Name: General Tso's Chicken with Crispy Onion Rings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 bag frozen onion rings; 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs; 1/2 cup corn starch; 1/4 cup olive or avocado oil; To garnish: sesame seeds (chives); 5 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; ¼ cup white or brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup water; 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Easy homemade General Tso’s chicken with a sweet and salty sauce and crispy onion rings. Skip the takeout and have dinner on the table in 40 minutes.

If you love General Tso’s chicken as takeout, you have got to try this at home version. It’s saucy, delicious, and has a little added something thanks to a secret ingredient. #ad

I love takeout. It’s easy. It’s delicious.

But also, it’s expensive. And with food prices where they’re at right now, I’ll all for saving money on things I can make at home.

Enter: this incredibly delicious General Tso’s chicken. It has a simple sweet and salty sauce, made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sugar.

The result is the juiciest, sauciest General Tso’s Chicken.

BUT this recipe also has a secret ingredient that you typically won’t find in takeout: crispy onion rings.

Trust me when I tell you, the onion rings take this dish to the next level. They add a perfect touch of savory flavor and the best crispy texture.

I used frozen Alexia® Crispy Onion Rings. They’re so easy to make – just put them in the oven and they’re ready to go.

Between their onion rings, French fries, and more, some sort of Alexia® product is guaranteed to always be in my freezer. They’re an ideal freezer staple to add to meals. I highly recommend doing the same! Having go-to freezer staples is a such a time saver when cooking.

Pair this dish over some fluffy rice (use frozen or minute rice to make cooking even faster) and add some sauteed broccoli.

You get a final dish that’s full of nutrients, packed with flavor, and totally satisfying.

Oh, and if you feel at all inclined to skip the sugar in the sauce, please don’t ☺ It adds a touch of necessary sweetness. Plus, a little added sugar won’t make or break your health.

Food is meant to be enjoyed. And I don’t know about you, but I’ll take saucy, flavorful General Tso’s Chicken over plain grilled chicken any day.

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

If you love ordering General Tso’s chicken from your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant, this homemade version is about to become a new favorite. It has everything you love about the classic dish, plus a delicious twist that makes it even better.

It’s packed with flavor. The homemade General Tso’s sauce is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy. Made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a little sugar, it coats every bite of juicy chicken with so much flavor.

The crispy onion rings take it to the next level. Instead of traditional battered chicken alone, this recipe adds crispy onion rings for an unexpected crunch. They bring extra texture and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty sauce.

It’s surprisingly easy to make. This homemade General Tso’s chicken comes together in just 40 minutes. Using frozen onion rings saves time and makes it a realistic option for a weeknight dinner.

It’s a satisfying, protein-packed meal. Chicken thighs provide plenty of protein, while serving the dish over rice with a side of broccoli adds carbohydrates, fiber, and additional nutrients. It’s a delicious reminder that a balanced meal can absolutely include your favorite comfort foods.

Plus, making your favorite takeout dishes at home is a great way to save money without sacrificing flavor!

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

Bake the onion rings

Preheat the oven to 400 F to make this General Tso’s Chicken recipe. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add the onion rings to the baking sheet, spreading them out in an even layer.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, per package directions.

Prepare the sauce

While the onion rings are baking, prepare the sauce.

Add all ingredients to large bowl and whisk well until combined. Set aside.

Cook the chicken & add sauce

Trim any excess fat off the chicken and cut into 1-inch pieces. Toss the chicken in the 1/2 cup of corn starch. Add olive olive oil to a large saucepan over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook until cooked through, stirring occasionally.

Add the sauce to the saucepan with the chicken and mix to combine. Add in the onion rings. Stir gently for a few minutes, until everything is coated well with sauce and the sauce has thickened.

Garnish & serve

Garnish General Tso’s Chicken with sesame seeds and chives and serve.

If You Love This General Tso’s Chicken, Try These

Chinese Restaurant Style Beef and Broccoli
Crispy Orange Tofu
Spicy Peanut Noodles
Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and tender when cooked. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer.
Frozen onion rings: The secret ingredient! These frozen onion rings add the perfect crispy texture and savory flavor without any extra prep work.
Cornstarch: Helps give the chicken a crispy coating and thickens the sauce so it sticks to every bite.
Olive or avocado oil: Used to cook the chicken until golden brown.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds that classic salty, savory flavor to the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Provides a little acidity to balance the sweetness.
Hoisin sauce: Adds richness and a slightly sweet, savory flavor.
Sugar: White or brown sugar both work to give General Tso’s sauce its signature sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds extra flavor.
Water: Helps create the right consistency for the sauce.
Sesame seeds and chives: Optional garnishes for a little extra flavor and color.

General Tso’s Chicken Tips & Variations

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed. Giving each piece enough space helps it brown instead of steam.
Make it spicy: Traditional General Tso’s chicken often has some heat. Add red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or sriracha to the sauce if you like things spicy.
Swap the protein: Chicken breasts work well in place of thighs. You can also try this recipe with firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Keep the onion rings crispy: Add them toward the very end of cooking and gently toss with the sauce. The longer they sit in the sauce, the softer they’ll become.
Add vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas are delicious additions. Serve them on the side or mix them into the chicken.
Use a shortcut for the rice: Frozen rice or microwaveable rice makes this an even easier weeknight dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! You can air fry the cornstarch-coated chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet. Lightly spray the chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F for about 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and your air fryer. Prepare the sauce separately in a saucepan, then toss everything together before serving.

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. The onion rings will soften as they sit in the sauce, so if you’re planning ahead, consider storing them separately and reheating them in the oven or air fryer to help maintain their crispiness.

Absolutely! To save time, you can cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and whisk together the sauce ingredients up to a day in advance. Store both separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, cook the chicken, bake the onion rings, and combine everything with the sauce. This is a great way to get dinner on the table even faster on busy weeknights.

Course: Dinner