Healthier General Tso's Chicken

Serves 4
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Directions

  1. 1Add the chicken bone broth, low sodium soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, ginger paste, minced garlic, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, onion powder, light brown sugar, raw cane sugar, and cornstarch to a small pot.
  2. 2Mix all the sauce ingredients well.
  3. 3Bring the sauce to a low boil over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens.
  4. 4Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
  5. 5Place the cubed chicken into a large bowl.
  6. 6Drizzle avocado oil onto the chicken and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  7. 7Mix the chicken and seasonings until well combined.
  8. 8Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray with cooking oil.
  9. 9Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet, spread it evenly, and sear without touching for about 5 minutes to build a golden brown crust.
  10. 10Continue cooking the chicken for 10-15 minutes, mixing every few minutes, until it is crispy and cooked through.
  11. 11Once the chicken is almost done, lower the heat.
  12. 12Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet with the chicken.
  13. 13Pour about 3/4 of the General Tso's sauce over the chicken and broccoli.
  14. 14Toss everything together and let it cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli.
  15. 15Plate the General Tso's chicken and enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Avocado oil
  • Salt
  • pepper
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • Avocado oil cooking spray
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • Jasmine rice
  • 3 cups steamed broccoli
  • 1 cup chicken bone broth
  • 0.25 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 0.25 cup seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1.5 tbsp minced garlic
  • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.25 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp raw cane sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

Equipment

small potknifelarge bowllarge skillettongswooden spoon

Tips

  • The key to searing the chicken is to spread it evenly and not touch it for about 5 minutes to build a nice, beautiful golden brown crust.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
  • Adjust ingredients to your liking as some measurements are estimated.
  • The largest piece of chicken should reach ~175 degrees internal temperature when cooked through.
  • Serve with jasmine rice cooked in chicken bone broth.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
  • This recipe is great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy healthy and flavorful General Tso's Chicken throughout the week.
  • The sauce should thicken after 3-5 minutes of low boiling and frequent stirring, creating a rich and flavorful coating for the chicken and broccoli.
  • Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes, mixing every few minutes, until it's crispy and thoroughly cooked, ensuring a delicious texture.
  • This healthier version avoids breading and deep frying, making it a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.
  • The inclusion of steamed broccoli adds a healthy vegetable component to the dish, enhancing its nutritional value and freshness.
  • The use of various seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper helps to infuse the chicken with a rich, savory flavor.
  • The blend of chicken bone broth, low sodium soy sauce, and hoisin sauce in the General Tso's sauce provides a complex and authentic taste while being mindful of health considerations.
  • The addition of ginger paste and minced garlic brings aromatic and pungent notes to the sauce, elevating its overall flavor profile.
  • Red pepper flakes introduce a subtle hint of spice, balancing the sweetness of the brown and raw cane sugars in the sauce.
  • Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the sauce coats the chicken and broccoli perfectly, providing a satisfying texture to the dish.
  • The recipe offers a convenient and quick solution for a delicious weeknight dinner, reducing the time spent on meal preparation without compromising on quality or taste.
  • The concept of a "Healthier Take Out Series" suggests that this recipe aims to recreate popular takeout dishes with a focus on improved nutritional value, appealing to health-conscious individuals.
  • By focusing on cleaner ingredients, the recipe promotes a healthier eating lifestyle while still allowing for the enjoyment of flavorful and satisfying meals.
  • The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making each bite enjoyable.
  • The recipe is designed to be simple and easy to follow, making it accessible even for those with limited cooking experience.
  • The dish is packed with flavor, ensuring that the healthier approach does not detract from the overall taste experience.
  • The use of avocado oil for cooking provides a healthier fat option compared to other cooking oils, contributing to the dish's healthier profile.
  • The versatility of the recipe allows for slight adjustments in ingredient quantities, empowering the cook to tailor the flavors to their personal preferences.