General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish, known for its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. While the traditional version calls for crispy chicken pieces coated in a thick sauce, this ground version brings the same delicious flavor in a quicker, simpler form. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with a flavorful homemade meal, Ground General Tso’s Chicken offers a savory twist on the classic. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple cooking process, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ground General Tso’s Chicken is a fantastic dish for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Unlike the traditional version that involves deep-frying chicken pieces, this recipe uses ground chicken for a much faster cooking process. It’s a one-pan meal that you can prepare in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with Flavor: The tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy General Tso’s sauce adds a rich depth to the ground chicken, making each bite satisfying and bursting with flavor.
- No Need for Frying: While many recipes for General Tso’s Chicken require deep frying, this version skips that step and opts for a healthier method of cooking the chicken in a pan.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and sweetness of the sauce to suit your preferences. It’s a flexible recipe that can easily be modified for different tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the recipe instructions, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. This dish uses simple pantry items along with a few fresh ingredients to bring everything together.
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 8 ounces canned water chestnuts, diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the General Tso’s Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Let’s Get Started
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this easy and delicious Ground General Tso’s Chicken.
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch is fully incorporated. Set the sauce mixture aside.Cook the Ground Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground chicken to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned (about 5-7 minutes). Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.Add Aromatics
Once the chicken is browned, add the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir to combine, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the ginger softens.Incorporate the Water Chestnuts
Add the diced water chestnuts to the pan and stir well to combine. The water chestnuts provide a delightful crunch and a subtle sweetness to the dish.Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared General Tso’s sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well coated in the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens and becomes glossy.Serve
Once the sauce has thickened and coated the chicken and vegetables, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the Ground General Tso’s Chicken immediately over steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Servings and Pairing
This recipe makes about 4 servings, making it perfect for a small family or a couple of guests. If you want to stretch it to feed more people, you can easily double the recipe.
Ground General Tso’s Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed white rice or jasmine rice for a traditional pairing. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added texture and flavor. For a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
Variations
One of the best things about this Ground General Tso’s Chicken recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes. Here are some variations you can try:
- Spicy Kick: If you love spicy food, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a bit of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground chicken for plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
- More Veggies: Add more vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, for a heartier meal with added nutrients.
Storage Tips
This dish can be made ahead and stored for later use. Here are some storage tips to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, pork, or even beef if you prefer. Ground chicken, however, offers a leaner option that works well with the sauce.
Is General Tso’s Chicken traditionally spicy?
Yes, General Tso’s Chicken typically has a bit of heat. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted in this recipe by controlling the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or other spicy ingredients.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the General Tso’s sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, simply stir it before adding to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you need a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and hoisin sauce. These substitutions will make the recipe suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts
Ground General Tso’s Chicken is a fantastic, easy-to-make dish that delivers big on flavor without the need for complicated cooking techniques. Whether you’re craving the sweet, spicy tang of a classic Chinese takeout dish or looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe fits the bill. With simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and endless customization options, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a homemade version of this beloved classic!
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Ground General Tso’s Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ground General Tso’s Chicken brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors into a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 8 ounces canned water chestnuts, diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the General Tso’s Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in diced water chestnuts and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the General Tso’s sauce and stir until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve over rice or vegetables and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
- For added crunch, try adding additional water chestnuts or other veggies like bell peppers.
- If you like extra sauce, double the amount of sauce ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes