Dinner

General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Name: General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, cubed; 1 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch); 1 tsp paprika; 2 tsp garlic salt; 1 1/4 cup sugar; 1 cup water; 1 cup white distilled vinegar; 1 tsp salt; 6 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional); 3/4 cup oil (for frying)

BySana Jeannette February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

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Introduction

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. This recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

The image shows a white bowl filled with two layers: at the bottom there is a layer of plain white rice, and on top, there is a thick layer of golden-brown fried chicken pieces covered in a glossy orange-brown sauce. The chicken is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green onion bits. The sauce looks sticky and shiny, giving the chicken a rich, glazed texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a pair of wooden chopsticks behind it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)

1 tsp paprika
2 tsp garlic salt

1 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water

1 cup white distilled vinegar
1 tsp salt
6 Tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
3/4 cup oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix the flour (or cornstarch), paprika, and garlic salt. Coat the cubed chicken pieces evenly with this breading mixture.

Step 2: Heat 3/4 cup of oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 3: In a separate pot, combine sugar, water, white vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and red chili pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 12 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve immediately over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture before frying.
Adjust the level of heat by increasing or omitting the red chili pepper flakes.

Try substituting chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Storage

Store leftover General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.