Pioneer Woman General Tso Chicken is a crispy, sweet-and-savory stir-fry featuring golden fried chicken thighs coated in a bold garlic-ginger soy sauce. It’s the ultimate homemade takeout fix—no delivery required.
This dish brings the perfect balance of crunchy texture and sticky-sweet heat, and it’s easier than you think. With simple pantry staples and under 90 minutes, you’ll have a family favorite that beats any restaurant version.
Why You’ll Love This General Tso Chicken Recipe
- Crispy outside, tender inside
Cornstarch-coated chicken stays crisp under a sticky, flavorful glaze. - Bold, balanced flavors
A sweet-savory sauce with hints of garlic, ginger, soy, and a customizable heat level. - Skip the takeout
Easy to make at home with ingredients you likely already have. - Ready in just over an hour
Feels like a weekend dish, but it’s doable even on a weeknight.
General Tso Chicken Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup extra light olive oil (plus more if needed, for frying)
Sauce:
- ½ cup cold water
- 5 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1½ tbsp hoisin sauce
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1½ tbsp cornstarch
Aromatics & Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for serving)
How to Make Pioneer Woman General Tso Chicken
- Toss and serve: Return the chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
- Prep the chicken: Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off excess.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and 1½ tbsp cornstarch. Set aside.
- Fry the chicken: Heat ¼ cup oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per batch). Remove to a plate and keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics: Discard all but 1 tbsp oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust with extra soy sauce or vinegar if needed.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Use chicken thighs for juicy, flavorful meat that holds up to frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches to keep the chicken crispy.
- Taste the sauce before adding the chicken—adjust soy, vinegar, or sugar as you prefer.
- Toss just before serving to preserve that perfect crispy coating.
Recipe Variations
- Air Fryer General Tso: Skip frying and air-fry chicken at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Tofu or Cauliflower Tso: Sub firm tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian option.
- Extra Spicy Version: Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the glaze.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange juice and zest for a brighter, tangier sauce.
- Sesame Lover’s Style: Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
Storage Instructions
- In the Fridge: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze cooked, cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat General Tso Chicken
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 5–8 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water.
- Air Fryer: Crisp at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works, but it may be slightly drier and cooks faster. - Can I make General Tso Chicken without soy sauce?
Yes, sub with tamari or coconut aminos for a soy-free version with similar flavor. - How do I keep it crispy?
Toss the chicken in sauce just before serving. Avoid letting it sit too long in the glaze. - What’s the difference between General Tso and Orange Chicken?
General Tso is darker, spicier, and more savory, while Orange Chicken is sweeter and citrus-based. - Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes—fry the chicken and refrigerate separately from the sauce. Reheat and toss before serving.
More Pioneer Woman Recipe:
Nutrition Fact:
- Calories: 386
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat 0.1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 111 mg
- Sodium: 502mg
- Potassium: 290mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Iron: 1mg
Pioneer Woman General Tso Chicken
Description
Crispy fried chicken thighs tossed in a sweet-savory garlic-ginger glaze—this homemade General Tso Chicken is better than takeout and ready in just over an hour.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
Instructions
- Toss chicken with cornstarch. Shake off excess.
- Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
- Heat oil in skillet. Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through.
- Drain all but 1 tbsp oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Add sauce to skillet and simmer 1–2 minutes until thick.
- Return chicken to pan. Toss to coat in sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Fry in batches for max crispiness.
Taste the sauce before adding chicken.
Toss just before serving for best texture.
Pioneer Woman General Tso Chicken
