Print

Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe Easy Sweet Spicy Glaze

crispy General Tso’s chicken - featured image

A crispy, golden-brown General Tso’s chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze that delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. This easy recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (preferably peanut oil)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with cold water.
  3. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth and thick.
  4. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and toss in the batter to coat fully. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 2 inches depth until 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry chicken in batches (6-8 pieces) for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels or wire rack.
  7. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
  8. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens to a glossy glaze, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  9. Place fried chicken in a large bowl, pour warm glaze over, and toss gently to coat.
  10. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Keep batter cold for extra crispiness. Fry chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Double frying can increase crispiness. Adjust chili garlic sauce to control heat. Dry chicken before battering to ensure coating sticks well. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: General Tso's chicken, crispy chicken, sweet and spicy glaze, Chinese recipe, fried chicken, easy dinner, family meal