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General Tso Chicken Copycat Easy Flavorful Recipe

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For the main part of the dish, you need: - 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying These ingredients are key for that crispy texture. The chicken thighs stay juicy inside, while the coating gets golden brown. The sauce is what makes this dish shine. Gather these items: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 teaspoons ginger, minced - 2 teaspoons garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) This mix brings a balance of sweet and savory. The spice level can be changed based on your taste. For the final touch, you will need: - Sliced green onions - Toasted sesame seeds These garnishes add color and a bit of crunch. They make your dish look pretty and tasty. Start with 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix this well. Now, add the chicken pieces to the bowl. Make sure each piece is coated well with the flour mix. In another saucepan, you'll create the sauce. Combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Add 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of minced ginger, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Now, heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry them in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels. After frying, add the chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss them well to coat. Cook for 2 more minutes, and then serve hot. To get that perfect crunch, use a mix of cornstarch and flour. The cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating. Make sure to coat each chicken piece well. Fry in hot oil to seal in the crunch. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to get golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps keep the oil hot and the chicken crispy. To boost flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice to the sauce. It gives a nice citrus twist. You can also add more garlic and ginger for a punch. Red pepper flakes can be adjusted for spice levels. Toss in some green onions for freshness just before serving. This gives a nice crunch and color. If you need to swap ingredients, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. They are leaner but still tasty. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch. If you lack hoisin sauce, try a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar. You can also use vegetable oil instead of sesame oil for frying. Just remember, these swaps may change the final flavor a bit! {{image_2}} You can make General Tso Chicken healthier. Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts have less fat. Use less oil when frying. Instead of frying, try baking the chicken. Coat it lightly in the flour mixture. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps the taste while cutting calories. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds more fiber to your meal. Want a meatless dish? Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Cut the tofu into cubes and press out extra water. Coat the tofu in the flour mixture. Fry or bake until crispy. For a vegan sauce, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Check that your soy sauce is vegan. This way, you enjoy a tasty General Tso dish without meat. If you love heat, make it spicier! Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also include fresh chopped chili peppers. Sauté them with the garlic and ginger in the sauce. Another option is to drizzle sriracha on top before serving. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Enjoy every spicy bite! After enjoying your General Tso Chicken, let it cool completely. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping the chicken in its sauce helps it stay moist. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat on medium power for about two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warmth. For a crispier texture, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to steam the chicken slightly. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. First, cool the chicken and sauce. Then, transfer them to freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned. To make General Tso Chicken less spicy, simply cut back on red pepper flakes. Start by adding only half a teaspoon. You can also use sweet chili sauce instead of the red pepper flakes. This change adds sweetness and flavor without too much heat. Don't forget to taste the sauce as you go. Adjust it until it fits your taste. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and will cook faster. Just be careful not to overcook it. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You may want to add a little extra sauce to keep it moist. General Tso Chicken pairs well with steamed white rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables for a colorful plate. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work great. For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. Sliced green onions make a nice garnish too. Enjoy your meal! This blog post covered all you need for General Tso Chicken. You learned key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for best results. We also explored tasty variations and how to store your dish. Remember, cooking is about fun and trying new things. Use this guide as your go-to for making a delicious meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Craving the bold flavors of General Tso Chicken but short on time? You’re in luck! This easy copycat recipe simplifies the classic dish without losing any taste. I’ll guide you through each step, from gathering fresh ingredients to achieving that perfect crunch. Ready to impress your family and friends with a homemade takeout favorite? Let’s dive into this flavorful adventure together!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

For the main part of the dish, you need:

– 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 1/2 cup cornstarch

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Oil for frying

These ingredients are key for that crispy texture. The chicken thighs stay juicy inside, while the coating gets golden brown.

Sauce Ingredients

The sauce is what makes this dish shine. Gather these items:

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 1/4 cup chicken broth

– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 2 teaspoons ginger, minced

– 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

This mix brings a balance of sweet and savory. The spice level can be changed based on your taste.

Garnishing Ingredients

For the final touch, you will need:

– Sliced green onions

– Toasted sesame seeds

These garnishes add color and a bit of crunch. They make your dish look pretty and tasty.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Start with 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix this well. Now, add the chicken pieces to the bowl. Make sure each piece is coated well with the flour mix.

Making the Sauce

In another saucepan, you’ll create the sauce. Combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Add 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of minced ginger, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

Frying the Chicken

Now, heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry them in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels. After frying, add the chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss them well to coat. Cook for 2 more minutes, and then serve hot.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Crunch

To get that perfect crunch, use a mix of cornstarch and flour. The cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating. Make sure to coat each chicken piece well. Fry in hot oil to seal in the crunch. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to get golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps keep the oil hot and the chicken crispy.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice to the sauce. It gives a nice citrus twist. You can also add more garlic and ginger for a punch. Red pepper flakes can be adjusted for spice levels. Toss in some green onions for freshness just before serving. This gives a nice crunch and color.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to swap ingredients, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. They are leaner but still tasty. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch. If you lack hoisin sauce, try a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar. You can also use vegetable oil instead of sesame oil for frying. Just remember, these swaps may change the final flavor a bit!

Variations

Healthier Alternatives

You can make General Tso Chicken healthier. Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts have less fat. Use less oil when frying. Instead of frying, try baking the chicken. Coat it lightly in the flour mixture. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps the taste while cutting calories. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds more fiber to your meal.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

Want a meatless dish? Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Cut the tofu into cubes and press out extra water. Coat the tofu in the flour mixture. Fry or bake until crispy. For a vegan sauce, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Check that your soy sauce is vegan. This way, you enjoy a tasty General Tso dish without meat.

Spicy Variants

If you love heat, make it spicier! Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also include fresh chopped chili peppers. Sauté them with the garlic and ginger in the sauce. Another option is to drizzle sriracha on top before serving. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Enjoy every spicy bite!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your General Tso Chicken, let it cool completely. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping the chicken in its sauce helps it stay moist.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to eat leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat on medium power for about two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warmth. For a crispier texture, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to steam the chicken slightly.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. First, cool the chicken and sauce. Then, transfer them to freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned.

FAQs

How to make General Tso Chicken less spicy?

To make General Tso Chicken less spicy, simply cut back on red pepper flakes. Start by adding only half a teaspoon. You can also use sweet chili sauce instead of the red pepper flakes. This change adds sweetness and flavor without too much heat. Don’t forget to taste the sauce as you go. Adjust it until it fits your taste.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and will cook faster. Just be careful not to overcook it. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You may want to add a little extra sauce to keep it moist.

What to serve with General Tso Chicken?

General Tso Chicken pairs well with steamed white rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables for a colorful plate. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work great. For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. Sliced green onions make a nice garnish too. Enjoy your meal!

This blog post covered all you need for General Tso Chicken. You learned key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for best results. We also explored tasty variations and how to store your dish.

Remember, cooking is about fun and trying new things. Use this guide as your go-to for making a delicious meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

For the main part of the dish, you need: - 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying These ingredients are key for that crispy texture. The chicken thighs stay juicy inside, while the coating gets golden brown. The sauce is what makes this dish shine. Gather these items: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 teaspoons ginger, minced - 2 teaspoons garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) This mix brings a balance of sweet and savory. The spice level can be changed based on your taste. For the final touch, you will need: - Sliced green onions - Toasted sesame seeds These garnishes add color and a bit of crunch. They make your dish look pretty and tasty. Start with 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix this well. Now, add the chicken pieces to the bowl. Make sure each piece is coated well with the flour mix. In another saucepan, you'll create the sauce. Combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Add 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of minced ginger, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Now, heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry them in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels. After frying, add the chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss them well to coat. Cook for 2 more minutes, and then serve hot. To get that perfect crunch, use a mix of cornstarch and flour. The cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating. Make sure to coat each chicken piece well. Fry in hot oil to seal in the crunch. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to get golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps keep the oil hot and the chicken crispy. To boost flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice to the sauce. It gives a nice citrus twist. You can also add more garlic and ginger for a punch. Red pepper flakes can be adjusted for spice levels. Toss in some green onions for freshness just before serving. This gives a nice crunch and color. If you need to swap ingredients, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. They are leaner but still tasty. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch. If you lack hoisin sauce, try a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar. You can also use vegetable oil instead of sesame oil for frying. Just remember, these swaps may change the final flavor a bit! {{image_2}} You can make General Tso Chicken healthier. Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts have less fat. Use less oil when frying. Instead of frying, try baking the chicken. Coat it lightly in the flour mixture. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps the taste while cutting calories. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds more fiber to your meal. Want a meatless dish? Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Cut the tofu into cubes and press out extra water. Coat the tofu in the flour mixture. Fry or bake until crispy. For a vegan sauce, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Check that your soy sauce is vegan. This way, you enjoy a tasty General Tso dish without meat. If you love heat, make it spicier! Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also include fresh chopped chili peppers. Sauté them with the garlic and ginger in the sauce. Another option is to drizzle sriracha on top before serving. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Enjoy every spicy bite! After enjoying your General Tso Chicken, let it cool completely. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping the chicken in its sauce helps it stay moist. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat on medium power for about two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warmth. For a crispier texture, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to steam the chicken slightly. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. First, cool the chicken and sauce. Then, transfer them to freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned. To make General Tso Chicken less spicy, simply cut back on red pepper flakes. Start by adding only half a teaspoon. You can also use sweet chili sauce instead of the red pepper flakes. This change adds sweetness and flavor without too much heat. Don't forget to taste the sauce as you go. Adjust it until it fits your taste. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and will cook faster. Just be careful not to overcook it. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You may want to add a little extra sauce to keep it moist. General Tso Chicken pairs well with steamed white rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables for a colorful plate. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work great. For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. Sliced green onions make a nice garnish too. Enjoy your meal! This blog post covered all you need for General Tso Chicken. You learned key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for best results. We also explored tasty variations and how to store your dish. Remember, cooking is about fun and trying new things. Use this guide as your go-to for making a delicious meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

General Tso Chicken Copycat

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of General Tso's Chicken Delight with this easy recipe! This dish features crispy chicken thighs coated in a savory sauce that balances sweetness and spice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it takes just 30 minutes to prepare. Impress your family with this takeout favorite made at home! Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for serving it perfectly!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying

Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 teaspoons ginger, minced

2 teaspoons garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Garnish:

Sliced green onions

Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

    Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the flour mixture.

      Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry until golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

        In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.

          Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss them in the sauce until they are evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

            Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the General Tso's Chicken over a bed of steamed white rice or fried rice, and drizzle extra sauce over the top for added flavor.

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