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Crispy General Tsos Chicken Recipe Easy Sweet Spicy Glaze Guide

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A crispy, flavorful General Tso’s Chicken with a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy glaze, quick and easy to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (preferably peanut oil)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp chili flakes or Sriracha
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening sauce)
  • Chopped scallions (green onions), fresh, for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a bowl, combine the beaten egg, cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth but slightly thick.
  3. Toss the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  4. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a wok or deep skillet. Heat over medium-high to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and drain on paper towels or wire rack.
  6. Return the chicken to the hot oil for a second fry, about 2 minutes, until deep golden and extra crispy.
  7. While frying, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili flakes, garlic, ginger, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  8. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and whisk until thickened to a syrupy consistency, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  9. Quickly toss the crispy chicken pieces in the warm glaze until evenly coated.
  10. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crispiness. Double frying is key to a crunchy crust. Toss chicken in glaze just before serving to keep crispiness. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch. Fresh garlic and ginger improve flavor significantly.

Nutrition

Keywords: General Tso's Chicken, crispy chicken, sweet and spicy glaze, double-fried chicken, easy dinner, Chinese recipe