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If you love ordering General Tso Chicken from your favorite Chinese takeout spot, you’re going to be thrilled to know how easy it is to make at home.

This homemade version delivers everything you love — crispy fried chicken, a sticky-sweet sauce, and just the right amount of heat — without the greasy aftertaste or mystery ingredients.

What Is General Tso Chicken?

General Tso Chicken is a Chinese-American classic made with crispy battered chicken tossed in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. While it isn’t traditionally found in China, it’s become a beloved staple across the U.S. for its bold flavors and crave-worthy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for General Tso Chicken

✔ Better than takeout
✔ Ready in about 30 minutes
✔ Sweet, savory, and customizable
✔ Crowd-pleasing family favorite

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

For the General Tso’s Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup water or chicken broth
• 1–2 teaspoons dried red chili flakes (adjust to taste)

Aromatics

• 2–3 dried red chilies (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

How to Make Homemade General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in cornstarch. Set aside while you heat the oil.

Step 2: Fry Until Crispy

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel–lined plate.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — crispy chicken is the goal! 

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.

Step 4: Build Flavor

In a clean skillet or wok, add a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and dried chilies for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy — about 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Toss It All Together

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until every piece is coated in that sticky, irresistible glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade General Tso’s Chicken:

• Over steamed white or jasmine rice
• With fried rice or lo mein
• Alongside steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy

Finish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style touch.

Tips for the Best General Tso’s Chicken

• Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work great too
• Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing chili flakes
• For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken for 1–2 minutes
• Want it lighter? Skip frying and air-fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes

Homemade General Tso’s Chicken proves that your favorite takeout flavors are totally achievable at home — and once you try it, you may never order it out again. 

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