Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Coating:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Garnish:
- 4 green onions, sliced
- Steamed rice for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken marinade. In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and coat thoroughly in the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour if you have time. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will absorb.
- Prepare the coating by mixing all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a shallow dish. This will create the crispy exterior that makes General Tso's Chicken so irresistible.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy, or test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread – it should sizzle and turn golden brown immediately.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece completely in the flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Carefully add chicken to the hot oil in batches. Fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Remove fried chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. This helps keep the chicken crispy.
- For the sauce, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl.
- In a clean skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in most of the green onions, reserving a few for garnish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes