The Best General Tsos Chicken Recipe for Homemade Bliss

Curious home cooks adore this mouthwatering general tsos chicken that promises a delightful twist on classic takeout favorites.

Crispy battered pieces dance with vibrant sauce, creating an irresistible meal that sparks instant hunger.

Authentic flavors blend perfectly without overwhelming spice levels.

Homemade versions often taste more incredible than restaurant offerings, letting you control ingredients and seasoning intensity.

Tender chicken chunks coated in glossy, sweet-tangy sauce make every bite a memorable experience.

Weeknight dinners will never feel boring again with this simple yet impressive recipe.

You can master this restaurant-style dish with just a few basic kitchen skills and some exciting ingredients.

Why Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry Is Always a Hit

• Crunch into Culinary Delight: This General Tso's Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
• Master Gourmet Cooking: Break through cooking barriers by creating a professional-level Chinese takeout favorite without complex techniques or specialized skills.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Transform simple ingredients into a showstopping dish that impresses family and friends with bold, tangy flavors and satisfying texture.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adjust spice levels and sauce intensity to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for various taste buds and dietary needs.

All the Ingredients for Chicken Veggie Stir Fry

• Chicken Pieces: Tender chunks of chicken that form the main protein of this classic Chinese-American dish.

• Egg: Helps create a smooth, adhesive layer for the coating.
• Cornstarch, Flour: Create a crispy, light exterior that gives the chicken its signature crunch.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Add essential seasoning to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Provide a rich, savory base for the classic General Tso's flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a sweet depth to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty, aromatic undertone.
• Garlic, Ginger: Deliver authentic Asian-inspired aromatics and depth of flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Provide fresh garnish and additional texture to the finished dish.

Easy Steps for Chicken With Mixed Veggie Stir Fry

Step 1: Egg Coating Chicken

Whisk an egg in a medium bowl until fully blended. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered.

Step 2: Dusting With Cornstarch

Sprinkle cornstarch over chicken pieces, gently tossing to create a light, even coating that will help achieve an extra crispy exterior.

Step 3: Creating Seasoned Flour Mix

• All-purpose flour
• Black pepper
• Salt

Combine ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful dry coating.

Step 4: Breading Chicken Pieces

Roll each egg-coated chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently to help the coating adhere, creating a uniform layer that will transform into a crispy shell.

Step 5: Heating Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or wok. Heat to 375°F, using a cooking thermometer to ensure precise temperature for perfect frying.

Step 6: Frying Chicken Batches

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which helps maintain oil temperature and ensures golden-brown crispiness.

Step 7: Cooking Chicken Thoroughly

Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally. Pieces should develop a deep golden exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 8: Mixing Signature Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Hoisin sauce
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Step 9: Simmering Sauce

Simmer sauce over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes slightly thickened and develops a glossy appearance.

Step 10: Draining Fried Chicken

Remove chicken from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil, helping maintain the crispy texture.

Step 11: Coating Chicken In Sauce

Toss crispy chicken pieces in the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly and thoroughly coated.

Step 12: Garnishing Dish

Transfer sauced chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Step 13: Serving Immediately

Serve chicken hot and fresh, preserving its crispy texture and warm, tangy sauce.

Helpful Tips for a Flavorful Stir Fry

• Manage Oil Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 375°F for perfectly crispy chicken without burning or undercooking.
• Prevent Soggy Coating: Pat chicken pieces dry before egg coating to help breading adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust sauce consistency by adding cornstarch slurry if needed – start with 1 teaspoon mixed with cold water for desired glaze.
• Master Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan by frying in small batches, which keeps oil temperature stable and ensures even golden-brown coloring.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry skillet before garnishing to release nutty aromatics and intensify their taste profile.

Fun Variations to Mix Up Chicken Veggie Stir Fry

• Spicy Sichuan Kick: Add dried red chili flakes and Sichuan peppercorns to the sauce for a fiery, numbing heat that elevates the classic recipe.
• Honey Citrus Fusion: Replace brown sugar with honey and add orange zest to the sauce, creating a bright, sweet-tangy flavor profile that complements the crispy chicken.
• Coconut Curry Rendition: Incorporate coconut milk and mild curry powder into the sauce, transforming the dish with a creamy, aromatic Southeast Asian-inspired variation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or cornstarch, ensuring crispy coating for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the original recipe's texture.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Stir Fry

• Pair Spicy Red Wine: Select a bold, fruity red like Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the chicken's spicy-sweet flavor profile and cuts through the rich sauce.
• Embrace Crisp Asian Beer: Choose Tsingtao or Sapporo to balance the dish's heat and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the deep-fried chicken's richness.
• Create Jasmine Rice Companion: Serve fluffy jasmine rice alongside the General Tso's chicken to absorb the delicious sauce and provide a neutral base that enhances the main dish's complex flavors.
• Boost with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light, tangy cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil to offer a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.

How to Store Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry the Right Way

• Store leftover General Tso's chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate sauce from chicken to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispy texture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soft, rubbery chicken.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze plain fried chicken for up to 2 months without sauce to preserve quality.
• Keep sauce separately in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before reheating and using with freshly cooked chicken.

FAQs About Chicken Veggie Stir Fry

• What makes the coating crispy?

The egg wash and cornstarch create a light, crunchy exterior by helping the seasoned flour adhere to the chicken and forming a protective layer that crisps up beautifully when fried.

• Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Vegetable oil works best due to its high smoke point, but you can substitute with peanut or canola oil for similar crispy results while maintaining a neutral flavor.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a digital thermometer to check that the oil reaches 375°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – it should sizzle and brown within 3-4 seconds at the correct temperature.