Skinny General Tso's Chicken
Try this Skinny General Tso's Chicken recipe.
Try this Skinny General Tso's Chicken recipe.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup flour
- dash of pepper
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seed oil
- marinade/sauce
- 2 - 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1†pieces
- 1/2 cup japanese rice wine i use this one found in the asian section of any grocery store (may substitute dry sherry)
- 1-3 teaspoons /sriracha/asian hot chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (reserve from marinade)
- carmel sauce
- flour breading
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger (sounds like a lot its amazing)
- 1 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 eggs + 2 tablespoons water whisked together
- snow peas or other vegetables of choice
- Carbohydrate 43.8090327572958 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 5.22519480272791 g
- Fiber 5.23270626088183 g
- Protein 8.70711502414321 g
- Saturated Fat 0.738251439047519 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (425g)
- Sodium 9324.24923512778 mg
- Sugar 38.5763264964139 g
- Trans Fat 0.52475270963317 g
- Calories 232 calories
Step-by-step
- In a medium bowl, whisk all of the marinade ingredients together except for the cornstarch.
- Spoon 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the marinade into a freezer bag with the chicken; refrigerate for 30 minutes up to overnight.
- Refrigerate the remaining marinade ingredients separately in the bowl (this will become the base of your sauce).
- When ready to cook, place aluminum foil on the bottom of a baking sheet.
- Add cooking rack on top and spray with cooking spray.
- Combine the flour breading ingredients in a large freezer bag.
- Dip the chicken pieces in the egg wash and then place them in the flour mixture.
- Shake until evenly coated.
- Place chicken on baking sheet and lightly spray tops of chicken with cooking spray.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes then move the baking tray to the top middle oven rack and broil until crispy, watching closely so the chicken doesn't burn (about 2-3 minutes).
- Flip chicken pieces over and broil another 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- While the chicken is baking, whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch to the reserved sauce.
- Set aside.
- Add water and sugar to large skillet and boil over medium heat, for 1 minute - don't overcook or it will harden!
- At this point, add reserved sauce all at once to the hot caramel.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add snow peas and simmer 30 more seconds.
- If adding different vegetables, simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until vegetables are crisp tender and then add snow peas.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and allow to cool down slightly.
- Add cooked chicken and stir to combine.
My Favorite Skinny General Tso's Chicken: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Weeknights are especially challenging – after a long day at the office, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve become obsessed with finding quick, easy, and satisfying recipes that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. And this Skinny General Tso's Chicken recipe? It’s a total game-changer.
Forget the takeout! This recipe allows me to enjoy all the craveable flavors of General Tso's chicken without the excessive oil and sodium found in restaurant versions. The secret lies in baking the chicken instead of frying, which drastically reduces the fat content while still achieving that satisfyingly crispy exterior. The sauce is equally impressive, a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and savory, tangy and spicy. It's incredibly versatile, too; I often swap out the snow peas for broccoli, bell peppers, or whatever vegetables I have on hand. The best part? My kids devour it!
The preparation is surprisingly straightforward. The marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, making the baking process a breeze. While the chicken is baking, I can quickly whip up the sauce, which comes together in just a few minutes. The entire meal takes less than an hour to prepare, making it a perfect midweek solution for busy families like mine. The cleanup is also a breeze, another huge plus on busy weeknights.
Beyond the convenience and health benefits, this Skinny General Tso's Chicken recipe has become a family favorite. It's a meal that everyone looks forward to. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, happily gobble it up. My husband often comments on how much he prefers this healthier version to takeout. And, most importantly, it allows me to feel good about the food I'm serving my family – a feeling that’s priceless.
I’ve experimented with different variations of this recipe, adjusting the spice level to suit our preferences. For those who enjoy a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. For a spicier kick, add a few extra dashes. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, too. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or time-consuming. With a little creativity and smart substitutions, you can create delicious and nutritious meals that the whole family will love.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you're short on time, 30 minutes is sufficient.
- Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Ensure that the chicken pieces are not overcrowded on the baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Watch Carefully While Broiling: Broiling can happen quickly, so keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
- Adjust the Spice: Customize the spice level to your preference by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or sriracha.
- Get Creative with Vegetables: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables for the snow peas.
This Skinny General Tso's Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and convenient cooking is entirely possible, even on the busiest of weeknights. It's a recipe that has simplified my life, allowed me to spend quality time with my family, and most importantly, provided us with a delicious and nutritious meal we all enjoy. So give it a try – you won't regret it!
