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General Tso’s Chicken is a takeout favorite that I’ve made a bit healthier. It’s just as spicy, sweet, and zesty as your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant makes it! Make this General Tso Chicken recipe in just 30 minutes!
Since living in Japan, I’ve had to take recreating some of our comfort foods from home into my own hands. When we’re not having pizza on a Friday night, we’re usually ordering some delicious Chinese takeout. Well, here in Japan there are no Chinese takeout places nearby. So, I’ve taken the time to recreate one of our favorite takeout menu items —-but I didn’t stop there. I also made it a little healthier by ditching the deep fryer! This Healthier General Tso’s Chicken recipe never disappoints. It’s just as mouthwatering as your favorite Chinese takeout.
Common General Tso’s Chicken questions answered!
What is General Tso Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken (often mis-pronounced/spelled as “General Tso Chicken” is a classic Chinese takeout dish. It was first served in the U.S. somewhere in the 1960s/1970s when the dish’s creator, Chef C.K. Peng, introduced the dish to New York City. To read more of the story, check out this article.
Where did General Tso’s Chicken come from?
General Tso, or sometimes known as General Zuo or Zuo Zongtang, was a Qing Dynasty military leader who played an important role in the Taiping Rebellion.
The dish’s creator, Chef C.K. Peng, is from Hunan Province which is the same province as General Tso. During the 1950s Chef Peng was cooking for a fancy banquet and he decided to name the fancy chicken dish that he served after his hometown hero, General Tso/Zuo.
How do you Pronounce General Tso Chicken?
In order to pronounce “Tso’s” correctly you drop the T. So you would pronounce this dish by saying General “so’s” chicken.
Is General Tso’s Chicken real Chinese food?
Kind of. The dish was “born” in Taiwan sometime during the 1950’s, and it was created by Chef C.K. Peng. The version that we’re familiar with was brought to America by the same Chef sometime during the 1960s and 1970s.
Is General Tso Chicken supposed to be spicy?
Yes! It’s supposed to be a spicy, sweet, salty, and zesty dish. It gets its spice from red chili flakes, and it gets its zest from fresh ginger and garlic!
How do you make General Tso’s Chicken?
This dish is usually coated in a cornstarch mixture and then deep fried. But not my version! I make this dish a little healthier by ditching the deep fryer and instead I cook it in a heavy skillet with just 3 tablespoons of peanut oil.
If you’re looking for other takeout-inspired dishes then check out these recipes below:
- Simple Fried Rice
- Healthier Orange Chicken
- Real Deal Chicken Chow Mein
- Sichuan-Style Orange Beef
- Sheet Pan Stir-Fried Chicken Teriyaki with Pineapple
- Authentic Chinese Dumplings
- Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
Cook’s Note – Healthier General Tso’s Chicken:
- When snow peas aren’t in season, I like to use steamed broccoli in this recipe.
- This recipe will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but it is best eaten the day it’s made because the snow peas lose their shape and bright green color.
Disclosure: This post for Healthier General Tso Chicken recipe includes affiliate links.
Cook’s Tools – Healthier General Tso’s Chicken:
ONE YEAR AGO: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
TWO YEARS AGO: Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup
THREE YEARS AGO: Copycat Outback Steakhouse Honey Wheat Bushman Bread Recipe
General Tso Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
GENERAL TSO’S SAUCE:
- ⅓ cup warm water
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
CHICKEN AND COATING:
- 2 large egg whites
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
FOR COOKING:
- 3 Tablespoons peanut oil, divided
- 3 Cups snow peas, trimmed and halved diagonally
FOR SERVING:
- cooked white or brown rice
- toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
PREP THE SAUCE:
- In a small bowl whisk together the warm water and cornstarch. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, grated ginger, and pepper flakes and whisk to combine. Set aside.
PREPARE THE COATING AND COOK THE CHICKEN:
- In a medium bowl whisk together the egg whites, corn starch, salt, and white pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- In a large heavy skillet over high heat add the oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken mixture to the skillet in an even layer. Cook, without turning the the chicken until the chicken is golden on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces over and continue cooking until the chicken pieces are golden brown on all sides, about 2 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
COOK THE SAUCE AND PEAS:
- Add the remaining 1 Tablespoon of peanut oil to the skillet. Once shimmering, add the sauce and snow peas and cook until the peas are bright green and the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken back to the pan, and stir until the chicken is heated through and evenly coated in the sauce, about 1 minute.
FINISH THE DISH:
- Serve the chicken over cooked white or brown rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
Nutrition
This Healthier General Tso’s Chicken first appeared on Food, Folks and Fun in January 2011. I’ve since updated the recipe and pictures. Here’s a picture from when I first made this dish in 2011.
Carrie says
Oh, Paul loves this dish. I’ll definitely have to try it.
Elle Belles Bows says
One of my favorites. So, I would definitely love a healthier version! Kerri
Moogie says
I found you through Lisa’s linky. The Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes look fabulous. I’m your newest follower.
One in the SAHM says
Yum this looks delicious – I’m adding it to our menu this week! Thank you!
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says
This looks excellent! I LOVE heatlhier asian food! Thanks!
Stephanie in Suburbia says
This sounds sooo good! I just made Ellie Krieger’s recipe for sesame chicken and I was so shocked at how much it tasted like takeout. I will have to try this. Thank you for sharing!
LambAround says
I’m stopping by to let you know that you’re featured on my blog tonight! Congratulations 🙂
Jillian Wade says
@LambAround, thanks so much! =)
Claire says
I love General Tso’s chicken! So as soon as it was published I knew I had to try it. And I am glad I did, the flavor was perfect 😀
Great recipe
Jillian says
I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂
Samantha Dawn says
Oh yum! Love the switched up version with much less oil and the addition of sugar snap peas or broccoli!
Amy | The Cook Report says
This chicken looks so sticky and delicious! Love that you’ve made it healthier too 🙂
Natalie says
Oh my, these chicken bites look absolutely perfect! I love the shiny glaze and this looks like the perfect dinner!
Claudia Lamascolo says
this is such a great find for me! I eat this out everytime we order out! I never made this before and yours looks better than anything I have ever eaten.. Love how shiny it is too !!
Sally - My Custard Pie says
My mouth’s watering. What’s the difference between this and regular sweet and sour (apart from the healthy twist)?
camila hurst says
Love this healthier version of such a classic dish!! Mouthwatering!
Dayna says
YUM! I love this recipes!