Baked General Tso’s Chicken (52 Minutes)

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This baked General Tso’s chicken is a healthier twist on the classic Chinese takeout favorite. This dish features chunks of chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, baked to perfection rather than fried, offering a delicious yet lighter alternative.

The chicken is tender and flavorful, with the sauce providing the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of heat. Garnished with scallions, this dish is not only tasteful but a treat for the eyes, making it a great option for a family dinner or when craving Chinese cuisine at home.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 42 minutes
  • Total Time: 52 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten

For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • A handful of Tien Tsin chile peppers (optional)

For Garnish:

  • Scallions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken (10 minutes): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat them in cornstarch. Dip the coated chicken into the beaten egg.
  2. Bake Chicken (25 minutes): Arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and starts to brown.
  3. Prepare Sauce (10 minutes): While the chicken is baking, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and Tien Tsin chile peppers (if using) in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce (5 minutes): Remove the chicken from the oven and toss it with the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  5. Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Transfer the General Tso’s chicken to a serving dish and garnish with chopped scallions.

Notes

For a crispy exterior, ensure the chicken is well coated with cornstarch and egg before baking. The sauce should be thick and cling to the chicken for maximum flavor.

Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. This baked version of General Tso’s chicken offers a delicious and healthier alternative to the fried version, without compromising on taste.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Spring Rolls

Start by grabbing some spring roll wrappers; you'll find them at most Asian grocery stores. For the filling, combine finely shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced green onions, minced garlic, a splash of soy sauce, and some cooked minced chicken or shrimp, if you fancy. Lay out a wrapper, place a tablespoon of filling near the bottom corner, fold the sides in and roll up. Seal the edge with a bit of water or egg wash. Now, heat some oil in a deep-fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Once hot, gently slide in the rolls, a few at a time, frying until golden and crispy, which is usually about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels, serve with sweet chili or soy sauce, and enjoy the crunch!

Asian Garlic Broccoli

Start by grabbing a bunch of fresh broccoli. Break it down into bite-sized florets. Now, in a small bowl, whisk together about 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce (or hoisin if vegetarian), a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar, and, of course, minced garlic (2-3 cloves or more if you're a garlic lover). In a skillet or wok, heat a touch of oil over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli and stir-fry for a few minutes till it gets vibrant and somewhat tender. Pour in the sauce and let it all mingle until the broccoli is coated and the sauce gets a bit sticky. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes for some kick if desired.

Miso Ginger Salad

Start by preparing a mix of your favorite salad greens; think romaine, iceberg lettuce, or baby greens. Toss in sliced radishes, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumbers for that refreshing crunch. For the dressing, whisk together white miso paste, freshly grated ginger, a dash of soy sauce, a bit of rice vinegar, and some sesame oil. If you like a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or agave nectar will do the trick. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with a little water if needed. Drizzle this punchy dressing over your greens and give it a good toss. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if desired.

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