General Tso’s Chicken is one of the most popular Chinese-American dishes—and for good reason. Crispy, deep-fried chicken bites are tossed in a glossy, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that’s absolutely addictive. The combination of textures—crispy chicken, thick sauce, and tender broccoli—is pure magic.
While it’s a takeout favorite, this homemade version is surprisingly easy to make and far better than delivery. The key is double-frying the chicken for extra crispiness and making the sauce from scratch for the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory. Serve it over steamed rice for a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and Shaoxing wine. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
Coat the Chicken
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, cornstarch, and flour until a thick, sticky batter forms. Add the marinated chicken and toss to coat evenly.
First Fry
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 325°F (165°C). Working in batches, fry the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until pale golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
Second Fry
Increase the oil temperature to 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Fry the chicken again in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, water, cornstarch, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil until smooth.
Stir-Fry the Sauce
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Add the garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine and Serve
Add the fried chicken and the white parts of the green onions to the wok. Toss to coat evenly. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice and broccoli if desired.
This General Tso’s Chicken is a homemade takeout classic—crispy, sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible.
