Pan-Seared Chicken with General Tso's Inspired Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken thighs glazed in a tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce reminiscent of General Tso's classic flavors. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs dry and cut into bite-sized chunks. Toss with 1/4 cup cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes total. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/3 cup chicken broth, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and slowly whisk into the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes more.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with General Tso's Inspired Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with General Tso's Inspired Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with General Tso's Inspired Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with General Tso's Inspired Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with General Tso's Inspired Sauce?

Chinese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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