If you’re planning a weekend feast that’s flavorful and a hit with everyone, Crispy Dynasty General Tso’s Chicken is a great option. It’s the ultimate homemade takeout experience, a popular dish that’s sure to delight everyone.
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Crispy Dynasty General Tso’s Chicken: The Ultimate Homemade Takeout Experience
General Tso’s Chicken is a popular American Chinese dish made with crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a spicy, sweet, and glazed sauce.
It satisfies all cravings. Instead of ordering takeout, you can prepare a restaurant-quality dish at home in less than an hour.
This article explains everything in simple terms, covering the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, export tips, storage methods, variations, and answers to any questions you might have.
If you’re thinking of making something for the family, you can also try it. Whether you’re planning a weekend feast or just want something bold and flavorful, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Let’s learn how to make Crispy Dynasty General Tso’s Chicken, saucy and absolutely delicious, in your own kitchen.
Why try General Tso’s Chicken at home:
- A crispy chicken that retains its crunch even when slathered in sauce
- Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, and meal prep
- A perfect balance of sticky, sweet, spicy, and salty flavors
- It’s completely customizable—accommodating sweetness, spiciness, and richness
- All simple ingredients found in USA grocery stores.
All ingredients needed:
Chicken ingredients:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 beaten eggs
- Oil, canola or vegetable, for frying
Ingredients for General Tso’s Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon rice wine, optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 to 3 chili flakes or dried red chilies
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 teaspoons brown sugar
- 4 finely chopped garlic cloves
Ingredients for garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Boiled rice for serving
- Sesame seeds
Crispy Dynasty General Tso’s Chicken, step-by-step instructions on how to make it:
1. Preparing the Chicken
- Take the boneless chicken and cut it into small pieces.
- Pat the chicken thoroughly to dry it, resulting in a crispy exterior.
- Place all the chicken in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Set the chicken bowl aside while you prepare the coating.
2. Coat the chicken for even more crunch:
- Pour the beaten egg over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
- Now, using a different bowl, add the cornstarch.
- Lift all the chicken pieces from the egg mixture and dip them in the cornstarch until they are thoroughly coated.
- Shake off any excess cornstarch.
Important tip: For even more crispiness, double-coat by dipping them in the egg and cornstarch again.
3. Deep-frying or Air-frying Chicken
A. Deep-frying, the most authentic method:
- Preheat oil to 350°F, 175°C.
- If there is more chicken, fry in batches for 4 to 5 minutes each.
- Until golden brown and crispy.
- After thoroughly frying, drain and drain on a paper towel.
B. Air-frying is healthy:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and keep it ready.
- Largely spray the basket with oil.
- Cook all the chicken for 15 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
- Air-fried chicken isn’t as crispy as deep-fried chicken, but it’s still delicious.
4. Making the Signature General Tso’s Sauce
Use a bowl and combine all the ingredients:
- brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, and cornstarch.
- Put everything in a bowl, mix well and set aside.
- Now use a pan and heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add ginger, garlic, and dried chilies and sauté until fragrant.
5. Thickening and Making the Sauce
- Add the sauce mixer and stir continuously until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Continue cooking over low heat for 3 minutes.
- Taste once and adjust the salt, sweetness, or seasoning.
6. Adding the Chicken to the Sauce
- Add the chicken to the wok, stirring thoroughly to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in the sticky, delicious sauce.
- Turn off the heat.
7. Garnishing and Serving
- Crispy Dynasty General Tso’s Chicken can be served hot over steamed rice, sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions for the perfect finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions for Tso’s Chicken:
- Can be served with egg rolls, chow mein, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Served with white rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
- Add sesame seeds for a crunch.
- Add broccoli for a healthy twist.
Storage:
Crispy Dynasty General Tso’s Chicken: Here are some great storage tips to help you keep it for longer:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: For best results, store the chicken in the sauce separately with cooked rice.
Reheat: To reheat the sauce, use a pan, add a little water, and cook over medium heat.
Suggestions for some recipe variations:
If you’d like to vary the Crispy Dynasty General Tso’s Chicken, try these:
- For a spicier General Tso’s Chicken, add more dried chilies or a teaspoon of chili paste.
- Omit the cornstarch.
- For a vegetarian General Tso’s Chicken, use crispy tofu, mushrooms, or cauliflower.
- For an orange General Tso’s Chicken, add 1 tablespoon of orange zest and 1/4 cup of orange juice.
- For a low-carb/keto version, try a keto substitute for sugar.
FAQ
Q. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes! Thighs are juicier, but chicken breast works just as well and cooks faster.
Q. Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes! Mix it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Shake well before using.
Q. Is General Tso’s Chicken the same as Orange Chicken?
Absolutely not! Because Orange Chicken has a citrusy flavor, while General Tso’s is spicier, sweeter, and darker, with a lot of garlic and soy.
Q. Why does the sauce become too thin?
When you don’t add enough cornstarch or don’t cook the sauce long enough. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens.
Q. How does restaurant chicken get so crispy?
Restaurants use cornstarch and double-frying. You can do this at home and make restaurant-quality Crispy Dynasty General Tso’s Chicken.
Q. How spicy is General Tso’s Chicken?
Crispy Dynasty General Tso’s Chicken ranges from mild to medium, but you can increase the spiciness by adding more dried chilies.
Q. How can I make General Tso’s Chicken healthier?
Prepare the chicken by air-frying or baking it first, then reduce the amount of sugar and add vegetables like broccoli.
Q. Is Tso’s Chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely! Bake at 425°F for 22 to 25 minutes, then flip once. It won’t get as crispy as frying, but it’s still delicious.
Q. What can I use instead of rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, which is fine.
Conclusion:
Crispy Dynasty General Tso’s Chicken has everything you need in a takeout classic. It’s bold flavor, crispy chicken, balanced sweetness, and just the right amount of spiciness. It’s incredibly easy to make at home. General Tso’s Chicken always tastes great, and with the right ingredients, the spice level and freshness are completely controllable.
If you’re a beginner, give this recipe a try, and it will become a weekly favorite in your kitchen. It’s a very easy, customizable recipe, and you can replicate any of the perfect recipes from the USA. If you want a restaurant-quality, Asian-spiced dinner at home, please comment and follow this recipe.