Ever found yourself craving that crispy sticky, sweet chicken dish from your favorite Chinese restaurant but couldn’t remember what it’s called? You’re not alone! I’ve been there too many times desperately trying to describe “you know, that sweet chicken thing” to confused delivery people.
Let’s solve this mystery once and for all The most popular sweet Chinese chicken dish that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of people worldwide is actually called General Tso’s Chicken.
The Origin Story: Who Was General Tso Anyway?
General Tso’s chicken might sound like it has an ancient pedigree, but its story is more complex than you might think.
General Tso (or Tso Tsung-tang) was actually a real person – a military leader who lived in China during the late 19th century. But here’s where it gets interesting: this famous general probably never tasted the chicken dish named after him!
The dish’s origins are somewhat disputed:
- Some food historians believe a Taiwanese chef created the dish in the 1950s and named it after the general
- Others suggest Chinese restaurants in New York during the 1970s adopted the name
- It likely evolved from traditional Hunan province cooking but was modified to suit American tastes
Whatever the true origin, General Tso’s chicken has become THE iconic sweet Chinese chicken dish in America and beyond.
What Makes General Tso’s Chicken So Irresistible?
The magic of General Tso’s chicken lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures:
- The Chicken: Typically made with boneless, juicy chicken thighs that stay tender even if slightly overcooked
- The Coating: Unlike some Chinese dishes that use a thick batter, General Tso’s chicken is usually coated in cornstarch/cornflour for a lighter crispy exterior
- The Sauce: The glorious, sticky sauce combines sweet, savory, tangy and spicy elements
The Secret Sauce: What’s Actually In It?
The signature sauce is what makes General Tso’s chicken so addictive. While recipes vary, the classic components include:
- Soy sauce (provides the savory umami base)
- Rice vinegar (adds that distinctive tang)
- Brown sugar or honey (for sweetness)
- Hoisin sauce (the secret ingredient that adds depth)
- Chili paste or dried chili flakes (for that mild kick)
- Garlic and ginger (for aromatic goodness)
- Sesame oil (for a nutty finish)
Some versions also include orange juice or zest, which leads to some confusion with another popular sweet Chinese chicken dish…
General Tso’s vs. Orange Chicken: What’s The Difference?
People often mix up General Tso’s chicken with orange chicken, and I totally get why! They look similar and both hit that sweet-savory-crispy spot we crave. But there are some differences:
| General Tso’s Chicken | Orange Chicken |
|---|---|
| Darker sauce with a reddish-brown hue | Brighter orange-colored sauce |
| Spicier with chili component | Usually milder with minimal spice |
| Complex savory-sweet flavor profile | More pronounced citrus flavor |
| Often garnished with dried chilies | Typically garnished with orange zest |
Interestingly, in different countries, these dishes go by different names:
- In the UK, similar dishes might be called “tangy chicken” or “sweet chili chicken”
- In Australia, it’s sometimes called “Chinese orange chicken”
- In Japan, it’s known as “Orenji Chikin” (orange chicken)
Other Sweet Chinese Chicken Contenders
While General Tso’s chicken might be the most famous sweet Chinese chicken dish, there are other contenders you might be thinking of:
Sweet and Sour Chicken
This is probably the second most popular sweet Chinese chicken dish. It features:
- Battered and fried chicken pieces
- A vibrant red-orange sweet and sour sauce
- Often includes bell peppers, pineapple, and onions
The main difference? General Tso’s sauce has more ginger flavor and a spicy kick that sweet and sour chicken typically lacks.
Honey Chicken
Another possibility is Chinese honey chicken (咕嚕雞), which is:
- Battered chicken pieces deep-fried until crispy
- Coated in a honey-based sauce that’s sweeter than General Tso’s
- Usually less spicy and more purely sweet
Empress Chicken
A lesser-known variety that sometimes causes confusion:
- Features a sweeter, less tangy sauce than General Tso’s
- Often uses white meat chicken rather than dark meat
- Typically milder in flavor overall
Making Your Own General Tso’s Chicken At Home
I’ve tried making General Tso’s chicken at home many times, and it’s actually not as complicated as you might think! Here’s my quick breakdown of the process:
- Marinate the chicken – Use a bit of soy sauce, garlic and ginger
- Coat in cornstarch – This creates that light, crispy exterior
- Fry until golden – You can shallow fry rather than deep fry
- Make the sauce – Sauté aromatics, then add your sauce ingredients
- Toss together – The quicker you serve it, the crispier it stays!
The key is balancing the sauce ingredients. Too much sugar makes it cloying, too much vinegar makes it sour, and too much chili makes it overpowering.
Healthier Alternatives
Let’s be honest – traditional General Tso’s chicken isn’t exactly health food! But you can make some tweaks for a healthier version:
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs (though thighs stay juicier)
- Bake or air-fry instead of deep frying
- Reduce the sugar in the sauce
- Add lots of veggies like broccoli, carrots or snap peas
- Serve over brown rice instead of white rice
I tried a baked version last month and while it wasn’t identical to takeout, it still satisfied my craving with way less guilt!
Why We Can’t Get Enough
There’s something about General Tso’s chicken that keeps us coming back for more. Maybe it’s the perfect balance of flavors – that combination of sweet, savory, tangy and spicy hits all our taste receptors at once. Or perhaps it’s the contrasting textures – crispy exterior, juicy interior, and that sticky sauce.
Whatever the reason, General Tso’s chicken has established itself as an American-Chinese classic. It represents the beautiful fusion that happens when culinary traditions meet and adapt to new audiences.
Regional Variations
As this dish traveled across America, different regions put their own spin on it:
- Northern regions often use a sweet bean sauce glaze
- Southern versions typically feature a tangy blend of light and dark soy sauce with sugar and vinegar
- Some areas add honey, fruit juices or even coconut cream for sweetness
This adaptability is part of what makes General Tso’s chicken so universally loved – it can be tweaked to suit local tastes while still maintaining its essential character.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – that delicious sweet Chinese chicken you’ve been craving is most likely General Tso’s chicken! Next time you’re ordering takeout, you can confidently ask for it by name.
Or better yet, try making it at home! There are plenty of recipes online, and you might be surprised at how easy it is to recreate this takeout favorite in your own kitchen.
P.S. If you’re looking for more Chinese food inspiration, check out our other posts about authentic Chinese recipes you can make at home!
Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Sugar – granulated white sugar creates the sweet flavor
- Vinegar – rice vinegar or white vinegar creates the sour flavor
- Soy sauce – a splash adds some complexity
- Garlic – freshly minced adds the best flavor, but garlic powder will work in a pinch
- Ketchup – to add flavor while creating a red color naturally
- Cornstarch – to thicken the sauce so it develops the desired stickiness
There are my top-5 tips to get the best results on this recipe:
- Make a thick enough batter – It should have the consistency of pancake batter in order to stick to the chicken pieces. Adjust the flour or water slightly as needed.
- Marinate the chicken – Letting the chicken marinate in the batter for 15 minutes to an hour will work wonders and produce extra-tender chicken. You can prepare the rest of the ingredients during this time.
- Fry the chicken in batches – If you dump is all in at once, the chicken will be soggy and stuck together. I recommend frying up to a dozen pieces of chicken at once for 3 to 5 minutes until crispy.
- Keep your oil HOT – Did you know the oil temperature drops when you add the chicken? It’s important to use a thermometer or deep fryer to keep the oil temp at 350˚F / 180˚C for crispy chicken.
- Remove fried chicken to a wire rack – The air circulation from the rack will help keep it crispy.
For serving ideas, this dish goes well with steamed rice and fried rice. To make it into a more substantial meal, you can pair with other dishes like Honey Garlic Shrimp, Mongolian Beef or Singapore Chow Mei Fun and more!
If you have leftovers, remember to consume within 3 to 4 days at the most.
Chicken Breasts: If you prefer not to use chicken thighs, you can absolutely use chicken breasts. They’re easier to work with in some ways, but can become chewy if overcooked. I recommend marinating the chicken breasts meat in the batter and monitoring carefully during deep-frying to avoid overdoing it.
Baked Variation: If you want fewer calories, you can always use the oven instead of the deep fryer. The results will be less crispy but still delicious. Preheat the oven to 350˚F / 180˚C and set the oven rack to the upper middle position. Line a baking sheet with parchment and fit with a large wire rack. Batter the chicken pieces and place on the rack. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden. Follow the the rest of the recipe as usual.
Stovetop Variation: If you don’t want to heat up the oven, why not cook the chicken on the stovetop? Using a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, fry the battered chicken pieces until tender and brown. This will take 3 to 4 minutes and you should use tongs to turn the pieces at least once. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure even browning.
Spicy Variation: If you want to add some fiery heat to this dish, simply add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic to the stir fry.
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FAQ
What is sweet and sour chicken Cantonese style?
Sweet and Sour Chicken represents the adaptability and innovation of Chinese cuisine, showcasing how traditional flavors can be enjoyed globally while maintaining their cultural roots. In conclusion, Sweet and Sour Chicken Cantonese style stands out as a masterpiece of Chinese culinary artistry.
Is orange chicken a traditional dish in China?
No, Orange Chicken is not considered an authentic or traditional dish in China. While the concept of stir-fried chicken with sweet and savory sauces exists in Chinese cuisine, the specific combination of flavors and ingredients found in Orange Chicken is largely a creation of Chinese-American chefs to cater to Western tastes.
What is sweet and sour chicken?
Chicken: Typically, boneless, skinless chicken breast is used for sweet and sour chicken. The chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces and coated in a light batter before being fried to perfection. Sweet and Sour Sauce: The sauce is the star of the dish, providing the perfect combination of sweetness and tanginess.
What are some variations of sweet and sour chicken?
However, some variations of the dish may include a touch of heat from ingredients like chili flakes or hot sauce. What are some common variations of sweet and sour chicken? Some common variations of sweet and sour chicken include adding vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and pineapple to the dish for added flavor and texture.
Is orange chicken a Chinese version of General Tso’s chicken?
Andrew Cherng, owner and founder of Panda Express, said that orange chicken is just a variation of General Tso’s chicken, another dish that is almost unknown in China. Journalist Jennifer 8. Lee says that both “General Tso’s chicken and Orange Chicken are Americanized mutations of sweet and sour dishes found in China.”
What does sweet and sour chicken symbolize?
Cultural Significance: Sweet and Sour Chicken holds a special place in Cantonese culture. It is often served during festive occasions such as Chinese New Year, weddings, and family gatherings. The dish symbolizes prosperity and happiness, reflecting the importance of unity and celebration in Chinese society.
Is General Tso’s chicken supposed to be sweet?
Yes, General Tso’s chicken is characterized by a sweet, sticky, and slightly savory sauce, often with a touch of spice from chili flakes, though the sweetness is a primary flavor component, especially in Chinese-American takeout versions. The sauce typically includes ingredients like sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger, creating a sticky consistency and a complex flavor profile that balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
What is the difference between General Tso’s and sweet and sour chicken?
Sweet and Sour Chicken has a bright, fruity flavor with a tangy, often tomato-based, sauce and includes ingredients like pineapple and bell peppers. In contrast, General Tso’s Chicken is more savory and complex, featuring a spicy, umami-rich sauce with dried chili peppers, garlic, and ginger that provides a savory flavor with a sweet and tangy kick. While Sweet and Sour chicken relies on vinegar for its tartness, General Tso’s sauce is often thicker and gets its heat from chilies and its savoriness from ingredients like soy and rice vinegar.
What is sweet and sour chicken at a Chinese restaurant?
Sweet and sour chicken is a popular dish, especially in American Chinese cuisine, featuring deep-fried, battered chicken pieces tossed in a vibrant sweet and tangy sauce, often with bell peppers, onions, and pineapple. The “sweet and sour” refers to the flavor profile of the sauce, which typically combines ingredients like vinegar, sugar, and ketchup to create a balanced, tangy-sweet taste.
Is Chinese sweet and sour chicken the same as orange chicken?
Orange Chicken is crispy and light due to its thin glaze. Meanwhile, Sweet and Sour Chicken is crispy with a thicker and more indulgent sauce. Their different textures make them both a delicious choice when you are craving Chinese food.