Name: Ground General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 8 ounces canned water chestnuts, diced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce; 1/4 cup water; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Introduction

Ground General Tso’s Chicken is a quick and flavorful twist on the classic takeout favorite. Using ground chicken and a tangy, sweet sauce, this recipe delivers all the bold flavors you love in a simple, weeknight-friendly dish.

A white round bowl contains three main parts: on the right side, there is a layer of fluffy white rice with visible individual grains; to the left of the rice, there is a serving of minced meat coated in a glossy, dark brown sauce with some small chunks of light yellow vegetables or fruit mixed in, topped with a few white sesame seeds; at the top left corner of the bowl, two small round dumplings with smooth, pale yellow skins and pleated tops sit next to the rice. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, with part of a red-handled pan filled with the same minced meat mixture visible in the background, along with an open can containing thick, light-colored slices. A white cloth is folded near the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
8 ounces canned water chestnuts, diced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced

General Tso’s Sauce

3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and diced water chestnuts. Let the chicken cook undisturbed until a good crust forms, then break it apart with a spatula and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 2: Add the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, and cornstarch to make the General Tso’s sauce.
Step 4: Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken. Bring it to a boil and cook for a few seconds, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For added crunch, sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Substitute ground turkey or pork for a different twist on this dish.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftover Ground General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

A white pan with a red handle contains a thick mix of cooked ground meat and small light beige chunks, coated in a shiny dark brown sauce with reddish hints. A silver spoon rests inside, scooping part of the mixture, showing the glossy texture of the sauce. Next to the pan, there is an opened can revealing pale white slices of water chestnuts, and a white cloth is folded near the pan on a wooden surface replaced by a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure the hoisin sauce you choose is gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chop the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the chicken fresh for best texture, or reheat leftovers gently as needed.

Ground General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 81 reviews

A quick and flavorful twist on the classic General Tso’s Chicken using ground chicken and diced water chestnuts for texture. This savory dish features a tangy and slightly sweet sauce made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and spices. Perfect for a fast stovetop meal bursting with authentic Asian-inspired flavors.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
8 ounces canned water chestnuts, diced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced

General Tso’s Sauce

3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Cook the Chicken and Water Chestnuts: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and diced water chestnuts. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed until a crust forms on the bottom before breaking it apart with a spatula. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and nicely browned.
Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 10 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, and cornstarch until fully combined and smooth.
Combine Sauce with Chicken: Pour the prepared General Tso’s sauce into the pan with the cooked chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for a few seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.

Notes

For a spicier variation, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili garlic sauce.
Serve over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
If water chestnuts are unavailable, substitute with diced bamboo shoots or chopped bell peppers for added crunch.
Ensure the sauce thickens fully by not rushing the boiling step after adding cornstarch.

Keywords: General Tso’s Chicken, ground chicken recipe, quick Chinese chicken, stovetop chicken dish, easy Asian sauce