General Tso’s chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy, golden chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce.
It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, offering bold flavors that satisfy every craving.
While the classic takeout version is delicious, making General Tso chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the spice level to your preference.
With the right technique, you can achieve the perfect balance of crispy chicken and rich sauce in your own kitchen.
We’ve curated 15 General Tso chicken recipes that range from traditional to inventive, catering to both beginners and experienced cooks.
These recipes are designed to simplify preparation while maximizing flavor, ensuring your homemade General Tso chicken is restaurant-quality every time.
15 Easy General Tso Chicken Recipes You Can Make at Home

General Tso chicken is a versatile dish that brings bold, flavorful comfort to any meal.
The 15 General Tso chicken recipes in this collection provide a variety of approaches, from classic deep-fried styles to lighter, healthier alternatives.
They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish at home.
With these recipes, you can explore new flavors, customize your spice level, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade General Tso chicken.
Whether you prefer crispy, saucy, or healthier versions, these recipes make this iconic dish accessible and delicious.
Classic General Tso Chicken
Enjoy a timeless take on a beloved Chinese-American dish with Classic General Tso Chicken.
Crispy fried chicken pieces are coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce with a hint of heat.
Ginger, garlic, and soy sauce create a flavorful base that perfectly complements the crunchy chicken.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet is simple to make at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, coat chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then dredge in cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, sugar, and cornstarch.
- In a clean skillet, sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
- Add the sauce mixture and cook until thickened.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Classic General Tso Chicken is crispy, sweet, and savory with a hint of spice.
The homemade sauce perfectly clings to the tender, golden chicken pieces.
It’s ideal for a satisfying dinner that rivals takeout.
Each bite delivers bold flavors and a delightful texture contrast.
This recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for family meals.
Spicy General Tso Chicken
Turn up the heat with this Spicy General Tso Chicken recipe.
Crispy chicken is tossed in a bold, fiery sauce made with chili paste, garlic, and ginger.
The balance of sweetness, heat, and umami makes every bite addictive.
Perfect for those who enjoy a spicy twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: sliced scallions for garnish
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then dredge in cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken until golden and crispy.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, sugar, and chili paste.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
- Add the sauce mixture and cook until thickened.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until coated evenly.
- Garnish with scallions and serve hot.
Spicy General Tso Chicken is bold, flavorful, and packed with heat.
The fiery sauce enhances the crispy chicken for a perfect balance.
It’s ideal for a quick, satisfying dinner that excites the taste buds.
Every bite delivers crunch, spice, and savory-sweet goodness.
This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for spice lovers.
Healthy General Tso Chicken
Enjoy a lighter take on a favorite with Healthy General Tso Chicken.
Chicken is baked instead of fried, keeping it tender while reducing oil.
A flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and garlic adds rich flavor without heaviness.
Perfect for a wholesome dinner that satisfies cravings while being a bit healthier.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: steamed broccoli or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss chicken cubes in cornstarch until coated and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss baked chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with optional broccoli or green onions.
Healthy General Tso Chicken is flavorful, tender, and lightly sweet.
Baking the chicken keeps it crispy without deep frying.
It’s perfect for a balanced, satisfying meal at home.
Each bite delivers a delightful combination of sauce and protein.
This recipe is simple, healthier, and ideal for weeknight dinners.
General Tso Chicken Stir-Fry
Enjoy a quick, colorful meal with General Tso Chicken Stir-Fry.
Crispy chicken is combined with bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas in a savory-sweet sauce.
The vegetables add freshness, crunch, and vibrant color to the classic dish.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s fast, balanced, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup snap peas
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in cornstarch and fry in a skillet until crispy.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, stir-fry bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas for 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
- Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, sugar, and red pepper flakes; add to vegetables.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately with rice.
General Tso Chicken Stir-Fry is colorful, flavorful, and satisfying.
The combination of crisp vegetables and crispy chicken enhances texture and flavor.
It’s ideal for a quick, balanced dinner at home.
Each bite delivers sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes.
This recipe is easy, fast, and perfect for weeknight meals.
Crispy General Tso Chicken with Pineapple
Indulge in a sweet and savory twist with Crispy General Tso Chicken with Pineapple.
Crispy fried chicken is coated in the classic sauce and tossed with pineapple chunks for sweetness.
The sauce balances tangy, savory, and fruity flavors for an exciting dinner experience.
Perfect for a family-friendly meal with a tropical twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in eggs and dredge in cornstarch.
- Fry chicken in hot oil until golden and crispy.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, sugar, and red pepper flakes; cook until thickened.
- Toss fried chicken and pineapple in the sauce until coated.
- Serve immediately with rice.
Crispy General Tso Chicken with Pineapple is sweet, tangy, and savory.
The pineapple adds a juicy, tropical twist to the classic dish.
It’s perfect for a fun, flavorful dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Each bite delivers a balance of textures and bold flavors.
This recipe is simple, delicious, and ideal for adventurous eater
Orange-Glazed General Tso Chicken
Enjoy a citrusy twist on a classic favorite with Orange-Glazed General Tso Chicken.
Crispy fried chicken is tossed in a tangy orange sauce with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
The bright, sweet flavor of orange complements the savory, slightly spicy notes perfectly.
Perfect for a flavorful dinner that’s vibrant, indulgent, and easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: orange zest for garnish
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in eggs and dredge in cornstarch.
- Fry chicken in heated oil until golden and crispy.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, orange juice, rice vinegar, hoisin, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Toss fried chicken in the orange glaze until evenly coated.
- Garnish with orange zest and serve immediately.
Orange-Glazed General Tso Chicken is sweet, tangy, and savory.
The orange flavor brightens the rich, crispy chicken beautifully.
It’s ideal for a dinner that feels gourmet yet is simple to make.
Each bite delivers bold flavors and a delicate citrus note.
This recipe is easy, vibrant, and perfect for weeknight meals.
Honey Garlic General Tso Chicken
Savor a sweet and savory combination with Honey Garlic General Tso Chicken.
Crispy chicken is coated in a sticky sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger.
The flavors are rich, slightly sweet, and full of umami, making it irresistible.
Perfect for a family dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in eggs and dredge in cornstarch.
- Fry chicken in oil until golden and crispy.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Toss chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
Honey Garlic General Tso Chicken is sticky, sweet, and savory.
The garlic and honey balance perfectly with tender, crispy chicken.
It’s perfect for a quick and comforting dinner at home.
Each bite delivers flavor, texture, and a delightful aroma.
This recipe is simple, flavorful, and ideal for weeknight meals.
Gluten-Free General Tso Chicken
Enjoy a classic favorite without gluten with this Gluten-Free General Tso Chicken.
Chicken is coated in cornstarch instead of flour and fried to a golden crisp.
A naturally thickened sauce with tamari, rice vinegar, and sugar creates the signature flavor.
Perfect for anyone seeking a gluten-free version without sacrificing taste or texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in eggs and cornstarch.
- Fry chicken in heated oil until golden and crisp.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
- Add tamari, rice vinegar, and honey; simmer until thickened.
- Toss chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Gluten-Free General Tso Chicken is crispy, tangy, and savory.
The cornstarch coating creates a perfect crunch without gluten.
It’s ideal for a safe, flavorful, and satisfying meal at home.
Each bite delivers the classic flavors everyone loves.
This recipe is simple, gluten-free, and perfect for family dinners.
Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken
Enjoy an easy, hands-off version with Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken.
Chicken, garlic, ginger, and sauce ingredients are combined and cooked until tender and flavorful.
No frying is required, making it a convenient, fuss-free dinner option.
Perfect for busy days when you want homemade General Tso chicken without constant attention.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: cornstarch slurry to thicken
- Optional: green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Place chicken, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, sugar, and red pepper flakes in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours.
- Optional: Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir in to thicken sauce.
- Serve hot over rice and garnish with green onions.
Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken is tender, flavorful, and convenient.
The slow cooking infuses the chicken with rich, savory-sweet sauce.
It’s perfect for an effortless, restaurant-quality dinner at home.
Each bite delivers tender meat and perfectly balanced flavors.
This recipe is simple, hands-off, and ideal for busy days
Air Fryer General Tso Chicken
Enjoy a healthier, crispy alternative with Air Fryer General Tso Chicken.
Chicken is coated lightly in cornstarch and air-fried until golden and crunchy.
The sauce is tossed with the crispy chicken for a quick, guilt-free dinner.
Perfect for anyone seeking the perfect crunch without deep frying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1–2 teaspoons oil spray
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: sesame seeds and green onions
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in eggs and cornstarch.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray chicken lightly with oil and air-fry for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, sugar, and red pepper flakes; cook until thickened.
- Toss air-fried chicken in the sauce until coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions and serve.
Air Fryer General Tso Chicken is crispy, tangy, and satisfying.
The air fryer ensures golden chicken with minimal oil.
It’s perfect for a healthier yet flavorful version of a classic favorite.
Each bite delivers crunch, sweetness, and savory goodness.
This recipe is simple, convenient, and ideal for weeknight dinners.
Sweet and Tangy General Tso Chicken
Indulge in a perfectly balanced dinner with Sweet and Tangy General Tso Chicken.
Crispy chicken is coated in a sauce combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a hint of ginger.
The result is a rich, flavorful dish that is sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.
Perfect for a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in beaten eggs and dredge in cornstarch.
- Fry chicken in heated oil until golden and crispy.
- Sauté garlic and ginger in a skillet for 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes; simmer until thickened.
- Toss chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Sweet and Tangy General Tso Chicken is flavorful, crispy, and perfectly balanced.
The combination of sweet and tangy notes enhances tender, golden chicken.
It’s ideal for a quick, satisfying dinner that feels indulgent.
Each bite delivers bold flavors and texture contrast.
This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for weeknight meals.
General Tso Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Enjoy a lighter twist on a classic with General Tso Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Crispy chicken bites are tossed in sauce and served in fresh lettuce leaves.
The crunch of the lettuce balances the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy chicken perfectly.
Perfect for a low-carb, quick, and flavorful lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8–10 lettuce leaves (butter or romaine)
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in eggs and cornstarch.
- Fry chicken until golden and crispy.
- Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
- Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, sugar, and red pepper flakes; simmer until thickened.
- Toss chicken in the sauce.
- Spoon chicken into lettuce leaves and serve immediately.
General Tso Chicken Lettuce Wraps are crispy, flavorful, and refreshing.
The fresh lettuce adds crunch and lightness to the rich sauce.
They’re perfect for a quick, low-carb lunch or dinner.
Each bite delivers flavor, texture, and balance.
This recipe is simple, healthy, and ideal for busy days.
13. Pine Nut General Tso Chicken
Savor a nutty, flavorful twist with Pine Nut General Tso Chicken.
Crispy chicken is coated in classic sauce and topped with toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
The pine nuts add a delicate, buttery flavor that complements the sweet and savory sauce.
Perfect for a gourmet-style dinner with a unique twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- Optional: green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in eggs and cornstarch.
- Fry until golden and crispy.
- Sauté garlic and ginger in a skillet for 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, sugar, and red pepper flakes; simmer until thickened.
- Toss chicken in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and green onions before serving.
Pine Nut General Tso Chicken is crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet.
The pine nuts enhance the dish with a nutty, buttery flavor.
It’s perfect for a unique twist on the classic favorite.
Each bite delivers texture, bold flavor, and a satisfying crunch.
This recipe is simple, creative, and ideal for dinner gatherings.
Cashew General Tso Chicken
Indulge in a nutty delight with Cashew General Tso Chicken.
Crispy chicken is tossed in sweet and savory sauce and finished with crunchy roasted cashews.
The combination of tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and nuts adds depth and texture.
Perfect for a hearty dinner with a rich, nutty flavor profile that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup roasted cashews
- Optional: sliced green onions
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in eggs and cornstarch.
- Fry until golden and crispy.
- Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
- Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, sugar, and red pepper flakes; simmer until thickened.
- Toss chicken in the sauce and sprinkle with roasted cashews.
- Garnish with green onions and serve.
Cashew General Tso Chicken is crunchy, nutty, and savory.
The cashews provide an extra layer of texture and flavor.
It’s perfect for a hearty dinner with a unique twist.
Each bite delivers crispy chicken, bold sauce, and nutty richness.
This recipe is easy, flavorful, and ideal for family meals.
Sticky General Tso Chicken
Enjoy a rich, indulgent version with Sticky General Tso Chicken.
Chicken is fried until golden and tossed in a thick, sticky sauce that clings to every piece.
The sauce combines soy, sugar, vinegar, and garlic for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy.
Perfect for a comforting dinner that feels restaurant-quality in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in eggs and cornstarch.
- Fry chicken until golden and crispy.
- Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
- Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes; simmer until thickened.
- Toss chicken in the sticky sauce until coated.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Sticky General Tso Chicken is sweet, savory, and irresistibly sticky.
The sauce clings to every crispy piece of chicken for maximum flavor.
It’s perfect for a comforting, restaurant-style dinner at home.
Each bite delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
This recipe is simple, indulgent, and ideal for weeknight or special meals.