Name: Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 2 lb chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup corn starch; 1/4 cup extra light olive oil, for frying, plus more as needed; 2 tbsp minced ginger, from a 2-inch piece of ginger; 3 cloves garlic, or 1 tbsp grated or finely minced garlic; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or added to taste; 1 tsp sesame seeds, optional for garnish; 1/2 cup cold water; 5 tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 3 tbsp rice vinegar, or more to taste; 1 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 4 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tbsp corn starch

If you’re craving that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and a little spicy, you’re in the right place. This Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe hits all the right notes—crispy chicken thighs coated in a golden crust, tossed in a tangy, homemade sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, it’s a game changer for your weeknight dinners!

The image shows a white skillet filled with multiple pieces of crispy chicken coated in a shiny orange-brown sauce. The chicken pieces are varied in size and texture, some look slightly crispy while others are softer with sauce pooling around them. Scattered on top are small green slices of scallions and light tan sesame seeds, adding contrast to the rich sauce. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this crispy General Tso’s chicken. The kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic and ginger, and that tangy sauce clinging perfectly to every crispy bite just sold it. It’s a recipe that feels fancy but comes together in just 30 minutes—total win!

Crispy Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and coated in a light cornstarch crust that crisps up beautifully when fried.
Homemade Sauce: Balanced perfectly with soy, hoisin, rice vinegar, and a hint of sweetness that you control.
Quick & Easy: Prep and cook in just under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level by tweaking the red pepper flakes to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a little run-down of what you’ll need and why these ingredients make all the difference. Don’t forget to grab chicken thighs over breasts—they stay juicy and tender under that crisp coating!

Flat lay of raw chicken thigh pieces, a small mound of fine corn starch powder on a white ceramic plate, a few thin slices of fresh ginger root, three whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of sesame seeds, a small white bowl of cold water, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of light brown hoisin sauce, a small white bowl of rice vinegar, a small white bowl of granulated white sugar, and a small white bowl of extra light olive oil, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thighs: More flavorful and tender than breasts, perfect for frying crispy without drying out.
Corn starch: Creates that irresistible crispy crust on the chicken when frying.
Extra light olive oil: Ideal for frying thanks to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Minced ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick that brightens the whole dish.
Garlic: Essential aromatic that gives the sauce deep flavor and aroma.
Red pepper flakes: The secret to that subtle heat—adjust based on your spice preference.
Sesame seeds: Optional garnish that adds a toasty crunch and visual appeal.
Cold water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch in the sauce, giving it the perfect glossy finish.
Low sodium soy sauce: Adds savory umami without overpowering saltiness.
Rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a bright tang and balances the sweetness.
Hoisin sauce: Adds depth of flavor with its slightly sweet and salty profile.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sauce with sweetness for that classic General Tso’s flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is to your taste buds and lifestyle. Whether you want to dial up the heat, sneak in some veggies, or make it gluten-free, there’s plenty of room to make this your own signature dish.

Spicy Up the Heat: I love adding a little extra kick by doubling the red pepper flakes or mixing in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. It adds a lively heat that friends and family can’t get enough of!
Gluten-Free Twist: For anyone avoiding gluten, swapping out the soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce keeps the flavor intact without any worries. It’s just as tasty and perfect for sensitive diners.
Veggie Boost: Sometimes I toss in some bite-sized broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers when sautéing the aromatics. It adds vibrant color, crunch, and a fresh contrast to the crispy chicken.
Lunchbox Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Freeze leftovers in individual portions and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave for an easy, satisfying lunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

A white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is plain white rice with soft, separated grains, and the top layer is many pieces of fried chicken coated in a shiny, sticky reddish-brown sauce. The chicken pieces are golden-brown under the sauce and sprinkled with toasted white sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken with Love

Start by trimming your chicken thighs and cutting them into uniform 1-inch pieces—this ensures they cook evenly. Next, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch, making sure each piece gets a light, even coating. It’s okay to tap off the excess cornstarch gently; this crispy coating is what gives the chicken its signature crunch. Set the coated chicken on a platter, ready for frying.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Tangy Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine all your sauce ingredients: cold water, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the cornstarch dissolves completely and the sauce mixture is smooth with no lumps. This sauce will soon become the tangy-sweet magic that coats the chicken.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add your extra light olive oil. Fry the chicken in batches—this helps prevent overcrowding, which can make the crust soggy. Cook each batch for about 4-5 minutes, flipping to achieve a gorgeous golden brown on both sides. The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy inside. Transfer cooked pieces to a bowl and add more oil to the pan as needed for the next batches—but always leave a tablespoon behind for your aromatics.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics for Flavor Burst

In the same skillet, add minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir them constantly and sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell that delightful fragrant aroma, but be careful not to burn them. This step infuses the dish with layers of warmth and just the right touch of spice.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce to Perfection

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with your aromatics and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring continuously and let it cook for about 1 minute. This helps mellow the vinegar’s sharpness and thickens the sauce slightly, creating that luscious glaze you’ll love. Taste it and adjust with extra soy sauce or rice vinegar if you want to perfect the balance just for you.

Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce & Serve

Return all the golden chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them in the simmering sauce for 1-2 minutes, making sure each bite is coated beautifully. Once everything’s glossy and heated through, transfer the chicken to your serving plate. For a final touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top if you like that nutty crunch. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or your favorite sides for a complete feast.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect balance of crunch and saucy flavor in your Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe can be a game-changer. Here are some insights from my kitchen adventures to help you nail it every time.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying the chicken in small batches ensures each piece gets that beautiful golden crust without steaming. I learned this the hard way when the chicken turned soggy.
Use Cornstarch, Not Flour: Cornstarch gives a lighter, crisper crust that sticks beautifully to the juicy chicken thighs, which are my favorite because of their tenderness.
Simmer the Sauce Just Right: Letting the sauce simmer for a full minute helps mellow the vinegar’s sharpness and thickens it to the perfect clingy glaze.
Reserve Some Oil: Keeping at least a tablespoon of oil in the pan after frying helps the aromatics sauté quickly without burning, releasing all those fragrant flavors.

How to Serve Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

The image shows two round bowls side by side on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains a dark brown sauce with small pieces of light tan chopped garlic scattered throughout, giving it a textured look. The sauce looks glossy with small bubbles and reflections on the surface. The right bowl holds raw, pale pinkish pieces of chicken with a smooth, slightly wet texture, sitting in a light liquid that partially covers them. The chicken pieces are uneven in size but piled together, filling the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your plate, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the saucy chicken for a nutty crunch and a pop of visual appeal. For a fresh contrast, finely sliced scallions or even a few cilantro leaves add a lovely brightness. If you like a little extra heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of additional red pepper flakes can do the trick.

Side Dishes

This Crispy General Tso’s Chicken is fantastic served alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice or sticky white rice that soaks up every bit of the sauce. For some extra texture and color, serve with stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy. A simple Asian cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and a touch of sugar also makes a refreshing side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your delicious meal, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken keeps well for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the crust might soften slightly as it absorbs the sauce over time.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 1 month. Freezing the sauce on its own helps maintain flavor and texture better.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to help the sauce thicken back up and the chicken stay tender. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep as much crispiness as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can, but chicken thighs are preferred for this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe because they remain more tender and juicy after frying. Breasts can dry out more easily.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat, simply add more red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics or mix in a dash of chili paste to the sauce.

Is there a gluten-free version of the sauce?

Absolutely! Substitute the low sodium soy sauce with tamari or any gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.

Why do I need to let the sauce simmer before adding the chicken?

Simmering the sauce helps cook off some of the sharpness from the rice vinegar and allows the sauce to thicken, creating that perfect glossy coating for the chicken.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe at home is one of those simple joys that turns weeknight dinner into a flavorful celebration. With a few easy steps, you get tender chicken with a crispy crust, all drenched in a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and just spicy enough. I’m confident this recipe will become a favorite go-to in your kitchen, perfect for sharing with family and friends. So get cooking, enjoy every bite, and savor the comforting flavors of homemade General Tso’s Chicken!