Welcome to a delightful culinary journey where the bold, savory flavors of General Tso Chicken meet the comforting embrace of chow mein! This General Tso Chicken Chow Mein recipe is not just another stir-fry; it’s a fusion of popular Chinese-American cuisine that brings the best of both worlds to your dinner table. Originating from Hunan province, General Tso’s chicken has become a beloved dish worldwide, known for its slightly sweet and spicy sauce. By combining it with chow mein, you create a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to master some essential wok cooking techniques! Each bite of this dish is a tantalizing experience, bringing together tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

• For the General Tso Chicken:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor compared to chicken breasts.
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch, which will help create that perfect crispy coating.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce, preferably low-sodium, to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, which adds acidity and balances the sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar, to provide a hint of sweetness that complements the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil, adding a nutty flavor that enhances the dish’s overall profile.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced, for that aromatic base that is essential in many Asian dishes.
  • 1 inch ginger, grated, which provides a warm, spicy undertone that pairs beautifully with chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying), ensuring a high smoke point is crucial for frying.
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste), allowing you to customize the heat level to your preference.
• For the Chow Mein:
  • 8 ounces chow mein noodles, which are typically boiled and then stir-fried to achieve the desired texture.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for stir-frying the vegetables and ensuring nothing sticks to the wok.
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced, adding color and sweetness to the dish.
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned, providing crunch and nutrition.
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, which not only add a vibrant green color but also great texture.
  • 2 green onions, sliced, used both in the cooking process and as a garnish for freshness.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce, to season the chow mein and tie all the flavors together.
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional), which enriches the umami flavor profile of the dish.
  • Salt and pepper to taste, rounding out the seasoning for a balanced flavor.

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the General Tso Chicken: Marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with all the fabulous flavors you want in your dish.
2. Coat the Chicken: After marination, drain excess liquid and toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until well-coated. This coating is what gives the chicken its signature crunch when fried.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Remove the chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine sugar, remaining soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking. This sauce is what brings your General Tso Chicken Chow Mein to life, coating all the ingredients beautifully.
5. Prepare the Chow Mein: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry sliced bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir-frying at high heat ensures the vegetables remain vibrant and crunchy.
6. Add Noodles: Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and add the noodles to the wok with vegetables. Toss them together gently to incorporate everything.
7. Combine Everything: Add the fried chicken and sauce to the wok, tossing everything together gently until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure every noodle is coated with the savory sauce for maximum flavor.
8. Garnish: Finish with sliced green onions and serve hot, enjoying the fragrant and savory aroma of your homemade dish! This final touch adds freshness and color, making your General Tso Chicken Chow Mein visually appealing.

Tips & Tricks

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. Always opt for seasonal produce for maximum freshness.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken a day ahead to save prep time on busy weeknights. This also allows the flavors to meld even more.
• Avoid Soggy Noodles: Make sure not to overcook the chow mein noodles; they should be al dente when you add them to the stir-fry. If they sit in water too long, they can become mushy.

Variations

For those looking to customize their meal, consider swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian option. You can also add other vegetables like snap peas or bok choy to enhance the dish further. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of chow mein. You can learn more about this topic.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your General Tso Chicken Chow Mein with steamed jasmine rice or alongside crispy spring rolls for a complete meal. Pair it with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a light Asian beer to complement the savory flavors. Check out our related guide for more tips. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also enhance the dish’s presentation and flavor.

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General Tso Chicken Chow Mein

Recipe by itachi sarah

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Chinese-American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

30 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

450 kcal

This General Tso Chicken Chow Mein recipe is a fusion of popular Chinese-American cuisine that brings the best of both worlds to your dinner table, combining bold, savory flavors with comforting chow mein.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup soy sauce, preferably low-sodium
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 8 ounces chow mein noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for seasoning chow mein)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1.

Marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger for at least 30 minutes.

2.

Drain excess liquid and toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until well-coated.

3.

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

4.

In a small bowl, combine sugar, remaining soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce.

5.

In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry sliced bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli until just tender, about 3-4 minutes.

6.

Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and add the noodles to the wok with vegetables.

7.

Add the fried chicken and sauce to the wok, tossing everything together gently until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

8.

Finish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 450 kcal