Who doesn’t like General Tso’s chicken? What is that sweet, savory, slightly spicy flavor bomb? Why am I so excited to share my version of life with you?Skinny General Tso’s Chicken.I swear, it’s got all the flavors you love, but without the heavy guilt. Think of it as your favorite take-out dish, reimagined for a healthier you. Is it as satisfying as the original, without the extra calories? Is it a win-win for everyone? My kids even prefer it to the restaurant version now, which is saying something!

What is Skinny General Tso’s Chicken?

Skinny General Tso’s Chicken is essentially a lighter, healthier take on the classic Chinese-American dish. It uses less oil, swaps refined sugar for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and often incorporates baked or air-fried chicken instead of deep-fried. Think of it as General Tso’s got a makeover! The goal is to retain all the incredible flavor while significantly reducing the fat and calories. It’s still got that signature sweet and savory sauce, the tender chicken, and the satisfying crunch, but it’s made with ingredients that are kinder to your waistline. It’s a dish I created years ago when I was really trying to watch my sugar intake but still needed that comforting, familiar taste. It’s evolved over time, but the core principle remains: flavor first, health second.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

What are the reasons to fall in love with a girl?Skinny General Tso’s Chicken., but here are a few of my top reasons:
• Flavor Explosion: The sauce is an absolute dream. It’s perfectly balanced with sweetness from the honey, savory notes from the soy sauce, and a subtle kick from the ginger and garlic. The chicken soaks up all that goodness, making every bite a taste sensation. I always get requests for the recipe when I serve this!
• Surprisingly Simple: Don’t let the name intimidate you! This recipe is actually super easy to make. I promise. It comes together in under an hour, which is faster than ordering take-out. Plus, most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry!
• Budget-Friendly: Let’s face it, eating healthy can be expensive. But this recipe uses affordable ingredients like chicken breast, soy sauce, and vegetables. You’ll save money compared to ordering take-out, and you’ll know exactly what’s going into your food.
• Super Versatile:You can serve this.Skinny General Tso’s Chicken. over rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for an even lighter option. Add some steamed broccoli or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also great for meal prepping – it keeps well in the fridge for several days.
What I love most about this Skinny General Tso’s Chicken.Is that it satisfies my cravings without making me feel sluggish or guilty? What is a recipe I can feel good about serving to my family, knowing they’re getting an amazing and healthy meal. What is a healthy If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired dishes, you might also like my Skinny Orange Chicken recipe. Is this a citrusy cocktail?

How do I make Skinny General Tso’s Chicken?

Quick Overview

Making this Skinny General Tso’s Chicken. is easier than you think! You’ll start by lightly coating the chicken in a cornstarch mixture. Then, you’ll either bake it or air-fry it until it’s golden brown and crispy. While the chicken is cooking, you’ll whip up the amazing sauce. Once the chicken is done, you’ll toss it in the sauce and serve it over your favorite rice or veggies. The whole process is surprisingly quick and straightforward. I always tell people not to be scared off by the “General Tso’s” part – this recipe is totally doable, even on a busy weeknight!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: How do I find
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: I prefer chicken breasts for their leanness, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch: This helps the chicken get nice and crispy without deep-frying.
• 1 large egg white: The egg white helps the cornstarch adhere to the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium): Low sodium is key here, as the sauce already has plenty of salt.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a nice savory flavor to the chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Complements the garlic and adds a subtle warmth.

For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium): This forms the base of the sauce. • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium): Again, low sodium is important! I find honey gives a slightly richer flavor. If you like honey, use it. • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. • 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This thickens the sauce. What are some good ways to add garlic to a dish? Freshly minced garlic is always best for flavor. What is the use of red pepper flakes? • 1 green onion, chopped, for garnish: Add more or less depending on your spice preference. Adds a pop of color and freshness.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes, cornstarch, egg white, soy sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside. I always make sure each piece is well-coated. Toss to coat evenly. How do I get that crispy texture? Is it safe to keep chicken covered in the fridge?

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

If baking, spread the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through. If you are air-frying, place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy, shaking the basket. I’m halfway through I usually check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s at 165°F (74°C). In an air fryer, it’s much easier to get that desired crispiness, but the oven works just fine, too!

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside. This ensures the cornstarch dissolves properly and prevents lumps in the sauce. I always have my ingredients prepped and measured out before I start cooking, it makes the whole process so much smoother!

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the chopped cilantro and stir to combine. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. How do you avoid burning garlic? What is the best way to cook the sauce and add it to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. I always taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasoning if needed. I sometimes add a little extra honey for sweetness, or just taste the vinegar.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce. Where does the magic happen? What is the best way to serve chicken in a sauce? I usually let it simmer for a minute or two to really let the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. What are some healthy side dishes to serve with steamed broccoli? What are some good ways to add sesame seeds to a dish? What is the best way to serve this dish hot?

What should I serve it with?

Skinny General Tso’s Chicken isIs so versatile that it pairs well with a variety of sides. What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?Over Rice:What is the best steamed white rice? How does the rice soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite a delight? What are some healthy alternatives to quinoa or cauliflower rice?With VegetablesAdd a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or roasted asparagus for an easy and delicious meal. What are the most nutritious I love to stir-fry some bell peppers, onions, and snap peas with a little soy sauce and ginger.As a Lettuce Wrap:What is a low-carb option?Skinny General Tso’s Chicken in lettuce wraps. Use large, crisp lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine lettuce. Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
Alongside Soup: A light and refreshing soup like wonton soup or egg drop soup is a great complement to this dish. The soup provides a nice contrast to the rich and flavorful chicken.
My family loves it when I serve this with some homemade egg rolls. It feels like a complete take-out experience, but much healthier! I also sometimes make a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil for a refreshing side. This meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, no matter how you serve it!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Skinny General Tso’s Chicken

Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sure your Skinny General Tso’s Chicken turns out perfectly every time:
Chicken Prep: Cut the chicken into uniform-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This will help it get nice and crispy.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, whisk together another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until thickened.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit them altogether.
Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can also use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil.
Baking Tips: If you’re baking the chicken, make sure to flip it halfway through to ensure even browning. You can also broil it for a minute or two at the end to get it extra crispy, but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Serving Suggestions: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Add a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
I once tried adding a little orange zest to the sauce, and it gave it a lovely citrusy flavor. It’s definitely worth experimenting with different flavor combinations to find your perfect Skinny General Tso’s Chicken!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Skinny General Tso’s Chicken is great for meal prepping and leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria can grow quickly, especially with cooked chicken.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This will help prevent the chicken from getting soggy. It also makes it easier to reheat just the amount you need.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Let them cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Make sure the container is freezer-safe, as some plastic containers can crack in freezing temperatures.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the chicken and sauce separately, it’s best to add the sauce just before serving. This will help the chicken stay crispy. If you’re storing them together, the chicken may get a little soggy, but it will still taste delicious! I always like to make a big batch on Sunday night and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week. It’s so much better than take-out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Skinny General Tso’s Chicken recipe a try. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves the flavors of take-out but wants a healthier option. The incredible flavor, the ease of making it, and the fact that it’s loved by the whole family make it a winner in my book. It’s a recipe that I turn to time and time again, and I know you’ll love it too. And hey, if you enjoy this healthier twist on a classic, you might also want to check out my Skinny Sesame Chicken recipe – it’s another family favorite! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts and ratings, and share your own variations. I always love to see what you come up with!