Crispy General Tso's Chicken: 5 Secrets to Perfect Crunch

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Crispy General Tso’s Chicken is an iconic Chinese-American dish that has become a beloved favorite for many. This dish features crispy, deep-fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. The combination of flavors and textures creates a perfect culinary experience that is hard to resist. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to bring the taste of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy General Tso’s Chicken

There are countless reasons to adore this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken recipe. First, it boasts a fantastic crunch that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Second, the sauce is a wonderful balance of sweet and spicy that appeals to a broad range of palates. Third, it’s an incredibly easy Crispy General Tso’s Chicken recipe that can be made in under 45 minutes. Fourth, using boneless skinless chicken thighs ensures juicy, flavorful bites. Fifth, it’s a great meal for entertaining; your guests will be impressed. Lastly, it’s customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice levels to your liking. Whether you prefer a spicy General Tso’s Chicken or a milder version, this recipe can accommodate everyone!

Ingredients for Crispy General Tso’s Chicken

Gather these items:

3 tbsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose, not dark soy)
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or substitute white wine vinegar)
2 tsp chili paste (any kind; Sambal Oelak recommended)
1 tsp sesame oil (toasted preferably)
600g (1.4 lb) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5cm (1″) pieces
1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
1 tsp garlic, finely grated
1 cup cornflour/cornstarch
1 – 4 cups oil for frying (peanut, vegetable, or canola oil)
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
3/4 cup low sodium chicken stock/broth
2 tbsp oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
2 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
Finely sliced green onion
Sesame seeds

How to Make Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil to create the sauce marinade.
Step 2: Remove 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce marinade and combine it with the chicken pieces. Add the finely grated ginger and garlic to the chicken mixture, stir well, and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Add the cornflour to the marinated chicken and toss until each piece is fully coated.
Step 4: Transfer the coated chicken to a colander and shake gently to remove any loose excess cornflour.
Step 5: To the remaining sauce marinade, add brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornflour. Stir well, then gradually whisk in the chicken stock until smooth.
Step 6: Heat about 2 cm (4/5 inch) of oil in a deep skillet or large pot to 200°C (390°F).
Step 7: Carefully fry the chicken pieces for approximately 3 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 8: Discard the frying oil, clean the skillet, or use a separate skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
Step 9: Add finely chopped garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
Step 10: Pour in the thickened sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 11: Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet and toss quickly to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 12: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving plate, garnish with finely sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy General Tso’s Chicken

Keep these in mind:

Serve hot for best results.
Adjust the level of chili paste for desired spiciness.
Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for optimal flavor and texture.
For extra crunch, consider double-frying the chicken pieces.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy General Tso’s Chicken

When it comes to serving Crispy General Tso’s Chicken, consider pairing it with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables to add a healthy twist. For those hosting a gathering, this dish makes for an impressive centerpiece that’s sure to delight guests!

How to Store and Reheat Crispy General Tso’s Chicken

To store any leftovers of your Crispy General Tso’s Chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it retains its crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy General Tso’s Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Crispy General Tso’s Chicken?

The secret lies in the cornflour coating and the frying technique. Make sure to coat the chicken well and fry it at the right temperature to achieve that crispy texture that everyone loves.

Can I make Crispy General Tso’s Chicken ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just fry the chicken right before serving to maintain its crunch.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crispy General Tso’s Chicken?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This will help keep the chicken crispy and prevent steaming.

Variations of Crispy General Tso’s Chicken You Can Try

There are several delicious variations of Crispy General Tso’s Chicken. For a healthier option, consider using air-fried chicken instead of deep-fried. You can also try adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the dish to enhance its nutrition. Additionally, experimenting with different sauces, like a honey garlic glaze, can create exciting new flavors!

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe section. If you enjoy baking, you might also love our Salted Caramel Cookies or Caramel Apple Cheesecake. Don’t forget to visit our About page to learn more about us!

For more information on the health benefits of ginger, you can refer to this Healthline article.

To learn about the different types of chili pastes, check out this Serious Eats guide.