General Tso’s Chicken Recipe with Rice

General Tso’s chicken stands as one of the most beloved Chinese-American dishes nationwide. This sweet, spicy, and tangy chicken dish paired with fluffy rice creates a perfect meal that satisfies cravings and impresses dinner guests.

Many people think this restaurant favorite is too complicated to make at home. They’re wrong! This recipe breaks down the process into simple steps anyone can follow for restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

What Makes General Tso’s Chicken Special?

General Tso’s chicken features crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors perfectly.

The dish originated in Chinese-American restaurants and has become a staple on menus across the country. The combination of tender chicken, crisp coating, and that addictive sauce served over steaming rice makes this dish irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1-2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the Rice:

• 2 cups jasmine or long-grain white rice
• 3 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Garnish:

• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Steamed broccoli (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Rice:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Place rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Making the Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Whisk until well combined and set aside.

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
2. Combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Dip chicken pieces into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or wok to 350°F (about 1½ inches deep).
5. Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Finishing the Dish:

1. Pour out most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
2. Heat the pan over medium heat and add the sauce mixture.
3. Bring to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch-water mixture.
4. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
5. Add the fried chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly with sauce.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is hot and well-combined.

Serving:

1. Place a portion of rice on each plate.
2. Top with the sauced chicken pieces.
3. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
4. Add steamed broccoli on the side if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect General Tso’s Chicken

• Choose the right chicken: Thighs provide more flavor and stay juicier than breast meat.
• Double-coating option: For extra crispy chicken, you can double-dip in egg and cornstarch mixture.
• Oil temperature matters: Keep your oil at a consistent temperature (around 350°F) for even frying.
• Sauce consistency: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but not be too thick or gloppy.
• Meal prep friendly: The chicken can be fried ahead of time and reheated in the sauce just before serving.

Customizing Your General Tso’s Chicken

This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences:

• Spice level: Adjust the chili garlic sauce amount to make it milder or spicier.
• Sweetness: Increase or decrease the brown sugar to change the sweetness.
• Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
• Protein alternative: Try this recipe with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

Health-Conscious Modifications

If you’re looking for a lighter version of this classic:

• Air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for additional fiber
• Reduce the sugar in the sauce by half
• Add extra vegetables to boost the nutritional value

Why Make General Tso’s Chicken at Home?

Making General Tso’s chicken at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can adjust flavors to your preference, control sodium and sugar levels, and ensure the meat quality is top-notch.

Plus, the satisfaction of creating this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen is unmatched.

Perfect Pairings

General Tso’s chicken with rice works beautifully with:

• Vegetable egg rolls
• Hot and sour soup
• Steamed dumplings
• Chinese cucumber salad
• Stir-fried bok choy

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover General Tso’s chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce. Microwave the rice with a damp paper towel over it to restore moisture.

This homemade General Tso’s chicken with rice brings authentic Chinese-American flavors to your table with minimal effort.

The crispy chicken pieces coated in that irresistible sweet-spicy sauce make this dish a guaranteed hit for family dinners or entertaining guests. Give it a try, you might never order takeout again!