Name: Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
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; 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; 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

If you’re craving that perfect blend of crispy, tender chicken coated in a bold, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce, you’re in for a treat. This Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe hits all the right flavor notes and is easier to make at home than you might think.

The image shows a black pan filled with many small pieces of golden brown chicken bites that are covered in a sticky, shiny reddish-brown sauce. The chicken pieces are uneven in shape and look crispy under the sauce. Small green onion pieces are scattered on top, adding a pop of bright green color. Tiny sesame seeds are also sprinkled over the chicken, adding texture and contrast. The pan handle is visible on a white marbled surface 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 a lot of Chinese-inspired dishes, but this crispy take on General Tso’s chicken quickly became one of my favorites. It’s just the right mix of crispy chicken bits enveloped in a sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and packs a little spicy warmth.

Perfect Crispy Texture: Lightly coating the chicken with cornstarch and pan-frying locks in juiciness while creating that crave-worthy crunch.
Homemade Sauce: A simple mix of soy, hoisin, rice vinegar, and sugar gives you that authentic boldness without any mystery ingredients.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe fits beautifully into any weeknight dinner routine.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice level by adjusting the red pepper flakes, making it mild or fiery as you like.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you gather your ingredients, here’s a quick heads up on what makes each element essential for this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken. Aim for fresh ginger and good-quality chicken thighs—they really make a difference.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces on a simple white ceramic plate, a small mound of fine corn starch on a white ceramic dish, a few cloves of whole garlic, a small knob of fresh ginger root with a piece sliced, a small white bowl filled with bright red chili flakes, a tiny pile of white sesame seeds on a white ceramic spoon rest, a small white bowl containing clear cold water, a small white bowl filled with dark low sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl with pale golden rice vinegar, a small white bowl with thick dark brown hoisin sauce, a small heap of white granulated sugar on a white ceramic plate, and a small white bowl of extra light olive oil, all placed 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 prefer thighs for juiciness and flavor, plus they stay tender under the hot pan.
Corn starch: The secret to that crispy coating that’s light and not greasy.
Extra light olive oil: It has a high smoke point, perfect for pan-frying without burning.
Ginger: Fresh minced ginger gives the sauce a warm, earthy zing that brightens the dish.
Garlic: Adds pungent depth and aroma when sautéed just right.
Red pepper flakes: Bring that spicy kick—adjust to your heat comfort level.
Sesame seeds: A lovely optional garnish adding a bit of nuttiness and texture.
Cold water: Used in the sauce to dissolve cornstarch and balance flavors.
Low sodium soy sauce: Provides salty umami without overpowering the other ingredients.
Rice vinegar: Adds tang to brighten the sauce’s balance.
Hoisin sauce: Brings a hint of sweetness and richness to round out the sauce.
Granulated sugar: Enhances the sweet notes to complement the tang and spice.

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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 parts about this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to tweak the spice level, protein choice, or even the sauce thickness to make it uniquely yours.

Swap chicken thighs for breasts: I often use chicken breasts for a leaner option, but keeping thighs ensures juicier, more tender bites.
Double dredge for extra crunch: For an ultra-crispy finish, try dipping the chicken pieces in water or beaten egg before a second coating of cornstarch. It ups the texture wonderfully.
Make it gluten-free: Just swap in a gluten-free soy sauce to keep all the flavor with none of the gluten worries.
Spice it up or cool it down: Adjust red pepper flakes to dial in your desired heat. Fresh chili slices work great too if you like it fiery.
Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with crispy tofu cubes prepared the same way. The sauce works beautifully on tofu for a meat-free meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

A close-up view of a bowl showing two layers: the bottom layer is white rice with soft, separate grains, while the top layer is made of many bite-sized pieces of crispy fried chicken covered in a shiny, sticky orange sauce. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding pops of green on top. The bowl is white and placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Coat Your Chicken

Start by trimming and cutting 2 pounds of chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Toss them lightly in ½ cup cornstarch in batches, shaking off any excess so they're evenly dusted but not clumpy. This coating is key to achieving that signature crispy exterior. Set the coated chicken pieces aside on a platter while you prepare the sauce and heat the pan.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk ½ cup cold water, 5 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1½ tablespoons hoisin sauce, 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1½ tablespoons cornstarch together. Make sure the cornstarch dissolves completely — this ensures a smooth, glossy sauce that thickens perfectly without lumps.

Step 3: Fry Chicken Until Golden and Tender

Heat ¼ cup extra light olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in 2 to 3 batches, keeping the chicken pieces spaced out so they fry evenly. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per batch, flipping once they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Transfer each batch to a bowl and add more oil as needed. Make sure to leave around 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet for the aromatics.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics Until Fragrant

Add 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons minced ginger, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir constantly and sauté for about 30 seconds until you get those mouthwatering fragrant aromas without letting anything burn. This step builds the essential base flavor for the sauce that everyone loves.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce to Perfection

Pour your prepared General Tso’s sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir continuously and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 1 full minute so the sauce thickens and the acidity from the vinegar mellows beautifully. Take a quick taste — add more soy sauce if it needs saltiness or extra rice vinegar if you want a tangier punch.

Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything thoroughly to coat each piece with that luscious sauce. Remove from heat and immediately transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds if you like a little extra nutty crunch, then serve hot alongside steamed rice or your favorite veggies for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Top Tip

Mastering this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is all about a few simple tricks that guarantee crispy, juicy chicken with a flavorful sauce that clings perfectly. These tips will help you nail the texture and balance of flavors every single time.

Double Dredging: For extra crispiness, try dipping the chicken pieces in water or beaten egg before coating them a second time in cornstarch. This little step creates a crunchier crust that holds up beautifully under the sauce.
Oil Temperature Matters: >If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken absorbs too much oil and gets soggy. Make sure your pan is properly heated on medium-high before frying batches to get that perfect golden crust.
Simmer Your Sauce Gently: >When you bring the sauce to a simmer, stir continuously to prevent lumps and cook off any harsh vinegar bite. Taste as you go and adjust soy sauce or vinegar for your preferred balance of sweet, tangy, and salty.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: >Cooking the chicken in small batches keeps the temperature steady and ensures each piece crisps evenly rather than steaming.

How to Serve Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

The image shows two close-up bowls side by side on a white marbled surface. The left bowl is clear and filled with a dark brown liquid sauce that has light beige small chopped pieces floating in it. The right bowl is white and filled with raw light pink pieces of meat covered in a clear liquid. Both bowls are round, and the textures show a shiny surface of liquid with visible pieces inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for a nutty crunch and visual appeal. Freshly sliced green onions or chopped cilantro also add a lovely fresh brightness to complement the tangy sauce. For extra heat, a few thin slices of fresh red chili or a drizzle of chili oil can be a nice touch.

Side Dishes

Serve your Crispy General Tso’s Chicken alongside steaming bowls of jasmine or basmati rice to soak up that irresistible sauce. Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers add color and crunch. For a cozy meal, pair it with simple steamed bok choy or a crispy egg roll on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover chicken and sauce to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will still be tasty, though it loses some crispiness once refrigerated.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Place cooled portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently, to bring back some of its crunch. Microwave reheating is quicker but may soften the coating. Add a splash of water and reheat the sauce gently to avoid drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender, which works better for this crispy pan-fried style.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply increase the cornstarch in the sauce mixture by ½ tablespoon for more body.

Is this recipe gluten free?

You can make this recipe gluten free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring your hoisin sauce is also gluten free.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste or add fresh chopped chilies to increase heat. Reduce or omit them for a milder dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about biting into crispy, tender chicken coated in that perfectly balanced General Tso’s sauce. Whether you're making this for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend feast, this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and never fails to impress. With a little attention to technique and a few thoughtful garnishes, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with bold flavor and irresistible crunch every single time. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!