Ground General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving bold flavor and fast comfort, Ground General Tso’s Chicken is about to become your new go-to meal. This dish takes everything you love about the classic sweet, spicy, and tangy restaurant favorite—but transforms it into a fuss-free skillet dinner using ground chicken for rich flavor and ultimate ease. The sauce clings to every bite, pairing juicy poultry with crisp water chestnuts and plenty of zingy aromatics. Whether you want a speedy weeknight supper or a crowd-pleasing dish for friends, Ground General Tso’s Chicken delivers major wow with minimal effort!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Ground General Tso’s Chicken lies in its refreshingly short ingredient list—each item brings something special, from fiery fragrance to an irresistible glaze. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Ground chicken: Lighter than traditional chunks, it soaks up all the sauce, giving you big flavor in every bite.
• Canned water chestnuts: These add an addictive crunch and mild sweetness that contrast beautifully with the sticky, bold sauce.
• Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that ensures everything sizzles and browns without overpowering the other flavors.
• Minced ginger: Nothing beats the zing and warmth fresh ginger brings—skip the powdered stuff for best results!
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a half teaspoon delivers that signature touch of heat we all love in Ground General Tso’s Chicken.
• Minced garlic: Two cloves are just enough to deepen the flavor and keep every bite interesting.
• Rice vinegar: Its gentle tang balances out the sugar and makes everything pop.
• Soy sauce: Choose a good-quality soy sauce for deep, savory umami.
• Hoisin sauce: Adds dimension and a hint of sweet earthiness—this is your secret weapon!
• Water: Helps loosen the sauce and ensures the perfect consistency.
• Sugar: Three tablespoons tame the vinegar and pepper, giving the sauce its classic addictive sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Just a spoonful transforms the sauce into that glossy, cling-to-your-chopsticks finish.

How to Make Ground General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Brown the Chicken and Water Chestnuts

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and diced water chestnuts. Let them sizzle undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a golden, slightly crisp crust—this layer of flavor sets the stage for amazing texture. Once browned, break up the chicken using your spatula and cook for another 2–3 minutes until no pink remains and everything is perfectly cooked.

Step 2: Stir in Aromatics

Time to infuse the chicken with heaps of flavor! Sprinkle in the minced ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir quickly—these only need about 10 seconds to release their fragrance and lightly toast without burning. The aromas at this stage will have everyone in your house peeking into the kitchen!

Step 3: Whisk the General Tso’s Sauce

While the chicken cooks, grab a small bowl and add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk until everything is smoothly combined with no cornstarch lumps. This glossy sauce is the flavor powerhouse that gives Ground General Tso’s Chicken its trademark sweet-and-tangy punch.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Pour the sauce into your pan and raise the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. Watch as it thickens in just a matter of seconds, turning sticky and syrupy. Toss, stir, and coat every bit of chicken and water chestnut so the sauce hugs each piece. As soon as it’s glossy and thick, you’re ready to eat!

How to Serve Ground General Tso’s Chicken

Garnishes

To really make this dish shine, finish it off with generous garnishes. Sliced green onions add color and a pop of freshness, while toasted sesame seeds provide nutty contrast. For extra visual appeal, sprinkle on thinly sliced chilies or a touch more red pepper if you like things spicy! A handful of chopped cilantro is a lively, herby twist.

Side Dishes

Ground General Tso’s Chicken is fantastic over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or soft white rice, allowing all that sauce to soak in beautifully. For a lighter touch, try spooning it onto cauliflower rice or tossing it with crisp stir-fried vegetables. Steamed broccoli, snappy snow peas, or even shredded cabbage make superb veggie companions!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, turn this dish into party bites by scooping it into lettuce wraps or halved mini bell peppers. Or, make a hearty rice bowl with a base of grains and toppings like pickled carrots and crushed peanuts for extra crunch. For quick weeknight wraps, stuff the saucy ground chicken mixture into soft tortillas or bao buns with plenty of fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground General Tso’s Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making your next meal even more delicious. Store any rice, garnishes, or sides separately for best texture.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the chicken mixture completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It stays fresh in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready for a fast dinner, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Ground General Tso’s Chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Add fresh garnishes right before serving for that just-made touch!

FAQs

Can I use another protein besides ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground pork, or even crumbled tofu all work nicely and soak up the savory sauce. Use whatever fits your diet or what you have on hand—just keep an eye on cook times for the best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

Ground General Tso’s Chicken has a gentle warmth from red pepper flakes, but it’s not overpowering. For a milder dish, reduce the pepper or omit it; for extra heat, increase the amount or add sliced fresh chilies to the garnish.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simple swaps make this dish gluten-free: use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free. Cornstarch and the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

What vegetables can I add to the pan?

Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, or even spinach during the last two minutes of cooking. These additions stretch the recipe further and bring delightful color, crunch, and nutrients.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Ground General Tso’s Chicken scales up effortlessly for meal prep or hosting. Use a large skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken still browns beautifully, then add more sauce accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—every reason to make Ground General Tso’s Chicken your next kitchen triumph! This recipe is speedy, vibrant, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice or scoop it into lettuce wraps, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to capture that restaurant flavor at home. Give it a try and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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