General Tso’s Chicken: The Ultimate General Tso’s Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Introduction to General Tso’s Chicken
Welcome to a delightful twist on a beloved classic – General Tso’s Chicken with Broccoli! This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a sweet and spicy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress while being easy to prepare and healthy!
A Personal Story Behind My General Tso’s Chicken Journey
Growing up, I always looked forward to family dinners that featured takeout from our favorite Chinese restaurant. General Tso’s Chicken was a staple that brought smiles to our faces. As I learned to cook, I wanted to recreate that joy at home, making it healthier and more accessible. This recipe is a nod to those cherished memories, all while being a nutritious option for today’s health-conscious cook.
What Makes This General Tso’s Chicken with Broccoli Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because it incorporates fresh broccoli, adding not just color but also essential nutrients. The use of sesame oil provides a rich, nutty flavor, while the sauce balances sweetness with a kick of spice. Plus, it’s flexible! You can customize the heat level to suit your taste and serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
The Full General Tso’s Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into 1″ pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
For the Low Carb General Tso’s Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low carb sweetener (monk fruit extract, stevia, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and red chili flakes (except for one clove of garlic). Stir well and bring to a simmer. This should take about 5 minutes. Tip: Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- While the sauce simmers, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Tip: Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Add the broccoli florets to the chicken pan and pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant. Tip: If you prefer your broccoli softer, you can steam it beforehand.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for General Tso’s Chicken with Broccoli
This dish can be served over a bed of fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For added texture, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. If you like it spicier, consider adding sliced jalapeños or more red chili flakes. You can also substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version!
Frequently Asked Questions About General Tso’s Chicken with Broccoli
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just reheat them together before serving.
Is General Tso’s Chicken with broccoli gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
General Tso's Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 pound chicken thighs boneless, skinless, cut into 1" pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 head broccoli cut into florets
- 1/4 cup green onion chopped
- For the Low Carb General Tso's Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low carb sweetener monk fruit extract, stevia, etc.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and red chili flakes (except for one clove of garlic). Stir well and bring to a simmer. This should take about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- While the sauce simmers, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Add the broccoli florets to the chicken pan and pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant. If you prefer your broccoli softer, you can steam it beforehand.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.