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; 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; 2 tbsp minced ginger, from a 2-inch piece of ginger; 3 cloves garlic, or 1 tbsp grated or finely minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or added to taste; 1 tsp sesame seeds, optional for garnish

If you’ve ever craved that perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and a little kick of spice in your dinner, this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is going to hit all the right notes. It’s a fantastic homemade take on the classic Chinese-American favorite, with tender chicken thighs coated in a satisfyingly crisp crust and drenched in a mouthwatering sauce.

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’ve made this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken more times than I can count, and it never gets old. There’s something so comforting about the crispy golden chicken paired with that perfectly balanced sauce – sweet, tangy, and with just enough heat to keep things exciting.

Perfectly Crispy Texture: Cornstarch coating creates a light, crunchy crust without being greasy.
Balanced Flavor: The sauce blends sweetness, tang, and spice for a truly crave-worthy bite.
Easy to Make at Home: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean no takeout needed.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields 8 servings, ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let’s chat about the key ingredients that make this dish shine and some tips to get the best versions when you shop.

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: I always prefer thighs here for juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender even after frying.
Cornstarch: This is the secret to that irresistible crispy crust coating the chicken pieces.
Extra light olive oil: With a high smoke point, it’s perfect for frying without burning or smoking up your kitchen.
Ginger: Fresh minced ginger adds a bright, zesty warmth that complements the sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Whether minced or grated, garlic rounds out the savory depth of the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Just the right touch of heat—feel free to adjust to suit your spice tolerance.
Sesame seeds: Optional, but they give a lovely nutty crunch and a pretty finishing touch.
Cold water: Used to whisk the sauce ingredients smoothly before cooking.
Low sodium soy sauce: Provides rich umami without overwhelming saltiness.
Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a gentle acidity that balances the sweetness.
Hoisin sauce: Adds a complex layer of sweet and savory flavor that's classic in General Tso’s sauces.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce for that perfect sticky glaze effect.

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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 easy it is to tweak and tailor to your taste buds or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—this dish loves a little creativity!

Gluten-Free Variation: I often swap out regular soy sauce with tamari to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing that classic umami punch. The sauce thickens just the same, and it’s perfect for friends with dietary restrictions.
Milder Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, simply cut down the red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely. I usually start with half the amount and adjust after simmering the sauce to get just the right warm kick without overwhelming the sweetness.
Vegetable Add-Ins: For a boost of color and nutrition, I love throwing in some steamed broccoli or snow peas right before tossing the chicken in the sauce. It adds a fresh crunch and rounds out the meal beautifully.
Oil Swap: While extra light olive oil gives a clean flavor and handles the heat well, you can also use vegetable or canola oil if that’s what you have on hand—just make sure your pan stays at medium-high to achieve the perfect crispy crust.

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 for Crispy Perfection

Start by trimming and cutting your chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces—this size cooks evenly and is perfect for saucy bites. Toss the chicken chunks in cornstarch in batches, coating each piece thoroughly. Tap off any extra starch; too much can make the crust cakey instead of crispy. Arrange the coated pieces on a platter so they’re ready to cook—this little prep step sets the stage for that golden, crunchy crust we’re after.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Tangy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk cold water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, granulated sugar, and cornstarch together until silky smooth. This balanced blend delivers sweet, sour, and savory layers all in one sauce. Having the sauce ready before you start cooking means it’ll come together quickly once your chicken is golden and ready.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken Until Gold and Crispy

Heat extra light olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in 2 or 3 batches so the pieces don’t crowd the pan—this is key for a crispy crust. Each batch should take about 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway until both sides are a gorgeous golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl and keep warm while you finish the sauce. If needed, add a little more oil before the next batch but make sure to leave at least 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan for the aromatics—it’ll carry all that amazing flavor.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic, Ginger, and Spice for Aroma

With the oil and flavorful chicken bits still in the skillet, toss in your minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Sauté quickly for about 30 seconds just until wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much—this step unlocks your sauce’s vibrant and bright flavors.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce to Perfect Thickness

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the aromatics, stirring constantly as it heats. Let it come to a simmer and maintain that gentle boil for 1 full minute. This short simmer cooks out any raw vinegar taste while thickening the sauce just enough to cling to the chicken beautifully. Give it a quick taste here and tweak with a splash more soy sauce or rice vinegar if you want more saltiness or tang.

Step 6: Toss it All Together and Serve Hot

Return the golden chicken pieces to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every bite in the luscious sauce. Once everything is evenly glazed and steaming hot, transfer to your favorite serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like that little nutty crunch and visual flair. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture, and enjoy every tangy, spicy, sweet mouthful!

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect balance of crispy texture and flavorful sauce every time you make this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. Trust me, small adjustments in prep and technique can elevate the dish big time!

Even Coating: Make sure to toss the chicken pieces gently but thoroughly in cornstarch. This even coating is what creates that signature crispiness that sets this recipe apart.
Oil Temperature Matters: Use extra light olive oil for frying and keep the heat at medium-high. This ensures the chicken crisps evenly without burning or becoming greasy.
Batch Cooking: Fry the chicken in 2 to 3 batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded. Overcrowding traps steam and ruins that crisp crust we've worked for.
Quick Sauce Simmer: Don’t skip simmering the sauce with garlic and ginger for a minute after adding it to the pan. This step balances the acidity of the vinegar and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

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

Sprinkle the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch and an authentic touch. Thinly sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro add a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor. If you like extra heat, a few more red pepper flakes sprinkled on top won’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

This Crispy General Tso’s Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice to soak up that tangy sauce. For a vegetable side, try sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or a crisp Asian slaw with a light sesame dressing to balance the richness of the chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover chicken and sauce separately for best texture and flavor. Store in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a non-stick skillet over medium heat to revive the crispiness. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. Chicken thighs provide more moisture and tenderness, which makes them ideal for this recipe.

How spicy is this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe?

The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust it to your preference by adding more or less.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the low sodium soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This swap keeps all the flavors intact.

Why is cornstarch used instead of flour?

Cornstarch creates a lighter and crispier crust compared to flour. It also helps the sauce cling to the chicken pieces beautifully without becoming soggy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe as much as I do. It’s a crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes—crispy, tangy, sweet, and just a little spicy. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a comforting homemade classic that brings everyone to the table smiling. Happy cooking!