Healthy General Tso's Chicken Delight
Indulge in a healthier twist on the classic General Tso's Chicken without sacrificing flavor! This Easy General Tso's Chicken recipe features tender pieces of chicken breast coated in a savory and slightly spicy sauce. Our version uses Splenda and cooking spray to reduce fat and calories, making it a guilt-free option for your weeknight dinners. Perfectly paired with fluffy rice, this dish allows you to enjoy your favorite Chinese takeout flavors at home - but with far less grease! Adjust the heat level by altering the ginger, garlic, scallions, and red pepper flakes to suit your palate. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this wholesome, quick-to-prepare meal that is sure to become a household favorite!
N/A
Servings
260
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken broth
3/4 cup (canned)
Splenda sugar substitute
2 tablespoons (or regular sugar)
Soy sauce
3 tablespoons
White wine vinegar
1 tablespoon
Fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (grated)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons
Pam cooking spray
as needed (or vegetable oil)
Scallions
4 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons (adjust to preference)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 medium (uncooked, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Rice
2 servings (prepared)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, Splenda (or sugar), soy sauce, white wine vinegar, and grated ginger until well combined. Set aside.
2
Just before adding the sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the mixture to create a smooth slurry.
3
In a wok or non-stick skillet, generously spray with Pam cooking spray or drizzle with vegetable oil to coat the bottom. Heat over medium-high heat.
4
Add the chopped scallions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the scallions begin to soften.
5
Introduce the cubed chicken breasts to the pan, ensuring that they are evenly spread out. Allow them to brown for about 5-8 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the chicken is nearly cooked through. You can add additional cooking spray or oil as necessary for browning.
6
Once the chicken is browned, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the pan. Stir to combine, and then turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
7
As soon as it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. The sauce will thicken as it cooks due to the cornstarch. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8
Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness (approximately 2-3 minutes), remove from heat.
9
Serve the chicken over prepared rice, garnishing with additional scallions if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
28g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Healthy General Tso's Chicken Delight?
It is a healthier, less greasy version of the classic Chinese takeout dish featuring chicken breast in a savory and spicy sauce.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it uses lean chicken breast, Splenda, and cooking spray to reduce calories and fat compared to traditional versions.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 260 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 5g of fat per serving.
How much protein does it provide?
It provides a high protein content of 28g per serving.
Can I use regular sugar instead of Splenda?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 tablespoons of Splenda with regular sugar if you prefer.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes.
How do I thicken the General Tso's sauce?
The sauce is thickened by stirring 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into the broth mixture before heating.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
You can adjust the heat level by changing the amount of ginger, garlic, scallions, and red pepper flakes.
How long should I brown the chicken?
The chicken should be browned for about 5 to 8 minutes until it is nearly cooked through.
What aromatics are used in this recipe?
The dish uses fresh ginger, minced garlic, and chopped scallions for its signature flavor.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
What type of vinegar is used for the tangy flavor?
One tablespoon of white wine vinegar is used to provide the necessary tanginess.
Do I have to use cooking spray?
You can use Pam cooking spray to keep it low-fat, or a drizzle of vegetable oil if you prefer.
What is the carbohydrate count for this meal?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
When do I add the cornstarch to the sauce?
Stir in the cornstarch just before you add the sauce mixture to the pan with the chicken.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
This recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
Should I use fresh or ground ginger?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger.
What is the best side dish for this chicken?
It is traditionally served over fluffy prepared rice.
How many scallions should I chop?
You should use 4 chopped scallions for the recipe.
How do I prepare the base sauce?
Whisk together chicken broth, sweetener, soy sauce, white wine vinegar, and grated ginger.
How much red pepper flakes should I add?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes, though this can be adjusted to your preference.
How long does the sauce take to simmer?
Once the sauce reaches a boil, reduce heat and simmer for approximately 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is a quick-to-prepare meal that allows you to enjoy takeout flavors at home with less effort.
Can I use a non-stick skillet?
Yes, you can use either a wok or a non-stick skillet to prepare this dish.
What should I do if the chicken is sticking to the pan?
You can add additional cooking spray or a small amount of oil as necessary during the browning process.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat and serve over rice, optionally garnishing with extra scallions.
Is this recipe high in sodium?
While it contains soy sauce and broth, using low-sodium versions of these ingredients can help manage sodium levels.
What type of chicken broth is recommended?
The ingredients list calls for 3/4 cup of canned chicken broth.
What makes this version guilt-free?
It is guilt-free because it uses healthier substitutions like Splenda and cooking spray to reduce the grease found in traditional takeout.