1 tray (10 oz) General Tso's Chicken contains 370 calories. This popular Chinese-American dish is known for its combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. If you're looking to satisfy your craving for General Tso's Chicken without leaving home, read on for some tips and tricks!

Beyond its delicious taste, General Tso's Chicken is also a good source of protein. A 10 oz serving provides 29 grams of protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. However, it's important to keep in mind that General Tso's Chicken is also high in sodium and sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about General Tso's Chicken, from its origin and history to popular variations and serving suggestions.

Ingredients

To make General Tso's Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Sesame seeds and sliced scallions, for garnish (optional)

Note: You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Preparation

To prepare General Tso's Chicken, follow these simple steps:

1. Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Discard any excess oil from the skillet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
5. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the sauce mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information for 1 tray (10 oz) of General Tso's Chicken:

• Calories: 370
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 1220mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 29g

Note: The nutritional information may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used to make the dish.

Serving Size

One tray of General Tso's Chicken typically serves 1-2 people, depending on appetite and any additional side dishes.

Side Dishes

General Tso's Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• Steamed rice
• Vegetable stir-fry
• Spring rolls
• Hot and sour soup
• Crab Rangoon

Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find what you like best! Just remember to keep portions in check to avoid overeating.

Spice Level

General Tso's Chicken is typically considered a medium-spicy dish thanks to the use of red pepper flakes. However, you can adjust the spice level to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes used.

Storage Instructions

Leftover General Tso's Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, transfer the chicken to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.

Popular Variations

While the traditional recipe for General Tso's Chicken calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, there are many variations of the dish you can try. Here are a few popular options:

• General Tso's Tofu: Use cubed tofu in place of chicken for a vegetarian version of the dish.
• General Tso's Shrimp: Swap out the chicken for peeled and deveined shrimp for an alternative seafood version of the dish.
• Baked General Tso's Chicken: Rather than frying the chicken, you can bake it in the oven for a healthier twist on the classic dish.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different proteins and cooking methods to make General Tso's Chicken your own!

Origin and History

General Tso's Chicken is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1970s, though its exact origins are somewhat murky. The dish is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a general from China's Qing dynasty, though there is no evidence to suggest that he had any connection to the dish. According to one popular story, a Chinese chef named Peng Chang-kuei created the dish in Taiwan in the 1950s and later brought it to New York City, where it became a hit among American customers. Whatever its origins, General Tso's Chicken has since become a staple on Chinese restaurant menus across the United States.

Alternatives

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional General Tso's Chicken, consider trying one of these options:

• Grilled or baked chicken with a homemade sauce made from low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness.
• Stir-fried chicken or tofu with a variety of colorful vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots.
• Shrimp or tofu stir-fried with cashews or peanuts for added texture and protein.

Try pairing your healthy version of General Tso's Chicken with a fiber-rich side dish, such as steamed vegetables or quinoa.