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 balance of crispy, tangy, and sweet with just a little kick, this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is going to be your new go-to weeknight dinner. I love how it feels fancy but comes together in just 30 minutes!

The image shows a white skillet filled with multiple pieces of crispy chicken coated in a shiny orange-brown sauce. The chicken pieces are varied in size and texture, some look slightly crispy while others are softer with sauce pooling around them. Scattered on top are small green slices of scallions and light tan sesame seeds, adding contrast to the rich sauce. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible in the 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 my fair share of General Tso’s chicken over the years, but this version hits all the right notes: the outside is irresistibly crispy while the sauce wraps every bite in wonderful flavor without being overwhelming.

Easy and Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Balanced Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy all in one bite.
Crispy Texture: The coating stays crunchy even after saucing.
Family Friendly: Pleases both kids and adults with adjustable heat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to get fresh chicken thighs and double-check your pantry for basic Asian staples. The ingredients here are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in delivering that classic, crave-worthy flavor.

Flat lay of raw chicken thigh pieces, a small mound of fine corn starch powder on a white ceramic plate, a few thin slices of fresh ginger root, three whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of sesame seeds, a small white bowl of cold water, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of light brown hoisin sauce, a small white bowl of rice vinegar, a small white bowl of granulated white sugar, and a small white bowl of extra light olive oil, all arranged symmetrically 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: They stay juicy and tender even after frying, way better than breast meat for this dish.
Corn starch: It’s the secret to locking in crunchiness without making the coating heavy.
Extra light olive oil: A mild oil perfect for frying without overpowering the sauce.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a bright, zesty note that lifts the sauce.
Garlic: Provides rich aroma and depth.
Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting — you can dial it up or down.
Sesame seeds: Optional, but they give a lovely visual and subtle nutty crunch at the end.
Low sodium soy sauce: Controls saltiness while adding umami complexity.
Rice vinegar: Balances sweetness with a gentle tang.
Hoisin sauce: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness for that authentic touch.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens without cloying, perfect for balancing flavors.

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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 easily you can tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you like it extra spicy, a little sweeter, or with a fresh veggie boost, this dish welcomes your personal touch.

Spicy Kick: If you love heat, try increasing the red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. I like to start with a little and then adjust after simmering the sauce so it suits everyone at the table.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the cornstarch and soy sauce for gluten-free versions. Tamari soy sauce works beautifully here and keeps it just as delicious.
Veggie Boost: Add some steamed broccoli, snap peas, or thinly sliced bell peppers in the last minute of cooking. It adds color, texture, and an extra dose of nutrition to your plate.
Extra Crispy Style: Double-dredge your chicken by tossing it in cornstarch twice before frying. This creates an irresistible crunch that’s perfect for those who adore super crispy bites.
Less Sweet, More Tangy: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly and add a touch more rice vinegar to highlight the tangy notes of the sauce.

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

A white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is plain white rice with soft, separated grains, and the top layer is many pieces of fried chicken coated in a shiny, sticky reddish-brown sauce. The chicken pieces are golden-brown under the sauce and sprinkled with toasted white sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Maximum Crispiness

Start by trimming your chicken thighs and cutting them into 1-inch pieces—perfect bite-size chunks. Toss them thoroughly with the cornstarch, making sure each piece is coated well. Tap off any excess cornstarch; too much can cause clumping and uneven frying. I like to do this in batches and then set the coated chicken pieces on a platter ready for the pan. This step sets the stage for tender chicken with a wonderfully crispy exterior.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Perfect Tangy, Sweet Sauce

While the chicken rests, mix your sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Combine cold water, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, granulated sugar, and cornstarch, whisking smoothly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This sauce is what brings the magic—balanced sweetness, slight tang, and that mild heat. Setting it aside now lets you focus on the crisping up the chicken before bringing it all together.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken in Batches for Even Crisping

Heat about ¼ cup of extra light olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in 2 to 3 batches — crowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of crisping it. Cook each piece until a golden brown crust forms on both sides and the chicken is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer each batch to a bowl as you finish, and don’t forget to add a bit more oil if the pan gets dry. Leave at least 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan at the end to sauté the aromatics. The smell of that crisp chicken cooking is seriously irresistible!

Step 4: Sauté Garlic, Ginger, and Red Pepper Flakes to Build Aroma

With the oil still hot, add your minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes right into the pan. Stir constantly and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—it’s all about quick, aromatic sizzling to build the deep, savory base of the sauce.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce for Perfect Thickness and Flavor

Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the aromatics. Stir constantly as it comes to a simmer—this takes just a minute or so. The sauce will thicken as the cornstarch activates and the vinegar’s sharpness will mellow. Taste the sauce now and don’t hesitate to adjust with extra soy sauce for saltiness or more rice vinegar for brightness. This balance is key to the dish’s signature flavor.

Step 6: Toss the Chicken to Coat and Serve Hot

Return all the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them gently but thoroughly in the bubbling sauce. Let everything mingle together for about a minute so the sauce hugs every crispy piece. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that authentic touch—crispy, saucy, and utterly delicious!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect balance of crispy chicken and flavorful sauce takes a little know-how, but these tips will help you nail this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe every single time!

Double Dredging for Extra Crispiness: From my own kitchen experiments, tossing the chicken pieces in cornstarch twice before frying makes a noticeable difference in crunch without weighing them down.
Oil Choice Matters: Using extra light olive oil or a neutral oil ensures the sauce’s sweet and tangy notes shine through rather than getting masked by heavy-flavored oils.
Simmer the Sauce Slowly: Stirring the sauce as it gently simmers not only thickens it perfectly but also helps mellow out the vinegar’s sharpness—trust me, patience pays off here!
Batch Frying for Even Cooking: Frying the chicken in smaller batches keeps the oil temperature consistent so you avoid soggy pieces or uneven cooking, a mistake I made early on and learned to avoid.

How to Serve Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

The image shows two round bowls side by side on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains a dark brown sauce with small pieces of light tan chopped garlic scattered throughout, giving it a textured look. The sauce looks glossy with small bubbles and reflections on the surface. The right bowl holds raw, pale pinkish pieces of chicken with a smooth, slightly wet texture, sitting in a light liquid that partially covers them. The chicken pieces are uneven in size but piled together, filling the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For that authentic touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the saucy chicken right before serving. Green onions thinly sliced add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. If you like a bit more heat, a few extra red pepper flakes on top work wonders too!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the sauce. For veggies, consider a simple stir-fry of broccoli and snap peas or a crunchy Asian slaw to bring brightness and balance to your plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce flavorful without compromising its texture too much.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover chicken in a sealed freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 1 month. For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken separately if possible, then combine after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to bring back some crispness and warm the sauce without drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender, especially when fried. Just be sure to watch the cooking time carefully to avoid drying out the breast meat.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust it to your taste by adding more or less.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be whisked together a few hours ahead and kept in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using and be sure to simmer it well to re-activate the cornstarch thickening.

Do I need to use low sodium soy sauce?

Low sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness in your dish, but you can use regular soy sauce if that’s what you have. Just taste as you go and adjust other seasonings accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that hits all the right flavor notes—crispy, sweet, tangy, and just a touch spicy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving takeout vibes at home, it’s a straightforward recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do eating it!