Crispy General Tso-Style Chicken Bites

Ingredients

• 12 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry(optional)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup chicken stock or water
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp honey(optional)
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes(optional)
• 2 tbsp green onions (sliced)(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (about 20 minutes total): Cut chicken into 1-inch bites. In a bowl, mix soy sauce (and Shaoxing if using) with chicken. In a second bowl, whisk cornstarch, baking powder, and garlic powder. Toss chicken in the dry mixture until evenly coated.

2. 2

   Cook (about 20 minutes total): Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) until crisp and cooked through, 6–8 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer to a plate.

3. 3

   Make sauce and finish stir-fry: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add chicken stock/water, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey (if using), ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until smooth and simmer 1–2 minutes. Whisk 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water, then stir into sauce and simmer 30–60 seconds until glossy and thick.

4. 4

   Toss and serve: Add fried chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat for 1–2 minutes. Serve immediately, topped with green onions if using.