Dump-and-Bake General Tso Chicken
It's baked, not fried! This Dump-and-Bake General Tso Chicken is a lighter, healthier version of the Chinese restaurant classic. With just one dish and about 10 minutes of prep, the easy dinner recipe is even better than take-out!
It's baked, not fried! This Dump-and-Bake General Tso Chicken is a lighter, healthier version of the Chinese restaurant classic. With just one dish and about 10 minutes of prep, the easy dinner recipe is even better than take-out!
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- â½ teaspoon salt
- â½ cup chicken broth
- â½ cup brown sugar
- â¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 lbs. boneless (skinless chicken breasts, cut into
- â¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 3 teaspoons finely minced fresh garlic (i like to use a squee
- â½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (add more fo
- â¼ cup peanuts
- optional garnish: sliced green onions (toasted se
- Carbohydrate 0.912700000391404 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.12550000000021 g
- Fiber 0.00899999976544099 g
- Protein 0.00260000000111499 g
- Saturated Fat 0.159840000000039 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (2g)
- Sodium 0.0900000000385957 mg
- Sugar 0.903700000625963 g
- Trans Fat 0.0495 g
- Calories 14 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Spray a medium baking dish with cooking spray (I have used a deep 9-inch by 6-inch dish and an 11-inch by 7-inch dish, and both work well).
- Place chicken in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle with cornstarch and toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour sauce over chicken and stir to combine.
- Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
- Stir, return to the oven for 5-10 more minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
- Remove from oven, stir in peanuts.
- Season with additional salt and red pepper flakes, to taste.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving.
Dump-and-Bake General Tso Chicken: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner feels like a constant uphill battle. Takeout is tempting, but the guilt afterwards? Not so much. That's why I've fallen head over heels for this Dump-and-Bake General Tso Chicken recipe. It's a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when I'm juggling work deadlines, homework help, and everything in between. Forget greasy takeout – this recipe delivers all the satisfying flavor of General Tso's chicken without the excessive oil and extra calories.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Seriously, the prep time is minimal – around 10 minutes, tops! It's all about combining the ingredients in a single dish and letting the oven do the magic. No elaborate frying techniques, no complicated steps. Just dump, bake, and enjoy! The result is juicy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce that's perfectly balanced. It's the kind of dish that the whole family will devour, leaving you with the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal without the hours-long commitment.
Why this recipe is a game-changer:
- Time-saving: The minimal prep time is a huge win for busy schedules. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need dinner on the table quickly.
- Healthy twist: Baking instead of frying significantly reduces the fat and calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Flavorful and satisfying: The sweet and savory sauce is incredibly addictive, providing a taste that rivals restaurant-quality General Tso's chicken.
- One-dish wonder: Cleanup is a breeze with only one dish to wash. This is a major bonus on a busy weeknight!
- Adaptable: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add more or less red pepper flakes for a spicier or milder kick. Experiment with different garnishes, like toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions.
This recipe has become a staple in our household. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I've even gotten requests for it from friends and family. I often double the recipe and freeze half for another busy night. It reheats beautifully, so it's an excellent meal-prep option as well.
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this Dump-and-Bake General Tso Chicken represents something more to me. It signifies the ability to create something wonderful from simple ingredients, to balance healthy eating with busy schedules, and to nourish my family with love and good food, even when time feels scarce. It's a small act of self-care in a chaotic world, and the feeling of satisfaction that comes from serving a meal like this to my family is truly priceless.
So, the next time you're short on time but craving a delicious and healthy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed. And remember, even the busiest of days deserve a little bit of flavorful goodness!
