighs coated in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic, ginger, and a hint of chili, it brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese-American dish right to your kitchen. Serve it over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1-2 inches in a skillet)

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

To Serve

  • Cooked white or brown rice
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Add the beaten egg and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the mixture.
  2. Heat Oil for Frying: Pour about 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry them for 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  4. Prepare the Sauce Base: Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet and return it to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss it to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce becomes glossy and sticky.
  8. Serve: Serve the General Tso’s Chicken immediately over cooked white or brown rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired, for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Cut chicken thighs into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Adjust chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes to control heat level.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s texture and chicken crispiness.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: General Tso's Chicken, Chinese takeout recipe, copycat recipe, fried chicken, sweet and spicy sauce

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/1-amazing-copycat-recipe/