Lighter General Tso's Chicken

Meet your new go-to takeout alternative: Lighter General Tso's Chicken, a healthier twist on the beloved Chinese-American classic! This recipe swaps deep frying for oven-baking, creating tender, golden chicken bites coated in a glossy, flavor-packed sauce made with low-sodium soy sauce, honey, hoisin, and fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger. Balanced with a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes and a splash of tangy rice vinegar, this dish is big on flavor yet light on calories. Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. Garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions, this wholesome homemade version of General Tso's Chicken will have your taste buds dancing without the guilt!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 egg whites
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup chicken stock (low-sodium)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 1 nonstick cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and set aside.

Step 3

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the mixture, allowing any excess coating to drip off, and place the pieces in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-22 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden.

Step 5

While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, chicken stock, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth.

Step 6

In a large skillet or wok, heat a splash of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sauce mixture and cook, stirring continuously, until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Once the chicken is done baking, add the pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.

Step 8

Serve the Lighter General Tso's Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Pair with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(800.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1271.7

Total Fat 33.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.4g
Cholesterol 386.5mg	0%
Sodium 2628.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.4g	0%
Total Sugars 44.4g
Protein 156.4g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 120.4mg	0%
Iron 7.3mg	0%
Potassium 1464.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.1%

Protein: 50.1%

Carbs: 25.9%