Quick & Zesty General Tso’s Chicken
Transform your weeknight dinners with this Quick & Zesty General Tso’s Chicken recipe. In just 5 minutes, you can whip up a mouthwatering dish that's both faster and tastier than any takeout option. Utilizing frozen chicken tenders as a time-saving shortcut, this dish pairs crispy chicken with vibrant steamed broccoli, all coated in a luscious homemade sauce that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. Whether you’re cooking for two or four, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.
4
Servings
200
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen chicken tenders
1 pound (none)
broccoli
1 large crown (cut into 2-inch florets (about 8 ounces))
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
honey
3 tablespoons (none)
red chili pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
4 (finely chopped)
ginger
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
steamed white rice
as needed (for serving)
scallion
as needed (thinly sliced, for serving)
toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Spread the frozen chicken tenders evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes longer than the package instructions for an extra crispy texture, then reduce the heat to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C) to keep them warm until serving.
2
While the chicken is baking, fill a medium pot with 1 inch of water and place a steamer insert inside. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cover the pot and steam the broccoli until tender, about 8 minutes. Keep it warm once done.
3
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, red chili pepper flakes, and 3 tablespoons of water until smooth. Set aside.
4
In a small skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely chopped garlic and ginger, sautéing them for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5
Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly until it comes to a boil and thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and keep warm.
6
Once the chicken tenders are crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the steamed broccoli and the prepared sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken and broccoli in the sauce thoroughly.
7
Serve immediately over steamed white rice, garnished with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
25
Carbs
11.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick & Zesty General Tso’s Chicken?
It is a fast weeknight dinner featuring crispy chicken and steamed broccoli in a sweet, tangy, and spicy homemade sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it faster than many takeout options.
What is the main time-saving shortcut in this recipe?
The recipe utilizes frozen chicken tenders as a shortcut to skip the breading and frying process.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) to cook the chicken tenders.
How do I make the frozen chicken tenders extra crispy?
Bake the chicken for about 10 minutes longer than the package instructions suggest for an extra crispy texture.
How should I keep the chicken warm while finishing the sauce?
Once the chicken is crispy, reduce the oven heat to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C) to keep them warm without overcooking.
How is the broccoli prepared for this dish?
The broccoli should be cut into 2-inch florets and steamed in a pot with 1 inch of water for about 8 minutes.
What ingredients are needed for the General Tso’s sauce?
The sauce is made from cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, red chili pepper flakes, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
This recipe specifically calls for rice wine vinegar.
How much honey is required for the sauce?
You will need 3 tablespoons of honey to provide the signature sweetness of the sauce.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
What is the amount of ginger needed?
You need 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of finely chopped ginger.
What type of oil is used to sauté the aromatics?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of sesame oil for its distinct nutty flavor.
How long should I sauté the garlic and ginger?
Sauté them over medium heat for about 2 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
How do I thicken the General Tso's sauce?
Whisk cornstarch with the liquid ingredients and stir the mixture into the skillet over heat until it boils and thickens.
When should I combine the chicken and sauce?
Once the sauce is thickened and the chicken is crispy, transfer the chicken and broccoli to a bowl and toss with the sauce.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the chicken and broccoli immediately over steamed white rice.
What garnishes are used for this recipe?
Garnish the dish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 11.25 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a mild to moderate heat from 1/2 teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes.
How much broccoli is used?
Use 1 large crown of broccoli, which is approximately 8 ounces.
What is the function of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce a luscious, glossy consistency.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen tenders?
Yes, though you would need to bread and fry or bake them yourself, which will increase the prep time.
How much soy sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
What size should the broccoli florets be?
The broccoli should be cut into 2-inch florets.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, though it is best served immediately to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.