Easy General Tso Chicken in 30 Minutes

Easy General Tso Chicken in 30 Minutes

If you’re craving a delicious takeout-style dinner without waiting for delivery, Easy General Tso Chicken is the perfect recipe to add to your weekly rotation. This iconic dish is known for its crispy chicken bites, sticky sweet-spicy sauce, and bold Asian flavors—and the best part? You can make it at home in just 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a cozy dinner for one, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

What Makes General Tso Chicken So Popular?

General Tso Chicken has become a favorite across the world thanks to its perfect balance of flavors:

  • Crispy fried (or air-fried!) chicken pieces
  • A sticky glaze with hints of garlic, ginger, and soy
  • A combination of sweet, savory, and spicy notes
  • A rich sauce that coats every bite beautifully

It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting, satisfying, and a little bit indulgent—yet still quick to make at home.

⭐ Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt & black pepper
  • Oil for frying (or spray if air-frying)

For the Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (optional for heat)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken)

🍳 How to Make General Tso Chicken in 30 Minutes

1. Prep the Chicken

Season your chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Dip them into the beaten eggs, then coat them evenly with cornstarch.

2. Fry Until Crispy

Shallow-fry the chicken in a skillet with hot oil until golden and crispy.
OR air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes for a lighter version.

3. Make the Signature Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sriracha, and cornstarch slurry.

Pour the mixture into a pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.

4. Combine & Serve

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or with stir-fried veggies.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

To elevate your meal, pair your General Tso Chicken with:

  • Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
  • Asian-style noodles
  • Broccoli or snap peas
  • Fried rice
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (great for topping!)

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in 30 minutes
  • Better than takeout with fewer preservatives
  • Option to pan-fry, deep-fry, or air-fry
  • Customizable spice levels
  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly

🔥 Tips for the Best General Tso Chicken

  • Coat the chicken evenly in cornstarch for extra crispiness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—this keeps the coating crispy.
  • Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
  • Add honey for a sweeter, stickier glaze.
  • Make double the sauce if serving with noodles.

🎉 Final Thoughts

This Easy General Tso Chicken in 30 Minutes is the ultimate weeknight recipe—quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It brings everything you love about Asian takeout right into your kitchen with simple steps and everyday ingredients.

Perfect for busy days, lazy nights, or whenever you’re craving something bold and comforting.

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