General Tso Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

For Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

2. Make the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined.
2. In another small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.

3. Stir-Fry:

1. In the same skillet or wok used to cook the chicken, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

4. Serve:

1. Serve the General Tso Chicken hot over cooked white rice.
2. Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy chicken coated in a flavorful sauce with a hint of sweetness and heat!