If you’ve been craving takeout but want something lighter for your family, General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner is your answer. This version delivers all the bold, sweet, and savory flavors you love, but with wholesome tweaks and simple ingredients. The chicken turns out perfectly golden, the sauce is glossy and irresistible, and everything comes together in just about 35 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. Whether you’re trying to eat a bit cleaner or just searching for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this dish checks every box!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here is thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor, a beautiful balance of textures, and that signature General Tso’s magic. Nothing fancy or hard to find—just honest pantry basics and fresh aromatics that really shine.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs are juicy, lean, and soak up all that glorious sauce.
- Cornstarch (for chicken): Gives the chicken a light, crisp coating without deep-frying.
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy way to get that golden sear on your chicken.
- Sesame oil: Adds irresistible nutty undertones that set this dish apart.
- Garlic: Brings sharp, punchy aromatics that form the backbone of the sauce.
- Fresh ginger: Lends zing and warmth for a truly authentic flavor.
- Green onions: Use both the whites and greens for crunch, color, and a mild onion bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A dash brings gentle heat—add more if you like it spicy!
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami-rich foundation of the sauce without overdoing the sodium.
- Rice vinegar: Gives just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness.
- Hoisin sauce: Delivers sweet, savory depth and a touch of richness.
- Honey or maple syrup: Naturally sweetens and balances the sauce—use your favorite.
- Tomato paste: Adds body, color, and subtle brightness.
- Water: Keeps the sauce at that perfect pourable consistency.
- Cornstarch (for sauce slurry): Thickens the sauce so it hugs every bite of chicken.
- Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice: The perfect bed for soaking up every drop of sauce.
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas: Adds crunch, color, and makes this a truly complete meal.
How to Make General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces in cornstarch. This simple step is the secret to that light, crisp exterior you crave, and it helps the chicken brown beautifully in the pan—no deep fryer required. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for the best texture.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, so you don’t crowd the pan, and cook until it’s golden and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes in total. This method keeps the chicken juicy inside and perfectly browned outside. Once done, set the chicken aside.
Step 3: Build the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the garlic, ginger, the white parts of your green onions, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is fragrant—this is where that signature General Tso’s aroma starts to fill your kitchen!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey (or maple syrup), tomato paste, water, and a little cornstarch to make your sauce slurry. Pour it into the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until it starts to thicken and turn glossy—about 2 to 3 minutes. The scent alone will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated in that luscious sauce. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes more, just to heat everything through and let the flavors meld. You’re almost there—just try not to sneak a bite before serving!
How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions and a few sesame seeds on top add a fresh pop of color and a little crunch. If you like, toss on some extra red pepper flakes for a spicier finish, or even a sprinkle of toasted cashews for extra texture.
Side Dishes
This dish absolutely shines when served over fluffy brown rice or a bed of cauliflower rice. For veggies, steamed broccoli or snap peas are classic choices—they soak up the sauce and bring a lovely brightness to your plate. You can even do a quick stir-fry of mixed vegetables if you’re feeling adventurous.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your family or guests, try serving General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner in shallow bowls with a colorful swirl of sauce. For a more playful twist, pile the chicken into lettuce cups or use it as a filling for healthy Asian-inspired wraps. It’s also fantastic on a platter as part of an Asian-themed dinner night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic meal-prep option for busy families.
Freezing
General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner freezes surprisingly well! Let the dish cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce together, but keep the rice and veggies separate for easy reheating.
Reheating
For the tastiest leftovers, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep everything moist and delicious. Just add fresh garnishes before serving and it’ll taste like new!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful, so feel free to use them if that’s your preference. Both options work beautifully in General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin on hand, try a mix of extra soy sauce, a little peanut butter, and a dash of honey. While the flavor won’t be identical, it still delivers a tasty, sticky-sweet sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a grain-free option, and you’re good to go.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner is perfect for meal prep. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them together in the fridge. Simply reheat and add fresh garnishes right before serving.
How spicy is this version?
This recipe is mild by default, with just a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your family’s spice preference, or omit them entirely for a kid-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing, General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner hits the sweet spot. It’s fast, flavorful, and customizable for every palate. Give it a try this week—you might just find it becomes a new family favorite!
Print
General Tso’s Chicken | A Healthy Family Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This healthy General Tso’s Chicken recipe offers a flavorful, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals. Made with tender chicken pieces coated in a lightly sweet and tangy sauce, served over brown rice or cauliflower rice with steamed vegetables, it’s a balanced, nutritious dish with a delicious Asian-inspired flair.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Cooking Oils and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for sauce slurry)
To Serve
- Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1/4 cup cornstarch until they are evenly coated to ensure a crispy texture once cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, cooking until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions along with the crushed red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey (or maple syrup), tomato paste, water, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch until smooth. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan with the aromatics.
- Thicken the Sauce: Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes, to develop a shiny and flavorful coating.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat each piece thoroughly with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice and accompany it with steamed broccoli or snap peas. Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions for fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- You can use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a grain-free option.
- Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup and red pepper flakes to suit your preference for sweetness and heat.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for a quick and convenient meal during busy weeknights.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
