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Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe with Spicy Glaze and Broccoli

Crispy General Tso’s Chicken - featured image

This homemade General Tso’s Chicken features extra-crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy glaze with fresh broccoli. It’s a better-than-takeout comfort food that comes together in under 45 minutes and is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tsp water
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 small head)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Sliced scallions (optional, for garnish)
  • Red chili flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
  2. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Working in batches, dip chicken pieces in egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Lay battered chicken on a plate.
  4. Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok. Heat over medium-high until shimmering (350°F).
  5. Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until deeply golden and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
  6. While chicken fries, steam broccoli florets until bright green and just tender (about 2 minutes in the microwave with a splash of water, or 3-4 minutes in a pot). Set aside.
  7. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and water. Whisk and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  8. Stir cornstarch with water, then whisk into the glaze. Simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  9. Add fried chicken and steamed broccoli to the skillet or a large bowl. Pour the hot spicy glaze over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  10. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and chili flakes if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari and a gluten-free flour blend. For vegetarian, substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu or cauliflower. Adjust spice level by reducing sriracha. Serve immediately after tossing in glaze for maximum crunch. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days; reheat chicken in oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: General Tso's Chicken, crispy chicken, spicy glaze, broccoli, takeout, Chinese, weeknight dinner, comfort food, homemade, easy recipe