Sheet-Pan General Tso's Chicken

Prep 15 min
Total 40 min
Servings 4

With this easy sheet-pan recipe, you get all the flavor of General Tso's chicken, just without the frying, the breading, or the splattering all over your stove! Sweet, slightly spicy and umami-rich, this Chinese-restaurant classic is just as good (or perhaps, even better) when made at home. Serve it up on a bed of rice, and you won't miss the take-out version one bit!

By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Updated September 9, 2019

Ingredients

3

tablespoons butter, melted
1/4

teaspoon salt
1/4

teaspoon pepper
1/4

teaspoon garlic powder
1/4

teaspoon ground ginger
1

package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken thighs
2

tablespoons soy sauce
1

tablespoon packed brown sugar
1

tablespoon natural rice vinegar
1

tablespoon chili garlic sauce
1

tablespoon sesame oil
4

cups broccoli florets
1/4

cup sliced green onions
1

teaspoon sesame seed

Steps

Hide Images

1

Heat oven to 425°F. Spray large rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray. Pour melted butter in pan, and tip pan side to side to spread evenly. In small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder and ginger. Rub salt mixture on chicken thighs, and place in pan. Roast 15 minutes; turn.
2

In large bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, chili garlic sauce and sesame oil. Add broccoli florets; toss to coat. Using slotted spoon, place florets in single layer around chicken. Brush chicken with remaining soy mixture left in bowl.
3

Roast 8 to 12 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is clear when thickest part is cut (at least 165°F) and broccoli is tender. Top with green onions and sesame seed.

Broccoli really soaks up the flavor of any dressing or marinade. For this reason, we recommend only lightly tossing it in the soy mixture and using the remainder to brush on the chicken.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are one of our favorite protein choices, because thighs are flavorful and slightly fattier than chicken breasts, which allows them to stay moist and tender longer.
Can't take the heat? Reduce the chili garlic sauce to 1 teaspoon.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: About 1 1/2 Thighs and 1/2 Cup Broccoli

Calories: 340
Calories from Fat: 170

% Daily Value

Total Fat: 19g; 30%
Saturated Fat 8g 40% Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol: 160mg; 53%
Sodium: 890mg; 37%
Potassium: 550mg; 16%
Total Carbohydrate: 9g; 3%
Dietary Fiber 2g 9% Sugars 4g
Protein: 32g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 20%; 20%
Vitamin C: 50%; 50%
Calcium: 6%; 6%
Iron: 15%; 15%

Exchanges:

0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 1 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 4 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choice

1/2

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Although General Tso was indeed a real person, there are some serious questions about whether he ever ate the chicken that carries his name. In fact, the original story of this dish is pretty unclear. What we do know is that this Chinese-restaurant staple probably comes from Hunan Chinese cooking traditions. Hunan cooking is famous for its spicy flavors, vibrant colors and rich aromas, and it's considered one of the great cuisines of China. General Tso's chicken, however, is typically more sweet than spicy, probably an adaptation that was made once it landed in this country. It is typically served fried crispy with broccoli and sprinkled with sesame seed. Expect flavors of soy, rice wine vinegar, chiles and garlic. If you love this dish, try our Easy General Tso's Chicken recipe next.