If you’ve ever craved that irresistibly tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor of General Tso’s chicken but wanted a healthier, fuss-free twist, then this Baked General Tso Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It’s packed with tender chicken bites and fresh broccoli, all coated in a perfectly balanced sauce that clings lovingly to every piece. The best part? Baking instead of frying means less mess, less oil, and still all the amazing flavors you adore. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a comforting homemade meal that shines.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that are easy to find and play essential roles in creating that mouthwatering texture and layered flavor. Every component is chosen to balance sweetness, tang, spice, and a satisfying bite.
- 3 pounds chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): Tender and lean, they soak up the sauce beautifully for juicy bites.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to complement the chicken.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Brings warmth and sweetness to balance the tang and spice.
- ½ cup rice vinegar: Provides that signature tangy kick typical of General Tso’s sauce.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Deepens flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Essential for savory umami notes that tie everything together.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Introduces a subtle spicy warmth to brighten the dish.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a little punch.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha: For a mild heat boost that livens every bite.
- ¼ cup cornstarch: Thickens the sauce beautifully without heaviness.
- Optional: ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For those who love an extra fiery edge.
How to Make Baked General Tso Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by heating your oven to 425ºF and lightly greasing a 9×13 baking dish, or one that’s a similar size. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and make sure your chicken and broccoli bake evenly for that perfect texture we’re after.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange
Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This size helps the chicken cook through quickly and lets the sauce coat each morsel just right. Toss the chicken pieces and broccoli florets into your greased baking dish, spreading them out evenly so everything cooks harmoniously.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, rice vinegar, tomato paste, soy sauce, ground ginger, minced garlic, sriracha, and cornstarch. If you like it a bit spicy, go ahead and add your red pepper flakes here. Whisk everything until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve into a smooth, glossy sauce that promises big flavor.
Step 4: Coat and Toss
Pour your dynamic sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish. Give everything a good toss to get each piece coated with the sauce. Making sure the sauce is evenly distributed will lock in moisture and create that glossy finish we all love in a great General Tso dish.
Step 5: Bake and Stir
Bake the saucy chicken and broccoli mixture for 15 minutes. Then, carefully toss everything in the dish; this helps stir the sauce on the edges and allows it to thicken and caramelize. Pop it back in the oven and bake for another 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF – perfectly cooked and super juicy.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
When the baking is done, pull it out and let it rest uncovered for about 5 minutes. This little rest time lets the sauce settle and the flavors intensify. Serve this Baked General Tso Chicken Recipe piping hot alongside fluffy rice for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Serve Baked General Tso Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving for an extra burst of color and subtle nuttiness. These little touches not only look beautiful but add delightful texture and flavor contrasts to the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a hearty base. If you want to add more greens, a simple cucumber salad or a lightly dressed Asian slaw complements the saucy richness perfectly without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Baked General Tso Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a lighter, crunchy bite. You can also toss it through cooked noodles for a saucy stir-fry style meal. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Baked General Tso Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for effortless next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the dish’s great flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or a bit more soy sauce can help loosen the sauce and bring the dish back to life with the same vibrant flavors as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use dark meat chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Dark meat like thighs would add extra juiciness and richness, but be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly. Just make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165ºF.
Is it spicy?
This Baked General Tso Chicken Recipe has a mild heat level thanks to sriracha, but it’s easy to adjust the spice with more or less sriracha and optional red pepper flakes, so you can tailor it to your taste.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, swap regular soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters while maintaining that savory umami flavor.
What’s the best way to serve this dish if I’m having guests?
Serve it family-style in the baking dish to keep things casual and cozy. Provide rice and garnishes on the side so guests can customize their plates, making the experience both interactive and delicious.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn would all be great additions. Just add them along with the broccoli so they bake evenly with the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Baked General Tso Chicken Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic favorite in a simpler, healthier format without compromising on flavor or texture. It’s a reliable weeknight winner that feels special every time you serve it. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your family’s rotation—trust me, it’s going to become a beloved staple in no time!
Print
Baked General Tso Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Baked General Tso Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic takeout favorite by baking tender chicken breasts with broccoli in a flavorful, tangy sauce made from brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and spices. The dish is cooked entirely in the oven, requiring minimal hands-on time and resulting in a deliciously saucy, comforting meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 pounds chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Optional: ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar size dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken and Broccoli: Cut the chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces for even cooking. Place the chicken pieces along with the broccoli florets into the prepared baking dish, distributing evenly.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, rice vinegar, tomato paste, soy sauce, ground ginger, minced garlic, sriracha, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until both the brown sugar and cornstarch are well dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Coat the Chicken and Broccoli: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish. Toss everything gently so that the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated with the sauce, ensuring good coverage throughout.
- Bake and Toss: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the dish and toss the contents thoroughly to redistribute the sauce, especially scraping up any sauce along the edges of the dish. Return to the oven.
- Finish Cooking: Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC), and the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest uncovered for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld. Serve warm, ideally alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the amount of sriracha or red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size to guarantee even baking.
- Feel free to substitute broccoli with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can prepare an additional cornstarch slurry to stir in after baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
