Spicy General Tso’s Chicken

Spicy General Tso’s Chicken

Spicy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Chinese-American Classic

Ever craved something sweet, spicy, sticky, and incredibly crispy? That’s where General Tso’s Chicken comes in-a beloved Chinese-American dish that lights up takeout menus across the world. But here’s the thing: when you make it spicy, it takes the flavor game to the next level.

This isn’t some dull fried chicken in mystery sauce. This is a bold, crunchy, saucy, spicy explosion of flavor. Let’s dive deep into how to make your fiery version right at home.

-------------------------------------------------

Ingredients Overview

Chicken Selection and Preparation

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (juiciest and most flavorful)

Cut into bite-sized chunks

Marinade Ingredients

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 egg white

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Sauce Essentials

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

3 tbsp rice vinegar

3 tbsp hoisin sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp sesame oil

3–4 dried red chilies (adjust to heat preference)

2 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp grated ginger

1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional for more heat)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)

Vegetables and Garnish

2 green onions (chopped)

Toasted sesame seeds

Optional Heat Boosters

Chili oil drizzle

Crushed red pepper flakes

-----------------------------------------------

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

For Frying

Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet

Slotted spoon or frying spider

For Mixing the Sauce

Medium saucepan

Whisk

For Serving

Large bowl for tossing

Rice bowls or plates

-----------------------------------------------

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken. Toss the chicken chunks with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic powder, and egg white, and let them sit for 10 minutes. Then coat with the cornstarch and flour mixture to create an extra-crispy crust.

Step 2: Creating the Spicy Marinade

While the chicken soaks up those flavors, combine your sauce ingredients in a bowl-soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, and chili sauce. Set aside.

Step 3: Mixing Up the Sauce

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and dried chilies for a few seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mix. Simmer and stir until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Deep-Frying to Crispy Perfection

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy—about 4-5 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd, or your chicken will steam instead of fry.

Step 5: Tossing Chicken in Sauce

Once all the chicken is fried, toss it into the pan with the spicy sauce. Stir until each piece is well coated and sticky.

---------------------------------------------

Spicy General Tso’s Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—crispy chicken drenched in a bold, spicy, sticky sauce that hits all the right notes. Making it at home means you control the heat, the ingredients, and the experience. Whether you’re craving a better-than-takeout dinner or looking to impress friends with a fiery dish, this recipe delivers.