Sautéed Chicken with General Tso’s Style Sweet-Spicy Sauce

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

Juicy chicken pieces pan-seared and tossed in a balanced sweet and spicy sauce inspired by the classic General Tso flavor profile. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 25 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through with a crispy exterior.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp chili garlic sauce, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss well in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to marry flavors.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with General Tso’s Style Sweet-Spicy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Chicken with General Tso’s Style Sweet-Spicy 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 Sautéed Chicken with General Tso’s Style Sweet-Spicy 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 Sautéed Chicken with General Tso’s Style Sweet-Spicy 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 Sautéed Chicken with General Tso’s Style Sweet-Spicy 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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