Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A plate of crispy General Tso's Chicken garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served alongside steamed vegetables and rice.

General Tsos Chicken Recipe (Takeout Copycat) – Alyona’s Cooking

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Enjoy restaurant-quality General Tso’s Chicken at home with this easy takeout copycat recipe. Crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet-spicy sauce are perfect for a quick and delicious Chinese dinner. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful homemade dish that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for slurry)
  • Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, coat the chicken pieces with beaten eggs. Dredge in cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes each batch. Drain on paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour into a skillet over medium heat. Add water and bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce is glossy and thickened, about 2 minutes.
  5. Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve hot garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispy chicken.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level.
  • Serve immediately for best crispy texture.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450 Kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg