Name: Healthier General Tso’s Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. raw chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. cornstarch, divided use; ¼ tsp. sea salt; 1 tsp. sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 thin slice fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped; 2 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce; ½ cup low sodium chicken broth; 1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar; 2 Tbsp. tomato paste, no added sugar; 2 tsp. hoisin sauce; 1 tsp. pure maple syrup, (or raw honey); 2 Tbsp. cold water; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds; 1 Tbsp. dried Thai chiles (optional)

With all of the frying, the breading, and the starch in the classic recipe, you might think that eating General Tso’s chicken would be completely off the table.

Think again.

This Healthier General Tso’s Chicken is made with tender chicken breast, a host of authentic aromatics and spices, and sweetened with pure maple syrup.

A single order General Tso’s at any restaurant bring with it a hefty helping of saturated fat and calories. Try this healthier version instead — this is a recipe even General Tso himself could be proud of!

3.57 from 257 votes

Healthier General Tso’s Chicken

This Healthier General Tso's Chicken is made with tender chicken breast, a host of authentic aromatics and spices, and sweetened with pure maple syrup.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword chicken

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 183 kcal

Author Beachbody

Ingredients

1 lb. raw chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. cornstarch, divided use
¼ tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 thin slice fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
½ cup low sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. tomato paste, no added sugar
2 tsp. hoisin sauce
1 tsp. pure maple syrup, (or raw honey)
2 Tbsp. cold water
2 green onions, sliced
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
1 Tbsp. dried Thai chiles (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375° F.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
Place chicken, 2 Tbsp. cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl; toss until well coated.
Place chicken in a single layer on prepared baking sheet; bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
While chicken is baking, heat oil, garlic, and ginger in large skillet over medium heat; cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add soy sauce, broth, vinegar, tomato paste, hoisin sauce, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
Dissolve remaining 1 tsp. cornstarch in cold water; add to soy sauce mixture. Gently boil, stirring frequently, for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until sauce begins to thicken.
Add cooked chicken to sauce, coating thoroughly.
Serve chicken sprinkled with sesame seeds, green onions, and chiles (if desired).

Recipe Notes

The Nutrition Facts box below provides estimated nutritional information for this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Healthier General Tso’s Chicken

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 183 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 67mg22%

Sodium 839mg36%

Carbohydrates 9g3%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 24g48%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Container Equivalents
1 Red
½ Yellow

2B Mindset Plate It!
Add a side salad or veggies for dinner. Add veggies and an FFC for lunch.

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