In this guide, we’ll walk you through a quick, easy, and mouthwatering sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe that combines crispy chicken with the flavorful, spicy, and savory sauce General Tso’s is known for. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties, this sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a sheet pan chicken recipe or a fast, delicious General Tso’s chicken recipe, this simple version is for you. You’ll also learn about the differences between General Tso’s chicken and other popular Chinese chicken dishes like sesame chicken.
Looking for more sheet pan ideas? Check out our BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe for another delicious option. Let’s get started on creating this delicious sheet pan meal that will become your new go-to recipe!
What Makes Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken So Special?
When it comes to quick, easy, and delicious meals, sheet pan recipes have taken the culinary world by storm. But what makes sheet pan General Tso’s chicken stand out among the rest? It combines the best of both worlds—crispy, tender chicken coated in a flavorful sauce, all made on a single sheet pan with minimal prep time.
Why Choose a Sheet Pan Method for General Tso’s Chicken?
One of the primary reasons why people love sheet pan General Tso’s chicken is the simplicity of the cooking method. By using just one pan, you save time on cleanup, which is especially important on busy weeknights. You won’t have to worry about using multiple pots and pans. Plus, the sheet pan method allows the chicken to bake evenly, ensuring that each piece gets a crispy, golden exterior without deep frying.
The Benefits of Cooking General Tso’s Chicken on One Pan
Beyond convenience, sheet pan cooking also promotes even cooking. The heat from the oven circulates evenly around the chicken, ensuring that every piece comes out crispy and juicy. Not only does this method save you time, but it also saves you from having to babysit the frying process. Just set the chicken on the pan, toss it in your flavorful General Tso’s sauce, and let the oven work its magic.
By using General Tso’s chicken on a sheet pan, you also have the flexibility to toss in additional vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, for a complete meal that requires little to no extra effort.
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Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is a quick and easy meal that combines crispy chicken with a savory and spicy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe is made in one pan with minimal cleanup, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust for heat)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch and flour. Dip the chicken in the beaten eggs, then place the chicken on a lined sheet pan.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the baked chicken and toss with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the General Tso’s chicken to serving plates and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, you can place the chicken on a wire rack while baking. This allows the chicken to become crispier on all sides. Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili flakes based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients for Your Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
To make a successful sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe, you need the right balance of ingredients that create crispy chicken and a flavorful sauce. Luckily, most of the ingredients for sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe are readily available in your pantry or at your nearby grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Ingredients for the Crispy Chicken Coating
The secret to getting that crispy crust on the chicken lies in the breading. For sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe, you’ll require:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for General Tso’s chicken because they’re juicy and tender, but boneless breasts will work too if preferred.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that gives the chicken its crispy texture when baked.
- Flour: A simple mixture of flour and cornstarch helps the breading stick to the chicken and creates that golden, crispy coating.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the breading to the chicken pieces and give it a light, crispy texture when baked.
How to Make the Perfect General Tso’s Sauce
The star of the dish is the General Tso’s sauce. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. You’ll need:
- Soy Sauce: The savory foundation of the sauce, delivering a deep umami taste.
- Hoisin Sauce: This thick, sweet sauce adds a depth of flavor that complements the soy sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides the tang that balances the sweetness and adds complexity to the sauce.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to counterbalance the vinegar and soy sauce, making the dish well-rounded.
- Garlic and Ginger: These fresh aromatics add a punch of flavor and fragrance to the sauce.
- Chili Flakes or Dried Red Chili: These are optional but will give the sauce its signature spicy kick.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty richness and depth to the overall flavor.
Optional Additions for a Personalized Twist
While the basic sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize it with additional ingredients:
- Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas are great additions that cook alongside the chicken and soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Sesame Seeds: For extra texture and garnish, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish.
- Green Onions: Garnish with fresh green onions to add a bit of crunch and color to your dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken
Now that you have all the ingredients for your sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe, it’s time to get cooking. This section will guide you step-by-step through the process to ensure your chicken turns out crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Preparing the Chicken and the Breading
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help the chicken become crispy when baked on the sheet pan.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into small, uniform chunks. Gently blot them with paper towels to remove any moisture, helping the coating to stick better.
- Make the breading: In a shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch and flour. In another bowl, whisk eggs until lightly beaten. Dredge each piece of chicken first in the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or tray and set it aside.
Making the General Tso’s Sauce
- Combine sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chopped garlic, and grated ginger. If you like it spicy, add chili flakes or a few dried red chilies.
- Simmer the sauce: Transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken.Once thickened, remove from the heat.
Assembling and Baking the Chicken
- Prepare the sheet pan: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Spread the breaded chicken pieces evenly on the pan, ensuring they don’t overlap to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the chicken: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure both sides become golden and crispy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Toss the chicken in sauce: Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven and drizzle the General Tso’s sauce over the chicken. Toss the chicken pieces to coat them in the sauce, making sure every piece is covered in that sweet, spicy goodness.
Tips for Achieving Crispy Chicken on a Sheet Pan
- Use a wire rack: To get even more crispy results, consider placing the chicken pieces on a wire rack set on top of the sheet pan. This helps air circulate around the chicken, resulting in a crispier texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan: Ensure there’s enough space between each piece of chicken. If they’re too close together, they won’t crisp up as effectively.
- Flip halfway: For even crispiness, flip the chicken halfway through the baking time.
What is General Tso’s Sauce Made Of?
No sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe would be complete without its signature sauce. The General Tso’s sauce is what makes sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe truly stand out, delivering that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. This sauce is what brings the chicken to life and adds a rich layer of flavor that’s irresistible.
Key Ingredients That Create the Sauce’s Signature Flavor
The sauce for General Tso’s chicken is filled with bold, savory flavors that come to life. Here’s what you’ll need to craft the perfect sauce:
- Soy Sauce: A staple in Asian cuisine, soy sauce is essential for the salty, umami base of the sauce. It imparts a rich, savory depth to the sauce and perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Hoisin Sauce: This thick, rich sauce brings a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish. It’s frequently used in Chinese cooking to enhance sauces with additional depth and complexity.
- Rice Vinegar: A little rice vinegar adds tang and acidity, which balances the richness of the other ingredients and brightens the overall flavor.
- Sugar: To counter the tang of the vinegar, sugar is added to the sauce, giving it the characteristic sweetness that General Tso’s chicken is known for.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly chopped garlic and ginger bring bold, aromatic flavors to the sauce, making it fragrant and flavorful.
- Chili Flakes or Dried Red Chili: For heat, chili flakes or dried red chili are key to giving General Tso’s sauce its signature spicy kick.
- Sesame Oil: A dash of sesame oil adds a nutty richness to the sauce, rounding out the flavors and giving it an authentic, deep flavor profile.
How to Adjust the Sauce for Different Tastes
One of the best things about making General Tso’s sauce at home is that you can adjust it to your personal taste. Here are a few ways you can modify the sauce:
- For a sweeter sauce: Add more sugar or hoisin sauce to achieve that signature sweetness.
- For a spicier sauce: Increase the chili flakes or add fresh diced chili to the sauce for more heat.
- For a milder sauce: Reduce the amount of vinegar and chili flakes to create a more mellow flavor, ideal for those who prefer less heat.
Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken vs. Sesame Chicken: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever been to a Chinese restaurant or made a sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe, you’ve likely encountered sesame chicken as well. Both dishes feature crispy chicken and a savory sauce, but there are key differences between them. In this section, we’ll compare General Tso’s chicken with sesame chicken to help you understand the distinctions and which dish might be your favorite
Key Differences in the Sauce
The key difference between sheet pan General Tso’s chicken and sesame chicken is the sauce. While both are sweet, General Tso’s sauce adds a spicy, tangy kick with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. In contrast, sesame chicken has a milder, sweeter sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil, offering a more delicate, nutty flavor.
Texture and Flavor Differences
The texture of the chicken in both dishes is another point of differentiation. In sheet pan General Tso’s chicken, the chicken is coated in a crispy breading that soaks up the sauce, giving it an extra crunchy bite. The sheet pan method makes the chicken crisp all over, with each piece having a satisfying crunch.
On the other hand, sesame chicken is usually coated with a slightly thicker, but less crispy, batter. While still crunchy, the chicken in sesame chicken often has a more doughy texture compared to the ultra-crispy texture you get with sheet pan General Tso’s chicken.
Which Dish is Best for Your Taste Preferences?
In the end, choosing between sheet pan General Tso’s chicken or sesame chicken boils down to what you personally enjoy.
- If you love bold flavors, spicy heat, and a crispy texture, General Tso’s chicken is the perfect choice.
- If you’re in the mood for something sweeter and milder, with a smooth, savory sauce, sesame chicken will hit the spot.
Both dishes are delicious in their own right, and now that you understand the differences, you can make an informed decision the next time you’re craving Chinese food at home!
What Seasonings for General Tso’s Chicken?
The seasoning plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of sheet pan General Tso’s chicken. While the sauce adds most of the flavor, the right combination of spices and seasonings gives the chicken its unique taste and aroma. In this section, we’ll explore the essential seasonings and how they contribute to the overall flavor profile of this beloved dish.
Essential Spices for the Marinade and Sauce
To make the most flavorful sheet pan General Tso’s chicken, it’s important to use a blend of seasonings that balance the sauce’s flavors. Here are the key ingredients to include:
- Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a punch of savory flavor that is essential to General Tso’s chicken. Minced garlic can be added both to the marinade and the sauce to bring out its aromatic qualities.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and a slight peppery flavor, creating a nice contrast with the sweetness of the sauce. It’s an essential ingredient in General Tso’s chicken, adding to the dish’s rich complexity.
- Soy Sauce: Though not a spice, soy sauce plays an essential role as a seasoning, adding generous amounts to both the marinade and sauce. It heightens the umami flavors and brings a deep, savory richness to the dish.
- Five-Spice Powder: This is an optional seasoning, but it can elevate the flavor profile of General Tso’s chicken. Five-spice powder is made of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns, giving the dish an aromatic, slightly sweet, and peppery note.
How to Adjust Seasonings for Spice Tolerance
If you enjoy a spicy kick in your sheet pan General Tso’s chicken, feel free to adjust the quantity of chili flakes or fresh chilies in the sauce.
Here’s how you can modify the spice level:
- For a gentler flavor: Cut back on the chili flakes or skip them altogether. You can also add a bit of sweet chili sauce to introduce sweetness without the spice.
- For extra heat: If you enjoy spicy food, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a few fresh diced chilies to the sauce. You can also use Sriracha or chili paste for an extra kick.
Experimenting with Seasonings for a Custom Flavor Profile
One of the great things about making General Tso’s chicken at home is that you can customize the seasonings to suit your tastes. Here are some ways you can experiment:
- Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the sugar or hoisin sauce in the sauce.
- Herbal notes: Adding cilantro or mint as a garnish after baking can provide a fresh, herbal contrast to the richness of the sauce and chicken.
- Tanginess: To give your General Tso’s chicken more tang, add a bit of lemon zest or a dash of rice vinegar for a brighter, more refreshing finish.
By adjusting the seasonings to your liking, you can create a sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe that’s perfectly suited to your preferences!
How to Make the Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor
If you want to make your sheet pan General Tso’s chicken healthier, there are a few simple swaps you can make:
- Add more vegetables: For a nutritious boost, add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the sheet pan. Not only will they absorb the savory sauce, but they’ll also add extra fiber and vitamins.
- Bake instead of fry: The sheet pan method already helps reduce oil, but you can also use olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil to make the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Use less sugar: Instead of adding the full amount of sugar in the sauce, you can cut back to reduce calories. The hoisin sauce already contributes sweetness, so you can adjust the sugar to your taste.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes for Your Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken
Now that you’ve perfected your sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe, it’s time to think about what to serve with it. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its bold flavors and crispy texture. Here are some delicious and easy serving suggestions to complete your meal.
What to Serve with General Tso’s Chicken
To create a well-rounded meal, consider serving your General Tso’s chicken with these sides:
- Steamed Rice: A classic option, steamed white rice is a perfect match for General Tso’s chicken. The soft rice absorbs the savory sauce, offering a mild contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Fried Rice: For an added flavor kick, pair your sheet pan General Tso’s chicken with fried rice. You can personalize it by adding veggies, egg, and a dash of soy sauce to complement the dish.
- Vegetables: Adding steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas brings freshness and crunch, which perfectly balances the crispy texture of the chicken.
- Asian Noodles: Serve your General Tso’s chicken alongside lo mein or rice noodles. These light yet flavorful noodles will absorb the sauce, making every bite even more delightful.
How to Create a Balanced Meal
When crafting your meal, aim for a balance of protein, carbs, and veggies. Here’s how to do it:
- Protein: The chicken in sheet pan General Tso’s chicken offers a solid protein source, so additional protein isn’t necessary. For a vegetarian twist, tofu serves as a perfect alternative.
- Carbs: Rice, noodles, or even quinoa make great carb options. Choose the one that fits your dietary preferences for a satisfying meal.
- Vegetables: Be sure to include a serving of vegetables to boost your meal with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 3. Pair your chicken with crisp vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to create a healthy and satisfying dish.
FAQs
What is the breading on General Tso’s chicken?
The coating on General Tso’s chicken is usually a blend of cornstarch and flour. This combo ensures the chicken turns out crispy and golden when baked or fried.
What is General Tso’s sauce made of?
General Tso’s sauce is a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. It strikes a perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
What sets General Tso’s apart from sesame chicken?
The key difference is in the sauce: General Tso’s sauce is tangier, spicier, and more savory, while sesame chicken features a sweeter, milder sauce, often highlighted by honey and sesame oil.
What seasonings for General Tso’s chicken?
The key seasonings for General Tso’s chicken are ginger, garlic, soy sauce, chili flakes, and a hint of sugar to balance the flavors. Feel free to get creative by adding other spices like five-spice powder or onion powder to enhance the depth of the sheet pan General Tso’s chicken dish.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to make a delicious sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe, it’s time to get cooking! This easy recipe will bring bold flavors to your table with minimal prep and cleanup. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this sheet pan General Tso’s chicken recipe is sure to impress. Be sure to experiment with the tips provided and find your perfect version of General Tso’s chicken.This simple sheet pan recipe is the perfect way to enjoy crispy, flavorful General Tso’s chicken in no time.
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