Description

This Easy General Tso’s Chicken recipe features crispy, tender chicken thighs coated in a flavorful sauce made from natural ingredients. Enhanced with plant-based dairy and a natural gelling agent, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in under 30 minutes. Ideal for a versatile, family-friendly meal that suits various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
Vegetable oil for frying

Sauce

1/3 cup grape juice (natural)
2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
2 tbsp plant-based dairy

Garnish

2 scallions, chopped
Optional: toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced fresh chili peppers

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss evenly in cornstarch to coat thoroughly, ensuring a crisp exterior when fried.
Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk grape juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), soy sauce (natural), rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and natural gelling agent until smooth. Set aside.
Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crisp on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
Cook the sauce: Using the same pan, pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Stir constantly as the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
Combine and finish: Return fried chicken to the pan, tossing gently to coat each piece with sauce. Let the chicken absorb the flavors for one to two minutes. Stir in chopped scallions and plant-based dairy for a creamy finish.

Notes

Double dredge chicken in cornstarch for extra crunchiness.
Maintain consistent oil temperature to keep chicken crispy without burning.
Simmer sauce slowly to develop a smooth, glossy texture.
Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor.
Toss chicken gently in sauce to keep it crispy.
Adjust sweetness by varying grape juice quantity.
For spicy version, add red chili flakes or fresh chopped chili.
Vegetarian option: replace chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets.
For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce (natural) and ensure vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) is gluten-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: General Tso's Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Plant-based Dairy, Natural Ingredients, Gluten-Free, Quick Dinner