Quick & Healthy General Tso's Chicken Stir-Fry
Satisfy your cravings for Chinese takeout with this Quick & Healthy General Tso's Chicken Stir-Fry! This simple yet delicious recipe offers all the flavor of traditional General Tso's chicken without the deep frying. Featuring tender chicken breast, vibrant stir-fry vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious meal in a hurry. Serve it over fluffy rice for a complete dinner that the whole family will love, all while keeping it lower in fat and calories.
4
Servings
170
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (Cubed)
Frozen stir fry vegetables
1 (16 ounce) bag (Or any combination of fresh peppers, onions, broccoli, etc. - diced)
General Tso's stir-fry sauce
1 (15 ounce) bottle (Preferably the 'Iron Chef' brand)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking)
Cooked rice
As needed (For serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by cubing the boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3
Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once the chicken is cooked, add the frozen stir-fry vegetables (or your choice of fresh vegetables) to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
5
Pour the General Tso's stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine and let simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
6
Serve the General Tso's chicken stir-fry over a bed of warm cooked rice and enjoy your homemade Chinese meal!
Nutrition Information
3.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
14.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick & Healthy General Tso's Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is a simplified, healthier version of the traditional Chinese dish that uses stir-frying instead of deep-frying to reduce fat and calories.
Is the chicken in this recipe deep-fried?
No, the chicken is browned in a skillet with a small amount of olive oil, making it much lower in fat than traditional versions.
How many calories are in a serving of this stir-fry?
There are 170 calories per serving, excluding the rice.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains only 3.5g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 14.25g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, a 16-ounce bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables is recommended for convenience.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead?
Absolutely; you can use a fresh mix of peppers, onions, and broccoli diced into pieces.
What specific sauce brand is recommended?
The recipe suggests using the 'Iron Chef' brand of General Tso's stir-fry sauce.
What kind of oil is best for this stir-fry?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
How should I prepare the chicken?
The chicken should be cubed into small, bite-sized pieces before cooking.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be stirred occasionally and cooked for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
When do I add the vegetables to the skillet?
Add the vegetables once the chicken is fully cooked and browned.
How long should the vegetables cook?
Stir-fry the vegetables for an additional 3-5 minutes until they reach a crisp-tender consistency.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
Once the sauce is added, let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is well-coated and heated through.
What should I serve with General Tso's Chicken?
It is traditionally served over a bed of warm, fluffy cooked rice.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick meal that can be prepared in a hurry.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it is categorized as a low-fat meal with only 3.5g of fat per serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute thighs, though it may slightly increase the fat content of the dish.
What grain can I use instead of rice?
You can serve this over quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
How do I know when the vegetables are 'crisp-tender'?
Vegetables are crisp-tender when they are heated through and slightly softened but still retain a bit of a crunch.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it offers a familiar takeout flavor that is generally liked by both adults and children.
Can I make this dish spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or extra chili sauce to the skillet if you prefer a spicier General Tso's.
How much sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce bottle of General Tso's stir-fry sauce.
Is this dish dairy-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is dairy-free.
Can I meal prep this stir-fry?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated for lunches during the week.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 5 main ingredients: chicken, vegetables, sauce, olive oil, and rice.
Is this recipe faster than ordering takeout?
In most cases, yes, as the active cooking time is less than 20 minutes.