# General Tso’s Chicken: A Tasty Take-Out Favorite at Home
## What is General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken is a cherished dish recognized for its sweet and savory sauce that adheres to tender pieces of fried chicken. Although named after a Chinese general, the dish was actually invented by a Taiwanese chef in the 1950s and modified to appeal to North American palates.
### Flavor Profile
– **Taste**: This dish boasts a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, with a rich, sticky sauce that complements the crispy chicken.
### Recommended Tools
– Large non-stick skillet
– Mixing bowls
– Tongs
– Whisk
### Budget Tip
– Choose boneless chicken thighs over breasts; they are typically more economical and stay moist.
### Time-Saving Tip
– Utilize pre-minced garlic and ginger or garlic/ginger paste to speed up the chopping process.
### Serving Suggestion
– Serve on a bed of baked or fried rice for a full meal that’s “Tso” delicious!
## Everyday Ingredients
– **Chicken**: You can opt for chicken thighs, breasts, or cutlets. Ground chicken or turkey can also be suitable.
– **Sauce**: Basic pantry essentials like chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes generate the signature flavor.
– **Seasonings**: Fresh garlic and ginger are preferable, but dried powders or store-bought paste can be used in a hurry. For additional heat, incorporate sriracha, gochujang, or chile paste.
– **Variations**: Elevate the dish with whole baby mushrooms, water chestnuts, chopped baby bok choy, baby corn, or diced bell peppers.
## How to Make General Tso’s Chicken
1. **Prep Chicken**: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix with seasonings, beaten eggs, and cornstarch.
2. **Fry**: Stir-fry the chicken in oil until golden and crisp, then set aside.
3. **Combine**: In the same skillet, whisk the sauce ingredients together and cook until thickened. Add in the cooked chicken and warm through.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve over rice or noodles.
### Tips for Success
– Chicken is simpler to cut into pieces when slightly frozen.
– Preheat the oil prior to frying to ensure the chicken cooks crispy without soaking up excessive oil.
– Modify the thickness of the sauce by adjusting the amount of cornstarch slurry used.
## Leftovers?
Store General Tso’s chicken in a covered container (separate from rice) in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can be enjoyed cold or warmed in the microwave with a bit of broth to loosen the sauce, which may thicken over time. For longer preservation, freeze the chicken with sauce in a sealed bag for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Easy Homemade Take-Out
Savor this classic dish from the comfort of your home, bringing the flavors of your favorite Chinese take-out right to your kitchen. Did your family enjoy this recipe for General Tso’s Chicken? Leave a rating and a comment below!