General Tso’s Chicken (Lighter Version)

lighter version

Category
Dinner
Cuisine
Asian
Serves
4-6
Time
30 minutes
From
Phil Price

chicken

This lighter General Tso’s Chicken is made with chunks of white meat chicken breast, lightly wok sautéed with an easy, healthier stir-fry sauce, and less than half the calories than if you ordered take-out!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce, divided
  • ¼ cup cornstarch, divided
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 1-inch piece peeled fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 medium scallions, whites and greens separated
  • 1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce, plus more for serving
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar (anything but malt)
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons cornstarch and egg white. Mix to combine (maybe mix the soy and cornstarch first) then add the chicken and toss to coat. Set aside while you chop the vegetables.
  2. Mince the garlic and ginger and chop the scallions. Separate the scallion whites from the greens and set aside greens for garnish.
  3. Heat a small sauce pot over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, ginger, garlic and scallion whites. Sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Add the chicken broth, remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar and hoisin and whisk to combine.
  5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch and whisk sauce until starting to thicken, about 2 minutes. Once thickened, turn heat to low and keep warm while you make the chicken.
  6. Heat a large wok or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. In two batches to prevent sticking, add 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil then half of the chicken pieces. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes, or until browned on the edges. Flip chicken and cook an additional 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate and add the remaining oil and chicken as directed.
  7. Return the chicken back to the skillet or wok, add the sauce to the skillet and toss to coat.
  8. Sprinkle with scallion greens and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra sriracha, if desired.

Notes

  • If you like a sweeter sauce, you can add 1 tablespoon sugar in the sauce.
  • To make this hot, add 6 whole dried red chilies while stir frying the chicken.
  • Add a little orange zest to brighten the dish up.
  • If a sweeter sauce is a must for you, add 1 tablespoon of honey