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General Tso's Chicken

Kimberly Killebrew
Perfectly crispy coated chicken is tossed in a deliciously sweet and spicy sauce and served with steamed rice.  Ready in less than 30 minutes and better than the takeout version, for spicy food lovers General Tso's Chicken is totally irresistible!  
Print Recipe
4.99 from 210 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 451 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • For the Marinade:
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 2 tablespoons tamari (or light soy sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine (can substitute dry sherry)
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • For the Coating:
  • 3/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour gluten free: substitute GF flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons tamari (or light soy sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (can substitute dry sherry)
  • 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar
  • or sugar alternative (for low sugar)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (e.g., avocado, peanut, canola)
  • 2 large cloves garlic , minced
  • 2 teaspoons minced ginger
  • 6 small dried red chilies , seeded and broken into pieces
  • 3 green onions , cut into 1 inch pieces
  • oil for deep frying (e.g. peanut, canola, avocado)

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Set aside.
    In a small bowl, whisk the marinade ingredients together and then pour over the cubed chicken. Stir to thoroughly coat and set aside.
    Combine the sauce ingredients and stir until the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved. Set aside.
  • Pick up the chicken pieces and shake off the excess marinade, then dredge the pieces in the cornstarch coating mixture, shaking off the excess.
    Working in batches, deep fry the chicken in oil heated to 375ºF until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Place the chicken on paper towels to drain.
    Note:  If you don't have a deep fryer you can also fill a non-stick skillet with an inch or so of oil and fry the chicken in that.  
  • Heat the tablespoon of oil in a wok or large heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the garlic, ginger and red chilies for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sauce and simmer until thickened. Add the fried chicken and stir to thoroughly coat. Simmer for a minute until the chicken has absorbed the sauce but is still crispy. Stir in the green onions.
    Serve immediately with steamed rice and broccoli (traditional in many takeout places).

Nutrition

Calories: 451kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1689mg | Potassium: 821mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 141IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg
Keyword General Tso's Chicken
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