General Tso’s chicken has been my go-to Chinese take-out order for as long as I can remember. Though I generally like to embrace variety and try new things, this is a definite exception. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of my General Tso’s chicken. A few years ago I was pretty psyched to discover a homemade version of this take-out favorite, and that recipe quickly became a favorite around here. As I mentioned recently, we don’t repeat recipes often, but every single time I find myself with extra chicken on hand, that’s the recipe I immediately want to make. Although I’m sure it’s about 100 times healthier than the take-out version, there’s still quite a bit of sugar in that recipe, so in reality, we don’t have it all that often.
I couldn’t help myself when recently I stumbled upon this new variation on General Tso’s chicken. It had to go on our menu for the next week. This recipe is similar to our old favorite in that the chicken is cut into small cubes, dredged and cooked in a bit of oil on the stove top, but where our old recipe used just cornstarch, this one combines cornstarch and egg whites. I thought the addition of the egg whites made for a slightly thicker crust on the chicken. There is some brown sugar in the sauce here, but less than the other variation, and this one doesn’t have ketchup or hoisin sauce either, which also helps to reduce the total amount of sugar in the dish.
Ok, so probably healthier – check. But would we like it? The recipe had received rave reviews on Martha Stewart’s site, so I had high hopes, and fortunately, I wasn’t let down. The chicken had a nice crust, and the sauce was really flavorful. I would probably suggest doubling the sauce if you want extra to drizzle over your rice, but otherwise, I wouldn’t change a thing. I liked the addition of the snow peas – I’m pretty sure it’s the first time I’ve ever made them at home, but it won’t be the last. Shane, on the other hand, was freaked out by the snow peas so this dish was at a psychological disadvantage for him from the start. That said, he still devoured the generous serving on his plate (minus any peas), and when I asked if he’d want it again, he said yes. I love that we now have two homemade variations on General Tso’s chicken at our disposal – who needs take-out? ๐
Lighter General Tso’s Chicken
barely adapted from Martha Stewart
1/4 cup cornstarch, divided
1/2 cup cold water
4 garlic cloves, sliced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 lb snow peas, trimmed and halved crosswise
2 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
In a large bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch and the cold water together until smooth. Add the garlic, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes and whisk to combine. Stir in the peas and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg whites, remaining 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the chicken pieces, and toss to coat.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil, and once shimmering, add half of the chicken from the egg white mixture (be sure to shake the excess off). Cook the chicken until golden on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. Add the remaining oil to the pan and repeat with the other half of the chicken.
Reduce the heat under the pan then add the snow pea mixture to the now empty skillet. Cover the pan and cook until the peas are tender and the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add the chicken (and any juices on the plate) back to the skillet. Toss to coat with the sauce and, if necessary, finish cooking the chicken through. Serve the chicken on a bed of rice, if desired.
My husband recently started dieting…so we will BOTH love this dinner!!
Haha he was freaked out by the peas? I wouldn’t never thought a simple pea pod would freak someone out, but guess I’m wrong! My go-to Chinese takeout has always been sesame chicken, but general tso’s is a close second.
Looks marvelous!
So delicious looking! One of my favorite (and Jason’s) takeout entrees! Looks lovely, Tracey!
This has been on my list to make, too! I’m happy to hear that it’s good. I like how simple the ingredient list is, especially for Chinese food.
I love lightened up Chinese take out recipes to make at home. This sounds amazing!
Love me some healthy Chinese food!
This looks delicious! I love making Chinese at home, but I struggle to find good sauce recipes. This is my first comment, but I’ve already read myself through all your posts! I absolutely love your blog. I’m actually abroad right now so I can’t cook or bake like I normally do, but I’ve got a bunch of your recipes saved and ready for when I get home!
Oh, I love this recipe! And I usually have all these ingredients on hand too…plus, um, let’s talk about my love affair with General Tso’s chicken. Haha.
Just added some of these ingredients to my shopping list in hopes I’ll make this! It looks REAL good, and I love that it’s a bit lighter (and lower sugar) then the take out kind!
Ooh…sounds great. I’m all for healthier and it doesn’t sound like it gives up taste either so that’s awesome. You can pass Shane’s veggies to me. (to me there is no such thing as too many vegetables).
I’ve never tried General Tso’s Chicken, but this looks really delicious!
AND this can be made Gluten-Free, too!!! Win win!! I know what I’ll be making using the extra chicken HERE! (Shoot, maybe I’ll buy extra on purpose!) Heap Big Thanks! -Chris
I would be happy to take double peas in my serving! This sounds really good, and it’s great that it doesn’t have the guilt-factor of the takeout.
You post the yummiest food!
๐
ButterYum
I’ve heard that people can become quite addicted to general tso’s chicken and how it’s everyone’s go to take out dish, but I’ve never had it before. But then I saw you mention there’s sugar in the recipe and I was immediately hooked. This looks like an awesome recipe!
Such a decadent treat when I get take out. Looks like it’s worth a try, for sure.
General Tso’s is my go to for Chinese food, but I hate how bad it is for you. This looks like a wonderful version!
That looks so good! I love recipes that trick my husband into eating healthier ๐
I may not comment on here often, but I do check every post you put up. call me a secret admirer. I have to say thank you for quality posts – every time. Everything you make I would happily taste test myself, this General Tso’s being no exception.
Made this tonight!! It was delicious!!!
I don’t think I ever had that dish but now I am curious and bookmarked it. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Tracey,
I was looking to see if you had a pineapple chicken post on your blog and you don’t but then this recipe popped up! So, I’m making it tonight for dinner, AFTER I run to the market. Thanks.
Jackie
Galexi Cupcakes
I’m making this for dinner tonight. Thanks for sharing!
I made this for dinner tonight. I’ve had this recipe bookmarked for a really long time and my fiance is obsessed with General Tso’s Chicken. This was so delicious!!