Are you craving a delicious, homemade version of the classic Chinese takeout dish, General Tso Chicken? Look no further! This Easy Baked General Tso Chicken recipe is not only a breeze to prepare but also offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you can impress your family and friends with a dish that's healthier than its fried counterpart, yet just as satisfying. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners and discover the secret to achieving that crispy texture without the guilt!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast and cornstarch. Toss the chicken until it is evenly coated with the cornstarch. This will help create a crispy texture once baked.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well combined. This will be your sauce for the chicken.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Spread the coated chicken pieces evenly on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Drizzle half of the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat the pieces well. Reserve the remaining sauce for later.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the reserved sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and color. Serve the Easy Baked General Tso Chicken over steamed rice or with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight. This will enhance the flavor even more!
- Crispy Coating: Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crispy texture when baked.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When placing the chicken on the baking sheet, ensure there’s space between each piece. Crowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, which affects the crispiness.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha!
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the green onions! They add a fresh crunch and vibrant color that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Serve with Style: Pair your Easy Baked General Tso Chicken with fluffy steamed rice or your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
