Pan-Seared Chicken with General Tso’s Style Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs glazed in a tangy, slightly spicy General Tso’s inspired sauce that balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 30 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 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 dry 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs and cut into 1.5-inch pieces. Toss with 1/4 cup cornstarch until each piece is lightly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp chili flakes, and 1/3 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tsp water to make a slurry, then slowly whisk it into the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Style 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 Style 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 Style 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 Style 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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