A Dish with a Story
I first had General Tso’s Chicken at my friend Mae’s house. Her grandma was from Taiwan. She made it from scratch. It was sweet, a little spicy, and so crispy. I was hooked from the first bite.
This recipe is my easy version. It uses simple things from your local store. It brings that big flavor home. It makes me think of friendship and sharing food. What’s a dish you tried at a friend’s house that you loved?
Getting Your Chicken Ready
Let’s start with the chicken. Cutting it into small pieces is key. They cook fast and get nice and crispy. I like to use kitchen scissors for this. It feels easier than a knife.
Now for the fun part. Put the cornstarch in a bag with the chicken. Seal it tight and give it a good shake. The chicken gets a light, dusty coat. This is the secret to that crispy outside we all love.
The Magic of the Sauce
This sauce is the heart of the dish. You just mix everything in a bowl. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The brown sugar makes it sweet. The soy sauce makes it salty. The rice vinegar gives it a little zing.
Why does this matter? Making your own sauce means you control the flavor. You can make it just how you like it. Fun fact: The real General Tso was a military leader from China. He probably never tasted this chicken named after him!
Cooking it All Together
Heat your oil in a big pan. Add your coated chicken. Do not crowd the pan. I still laugh at that time I put too much in. The chicken steamed instead of getting crispy. We live and we learn!
Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown. Then you take it out. Pour your sauce into the pan. Let it bubble and get thick. This is when the magic happens. The smell fills your whole kitchen.
The Final Touches
Put the chicken back in the saucy pan. Toss it all together. Now, add your cooked ramen noodles. Toss again until everything is covered in that shiny, delicious sauce.
Why does this matter? Sharing a meal you cooked yourself feels so good. It is a way to show people you care. Do you like to add green onions or sesame seeds on top? I always use both!
Your Turn in the Kitchen
This recipe is a fun one to try. It feels like a treat. The mix of sweet and spicy is just right. It is perfect for a family dinner or when friends come over.
I would love to hear how it goes for you. Did you make it more spicy or keep it mild? Tell me about your cooking adventure. What is your favorite thing to cook on a cozy night?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 pounds (about 3 breasts) | Cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup | For coating the chicken |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup | For frying |
| Hoisin sauce | 1/2 cup | |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons | Plus more for serving if desired |
| Firmly packed brown sugar | 1/4 cup | |
| Minced garlic | 2 heaping teaspoons (3-4 cloves) | |
| Rice vinegar | 3 tablespoons | |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon | |
| Ground ginger | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Crushed red pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional |
| Ramen noodles | 3 (3-ounce) packets | Seasoning discarded |
| Sliced green onions | Optional, for garnish | |
| Sesame seeds | Optional, for garnish |
Let’s Make Some General Tso Chicken
Hello, my dear! Come sit with me in the kitchen. Today we are making my easy General Tso Chicken. It is a little sweet and a little spicy. It always reminds me of my grandson, Leo. He asks for it every time he visits. I love how the smell fills the whole house. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
- Step 1: First, we cut our chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Put the cornstarch in a big bag. Drop the chicken in, seal it tight, and give it a good shake. This makes the chicken get a nice, crispy coat. (My hard-learned tip: make sure that bag is sealed tight, or you will have a snowy kitchen!)
- Step 2: Now, let’s make our magic sauce. Grab a bowl and stir everything together. We have hoisin, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. The rice vinegar and sesame oil make it sing. I still laugh at the time I used olive oil instead of sesame. What a different flavor that was!
- Step 3: Cook the ramen noodles just like the package says. But do not use the little flavor packets. We have our own delicious sauce! Drain the noodles and set them aside. They will be so happy to meet our chicken later. Do you prefer ramen or rice with your stir-fry? Share below!
- Step 4: Time to cook our chicken. Heat some oil in a big pan. Shake the extra cornstarch off each piece. Then, carefully place them in the hot oil. Do not crowd the pan. We want them golden brown, not steamed. Cook them in batches if you need to. This part requires a little patience.
- Step 5: Pour our lovely sauce into the pan. Let it bubble and boil for a few minutes. You will see it get thicker and shinier. This is when the magic really happens. Now, toss the cooked chicken and noodles back in. Stir it all together until everyone is coated in that glossy sauce.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is like a good friend. It is wonderful as it is, but you can also play dress-up. Here are a few ideas to make it your own. I love trying new things in the kitchen. It keeps cooking fun and exciting for me.
- Veggie Power: Swap the chicken for big chunks of broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. They get so tasty coated in that sauce.
- Extra Spicy Kick: Add a big spoonful of sriracha to the sauce. It will make your nose tickle in the best way.
- Sweet and Fruity: Stir in some chunks of fresh pineapple at the very end. The sweet and savory mix is a pure delight.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Masterpiece
Now, let’s talk about serving our creation. A meal is more than just food on a plate. It is about making a little moment special. I like to put everything in a big, colorful bowl. It feels more welcoming that way, don’t you think?
For sides, simple steamed broccoli is perfect. It soaks up the sauce beautifully. Or a cool, crunchy cucumber salad. For a drink, a crisp lager beer is nice for the grown-ups. For everyone, a pot of warm jasmine tea is just the thing. It cleanses your palate between bites.
Which would you choose tonight? The cool salad or the warm, fluffy rice? A fizzy beer or a soothing cup of tea? There is no wrong answer, only what makes you smile.
Keeping Your General Tso’s Chicken Happy
Let’s talk about keeping your delicious chicken for later. This dish is best eaten right away. But I know life gets busy.
Let the meal cool completely first. Then store it in a tight container in the fridge. It will be good for about three days. You can also freeze it for one month.
I once put a hot container straight in the fridge. The lid popped right off. What a mess I had to clean up. Now I always let it cool on the counter.
Reheat it in a skillet with a tiny bit of water. This keeps the noodles from sticking. The microwave can make the noodles a bit rubbery.
Batch cooking saves you time on a hectic weeknight. It means a good, home-cooked meal is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
Sometimes cooking does not go as planned. Do not worry. Most problems are easy to fix.
Is your sauce too thin? Let it simmer a few minutes longer. A good, thick sauce clings to the chicken and noodles perfectly. This makes every bite full of flavor.
Is your chicken not browning? Your pan might be too crowded. I remember when I tried to cook it all at once. The chicken just steamed. Working in batches gives you that nice, golden color.
Is the dish too spicy? Add a little more brown sugar or a spoonful of honey. This will balance the heat. Knowing how to fix small issues makes you a more confident cook. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your General Tso’s Chicken Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free too.
Q: Can I make parts of it ahead?
A: You can mix the sauce a day before. Keep it in a jar in the fridge.
Q: I don’t have rice vinegar.
A: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice works in a pinch. The goal is a little tang.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Just use your biggest skillet. You may need to cook the chicken in three batches.
Q: Are the garnishes important?
A: The green onions add a fresh, crisp bite. They make the dish look pretty too. Fun fact: Sesame seeds are one of the oldest known seasonings! Which tip will you try first?
A Note From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this recipe. Cooking should be fun, not stressful.
It brings me so much joy to share these kitchen stories with you. I would love to see your own creations.
Your version might become a new family favorite. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Easy General Tso Chicken Recipe
Description
A quick and flavorful take on the classic takeout dish, featuring crispy chicken and ramen noodles coated in a sweet and savory sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place the cornstarch in a gallon zip-top bag. Add the chicken, seal, and toss to coat.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare the ramen noodles according to package directions without using the seasoning packets. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Shake off excess cornstarch and add the chicken to the hot oil. Cook the chicken pieces until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Depending on the size of the pan, you may need to work in batches, being sure not to crowd the pan. Add additional oil if necessary. Remove the chicken from the skillet to a plate and set aside.
- Add the sauce ingredients to the pan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Add additional crushed red pepper to your liking.
- Return the chicken to the pan and coat in the sauce. Add the cooked ramen noodles and toss to coat. Add additional soy sauce if desired. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken to ensure it gets crispy.