Get Ready to Ignite Your Taste Buds with These 18 Spicy General Tso’s Chicken Recipes!
General Tso’s chicken – the sweet and spicy dish that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. But why settle for just one way of making it when you can have a whole arsenal of flavors and cooking methods at your disposal? From classic stir-fries to creative twists, we’ve got 18 mouth-watering General Tso’s chicken recipes to spice up your culinary game. Whether you’re in the mood for something crispy, saucy, or satisfyingly spicy, this list has got you covered.
From crispy chicken with honey glaze to slow-cooked chicken with broccoli, each recipe is a testament to the versatility of this beloved dish. So go ahead, get cooking, and discover your new favorite way to make General Tso’s chicken!
Crispy General Tso’s Chicken with Honey Glaze
Elevate your Chinese takeout game with this sweet and savory crispy chicken dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon General Tso’s sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Honey glaze: 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until coated with cornstarch mixture.
3. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-7 minutes or until crispy, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add garlic, soy sauce, General Tso’s sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
6. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat with sauce.
7. To make honey glaze, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
8. Brush the glaze over the chicken during the last minute of cooking.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy General Tso’s Chicken Stir-Fry
A classic Chinese-American dish gets a spicy kick with this recipe for Spicy General Tso’s Chicken Stir-Fry. This quick and easy stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color)
– 2 teaspoons General Tso’s sauce
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. In same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together General Tso’s sauce, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour into skillet and stir to combine.
6. Return chicken to skillet; stir-fry until coated in sauce, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Baked General Tso’s Chicken with Sesame Seeds
A sweet and savory twist on the classic Chinese-American dish, this recipe combines the flavors of General Tso’s sauce with the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup General Tso’s sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together General Tso’s sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top of the chicken.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Sweet and Tangy General Tso’s Chicken Wings
Sweet and Tangy General Tso’s Chicken Wings Recipe
Get ready for a flavorful and addictive twist on traditional chicken wings! This recipe combines the sweetness of honey, soy sauce, and vinegar with the tanginess of orange marmalade and chili flakes to create a mouth-watering dish that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange marmalade, grated ginger, and chili flakes.
3. Add the chicken wings and toss until they are fully coated with the marinade.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken wings in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain the fried chicken wings on paper towels.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
A twist on the classic Chinese-American dish, these General Tso’s chicken lettuce wraps are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy your favorite flavors. Crunchy lettuce leaves wrapped around spicy-sweet General Tso’s chicken – it’s a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp General Tso’s sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 lettuce leaves (iceberg or romaine work well)
– Optional: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and/or crispy wonton strips for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together General Tso’s sauce, vegetable oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the fridge.
3. Preheat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Assemble the wraps by placing a few pieces of General Tso’s chicken onto a lettuce leaf, then top with your desired garnishes.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken
A twist on the classic Chinese-American dish, this slow cooker recipe makes it easy to enjoy General Tso’s chicken at home with minimal effort. Let the slow cooker do the work for you!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup General Tso’s sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together General Tso’s sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
2. Add the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce mixture.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
General Tso’s Chicken with Broccoli
Get ready to savor the sweet and sour flavors of this classic Chinese dish!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup General Tso’s sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, and ginger.
7. Cook for 30 seconds, then add broccoli and stir-fry until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Add General Tso’s sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with broccoli.
9. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce.
10. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gluten-Free General Tso’s Chicken
This recipe is a gluten-free twist on the classic Chinese dish, General Tso’s Chicken. With a crispy exterior and tender interior, this gluten-free version is just as flavorful and delicious as its traditional counterpart.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this sweet and savory fusion of General Tso’s Chicken and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup General Tso’s chicken (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. Spread General Tso’s chicken evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken.
5. Drizzle soy sauce and olive oil over the pizza.
6. Top with chopped green onions.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken Tacos
A unique fusion of Chinese flavors and Mexican flair, these General Tso’s Chicken Tacos will surprise your taste buds with their bold and spicy goodness. This recipe combines the popular General Tso’s chicken dish with the classic taco format.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup General Tso’s sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions for garnish
– 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together General Tso’s sauce and chicken pieces. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Fry chicken until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos by placing fried chicken onto a warmed tortilla, garnishing with scallions and cotija cheese (if using).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken Meatballs
Elevate your Chinese-inspired appetizers with these flavorful General Tso’s Chicken Meatballs. This sweet and savory twist on traditional meatballs is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon General Tso’s sauce (or store-bought)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, and General Tso’s sauce. Mix until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle sesame oil over the meatballs and gently roll them to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken Fried Rice
A flavorful fusion of Chinese and American cuisines, this recipe combines the popular General Tso’s chicken dish with the comfort food of fried rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 tsp General Tso’s sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, ensuring rice is well coated with the General Tso’s sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken Sliders
Elevate your sliders game with this sweet and spicy take on General Tso’s Chicken. Crispy chicken, crunchy slaw, and a drizzle of honey mustard come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp General Tso’s sauce
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp sugar
– 8 hamburger buns
– 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Honey mustard (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Cut chicken into small pieces and toss with cornstarch, shaking off excess.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together General Tso’s sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and sugar. Pour sauce over chicken and stir to coat.
4. Split hamburger buns in half and toast. Assemble sliders with chicken, coleslaw, and a drizzle of honey mustard.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken Salad
This recipe combines the sweet and savory flavors of General Tso’s chicken with fresh greens, creating a unique and delicious salad perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked General Tso’s chicken (store-bought or homemade)
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup crumbled wonton strips (optional)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, red bell pepper, and scallions.
2. Cut the cooked General Tso’s chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl.
3. If using wonton strips, sprinkle them on top of the salad.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken Egg Rolls
A twist on traditional egg rolls, this recipe combines the flavors of General Tso’s chicken with the crunch of a fried egg roll wrapper.
Ingredients:
– 1 package egg roll wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 cup General Tso’s chicken (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a deep frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the General Tso’s chicken, soy sauce, and chopped scallions.
3. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you.
4. Place about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of the wrapper.
5. Brush the edges of the wrapper with a little water.
6. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a tight cylinder.
7. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
8. Fry the egg rolls in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
9. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
General Tso’s Chicken Noodle Bowl
Savor the flavors of China with this comforting and savory General Tso’s Chicken Noodle Bowl, a twist on traditional Chinese takeout.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 cup General Tso’s sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions for garnish
– Sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add chicken; cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and General Tso’s sauce. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until chicken is coated.
4. Serve chicken mixture over cooked noodles. Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips (if using).
5. Cook time: 15-20 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious General Tso’s Chicken Noodle Bowl!
General Tso’s Chicken Dumplings
A twist on the classic Chinese dish, these General Tso’s Chicken Dumplings combine the flavors of crispy fried dumplings with sweet and spicy General Tso’s chicken. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 cup General Tso’s chicken (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the General Tso’s chicken, scallions, and soy sauce.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point.
5. Press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
6. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
7. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Fry the dumplings in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
9. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes to fry all the dumplings.
General Tso’s Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Transform the classic Chinese dish into a colorful and flavorful bell pepper stuffed with General Tso’s chicken, crunchy peanuts, and savory rice. This unique twist on the original will delight your taste buds!
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup General Tso’s sauce
– 1/4 cup cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, whisk together chicken, General Tso’s sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken mixture, leaving space at the top for filling.
5. Top with cooked rice and chopped peanuts.
6. Drizzle with vegetable oil and season to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meals with these 18 mouth-watering General Tso’s Chicken recipes! From classic stir-fries and crispy chicken dishes to innovative twists like General Tso’s Chicken Pizza and Tacos, there’s something for everyone. Try Crispy General Tso’s Chicken with Honey Glaze, Spicy General Tso’s Chicken Stir-Fry, or Baked General Tso’s Chicken with Sesame Seeds. For a twist, try Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken or General Tso’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps. And don’t forget the sweet and tangy options like General Tso’s Chicken Wings and Dumplings.
