This vibrant General Chua’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American classic that brings bold flavors to the table. Tender pieces of chicken breast are lightly battered and deep-fried until golden and crisp, then tossed in a fiery, sweet-and-sour sauce. The dish balances the heat of dried red chilies and fresh ginger with the aromatic depth of garlic and soy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or as a standout dish at potlucks. Serve it hot over steamed rice to soak up every drop of the glossy, flavorful sauce. Simple ingredients create a complex, restaurant-quality experience at home.
General Chua’s Chicken
Description
This vibrant General Chua's Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American classic that brings bold flavors to the table. Tender pieces of chicken breast are lightly battered and deep-fried until golden and crisp, then tossed in a fiery, sweet-and-sour sauce. The dish balances the heat of dried red chilies and fresh ginger with the aromatic depth of garlic and soy sauce. It's perfect for busy weeknight dinners or as a standout dish at potlucks. Serve it hot over steamed rice to soak up every drop of the glossy, flavorful sauce. Simple ingredients create a complex, restaurant-quality experience at home.Ingredients
Directions
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Pound the chicken breast slightly with a mallet to tenderize, then cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
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Combine the chicken with the soy sauce (for marinade) and cornstarch (for marinade); mix well and set aside to marinate.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, soy sauce (for sauce), dry sherry, sugar, salt, and cornstarch (for sauce) to create the sauce; set aside.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet over high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
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Carefully add the marinated chicken to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove the chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; discard all but 2 tablespoons of oil from the wok.
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Return the wok to medium-high heat and swirl the remaining oil to coat the sides.
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Add the dried red chili pods and their seeds, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly browned.
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Add the minced ginger, minced garlic, and white part of the green onion; stir-fry for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
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Return the fried chicken to the wok and toss to combine with the aromatics.
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Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir quickly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
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Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 41.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.9g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
- Cholesterol 21.2mg8%
- Sodium 18.5mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 7.8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.