The first time I whipped up this Easy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe at home, I couldn’t believe how good it was. It had all the crispy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors of my favorite takeout dish. It’s simple, quick, and doesn’t require any deep frying or complicated techniques.

Now, whenever I’m craving takeout, I know I can make this in no time and with ingredients I usually have on hand. Trust me, once you give this recipe a go, your local takeout menu might start gathering dust!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating this irresistibly flavorful dish.

1 lb popcorn chicken: Pre-cooked for convenience but still crispy and delicious when coated in sauce.
1/2 cup chicken stock: Adds body and a savory base for the sauce.
3 tbsp light brown sugar: Balances the tanginess with a hint of sweetness.
2 tbsp soy sauce: Brings depth and umami flavor to the dish.
2 tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet kick.
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar: Lightens the sauce with a gentle tang.
1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat every chicken piece perfectly.
1 tsp sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a nutty aroma and flavor.
2 tbsp vegetable oil: For sautéing the aromatics without overpowering their flavors.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a sharp and fragrant base for the sauce.
1 tsp fresh ginger (minced): Adds a warming, zesty layer of flavor.
1 tsp chili paste: Packs in heat; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
1/4 cup scallions (sliced): Adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
1 tbsp sesame seeds: A crunchy garnish that enhances the overall flavor.

Note: This recipe serves 4. Adjust ingredient amounts based on your serving needs!

Variations to Spice Things Up

This recipe is incredibly customizable, so feel free to make it your own.

Protein Options: Swap popcorn chicken with diced chicken breast, thighs, or tofu for a vegetarian spin.
Sauce Adjustments: Increase chili paste or add Sriracha if you love a spicier kick.
Natural Sweetener: Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.

Cooking Time

Quick and efficient, you’ll have this dish ready in no time.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Have these tools handy to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Baking Tray: Prepares crispy popcorn chicken perfectly.
Large Skillet: Ideal for cooking the sauce and combining everything.
Whisk: Ensures the sauce ingredients mix smoothly without lumps.
Cutting Board and Knife: Preps your garlic, ginger, and scallions quickly.

How to Make Easy General Tso’s Chicken?

This recipe simplifies a classic favorite into a dish easy enough to cook at home yet full of flavor!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking the popcorn chicken according to package instructions to get it crispy and golden brown. While this bakes, gather and prep your sauce ingredients to save time and ensure a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

Combine chicken stock, light brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and everything is well incorporated. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and chili paste. Stir for about 30 seconds, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant flavors into the oil.

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring well. Bring it to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes, so keep an eye on it.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the baked popcorn chicken directly into the skillet. Toss gently until each piece is coated with the thick, flavorful sauce. The result should be tender chicken with a deliciously sticky glaze.

Step 6: Serve with Garnishes

Transfer the chicken to a serving dish or plate. Top with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve it immediately while it’s hot and crispy!

Additional Tips for the Perfect Dish

These simple tips will take your homemade General Tso’s Chicken to the next level!

Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Cornstarch works quickly, so remove it from heat once it thickens to avoid burning.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and ginger add a noticeable depth of flavor compared to their powdered counterparts.
Prep Ahead for Smooth Cooking: Measure and prepare all your sauce ingredients beforehand to make the cooking process seamless.

How to Serve Easy General Tso’s Chicken?

This dish is versatile, so serving options abound!

Serve over a bed of steamed white rice or fried rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
Pair with sautéed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or a colorful veggie stir-fry for a balanced meal.
For an elevated presentation, garnish the dish with scallions, sesame seeds, or even lightly toasted cashews for crunch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content of this feel-good dish.

Calories: 355
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 22g

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is great for prepping or storing leftovers for another delicious meal.

Make Ahead

Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, cook the chicken and combine it with the reheated sauce for quick assembly.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, though the chicken breading may absorb the sauce and lose some crispness.

Reheating

To reheat, use the microwave or toss the chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken stock for moisture. For a crispier result, try reheating the chicken in an air fryer.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe?

If you’re still on the fence, here are a few reasons why this dish will be a hit in your kitchen.

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy evenings, it comes together in under 30 minutes!
Full of Flavor: A perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and heat that’ll keep you hooked.
Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Crowd Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Versatile Serving Options: Pairs beautifully with rice, veggies, or even noodles for variety.

This Easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a delicious, takeout-style comfort food that’s simple to make at home. Give it a go, and you might find yourself wondering why you didn’t try this sooner!