Skip the takeout and make General Tso’s Crispy Chicken right in your own kitchen! This homemade version has all the crispy texture and bold flavors of your favorite restaurant dish—without the extra grease or mystery ingredients.
Golden-brown, perfectly crunchy chicken is tossed in a thick, glossy sauce that balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Every bite has a satisfying crunch, followed by the rich umami of soy sauce, the tang of rice vinegar, and just the right kick from chili flakes. The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer to achieve that signature crispy coating. A few simple tricks will give you restaurant-quality results with less oil and no hassle.
If you love bold, saucy dishes that are packed with texture and flavor, this is a must-try. Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or just eat it straight from the pan—it’s that good. Let’s get started!
The Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Stand Out
A great General Tso’s Chicken comes down to a few essential components. Here’s what makes this dish so incredible:
- Crispy Chicken Bites – The chicken is coated in cornstarch and pan-fried until golden and crunchy, giving it that signature crisp without being heavy or greasy.
- Sweet & Spicy Sauce – A thick glaze made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and chili flakes coats every bite, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
- Cornstarch Coating – Instead of heavy breading, this recipe uses cornstarch for a light, crisp texture that stays crunchy even after being tossed in the sauce.
- Sesame Seeds & Green Onions – A sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions adds the final layer of flavor and a pop of color.
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken from Scratch
- Prep the Chicken – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them with cornstarch to get that perfect crispy coating.
- Fry Until Golden – Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and crunchy on the outside while staying juicy inside.
- Make the Sauce – In a separate pan, cook garlic and ginger, then stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes for heat. Let it simmer until thick.
- Coat the Chicken – Toss the crispy chicken pieces into the sauce, making sure every piece is evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or alongside your favorite sides.
Easy Ways to Customize Your General Tso’s Chicken
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ways to put your own spin on this dish:
- Extra Spicy – Add more chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh red chilies to bring up the heat.
- Healthier Option – Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Swap – Use crispy tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based version that’s just as flavorful.
- More Crunch – Toss in some toasted cashews or peanuts for an extra layer of texture.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Homemade General Tso’s Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying to make. Here’s why this version beats takeout every time:
- Better Than a Restaurant – You control the ingredients, making it fresher, healthier, and just as flavorful as your favorite takeout spot.
- Super Crispy Without Deep Frying – A cornstarch coating and pan-frying technique create the perfect crisp without a vat of oil.
- Bold, Balanced Flavors – The sweet, savory, and spicy sauce clings to every piece of chicken, making every bite just as good as the last.
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The Best Sides to Serve with General Tso’s Chicken
While this dish is amazing on its own, pairing it with the right sides makes it a complete meal. Here are some perfect options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – The fluffy texture of jasmine rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Garlic Green Beans – Crisp, garlicky green beans add freshness and crunch to balance the richness of the dish.
- Egg Fried Rice – A simple, savory fried rice with egg and scallions makes a great side that’s easy to whip up.
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds adds a cool contrast to the heat of the chicken.
General Tso’s Crispy Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet For frying the chicken and making the sauce
- Mixing Bowls For coating the chicken with cornstarch
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch for coating the chicken
- 1/3 cup soy sauce for the sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey for sweetness
Instructions
- Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until fully coated. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry chicken until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add toasted cashews or peanuts.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili flakes.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sherry Eiler
Friday 7th of March 2025
Absolutely delicious! Wish I had more left over! Thanks for your consistenly great recipes.
Frank Byrd
Friday 7th of March 2025
A new favorite! Can’t wait to make it again.