General Tso’s Chicken Bowls

These General Tso’s Chicken Bowls are one of my top fave healthy weeknight dinners! A better-for-you twist on one of my favorite classic takeout meals, these bowls combine crispy chicken, colorful veggies, and a sweet-umami sauce that even my kids can’t get enough of. I also love that they come together in about 35 minutes and have 41 grams of protein! They’re super easy to customize, the spicy level can be adjusted to taste, and every bite is SO good. 

Better-Than-Takeout General Tso’s Chicken

This recipe was inspired by my Honey Sesame Chicken Meal Prep Bowls, Orange Chicken Meal Prep Bowls, and Bang Bang Chicken Bowls, all of which have gone viral on Instagram (opens in a new tab). You guys have been loving these recipes, so I knew I had to continue on with my copycat takeout theme! General Tso’s chicken has been one of my favorite orders for years, but this homemade recipe is even better than any restaurant version I’ve ever tasted. Every bite is so flavorful and delicious! 

The crispy golden chicken is coated in a sweet-umami sauce that’s just the right amount of sticky to help it cling perfectly. Then, I add stir-fried bell peppers, mushrooms, and green onions over rice with a good drizzle of extra sauce. Tested to perfection, this is a recipe I could eat every single day. High-protein, quick, easy, and the best balanced bowl for a dinner the entire family will obsess over. You guys are going to LOVE this one!

You’ll Also Love: Sticky Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – With minimal prep time and a quick cooking time, 35 minutes (or less!) are all you need for the entire recipe. It’s way faster than ordering out! 
• High-Protein – Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also provides 41 grams of protein per serving, making it super filling, too. 
• Adjustable – When cooking for my kids, I keep the spice level pretty mild. However, when cooking for myself or hosting a dinner party, I like to amp up the heat with a little extra red pepper flakes. I also include whatever extra veggies I have on hand at the end of the week. 
• Healthy Dinner Idea – Stuck in a dinner rut? This General Tso’s chicken recipe is such a fun, flavorful, healthy meal that’s easy to make even on the busiest weeknights!

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Ingredients

Chicken 

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Cut into bite-sized cubes so they cook quickly and evenly. You’ll need about 1 ½ pounds, which is roughly 2 medium breasts. You can also use chicken thighs if that’s what you prefer. 
• Cornstarch – Creates a light, crisp coating on the chicken. Tapioca starch or potato starch is great, too. 
• Salt/Pepper
• Avocado Oil – Any neutral, high-heat safe oil will work for lightly frying the chicken.

Sauce 

• Honey – Swap out the honey for equal amounts of agave or maple syrup. The sauce may be a little bit thinner using these two ingredients, but it will still taste great. 
• Tamari Sauce (Soy Sauce) – Tamari not only adds a savory and umami flavor to the sauce, but it also gives a saltiness that mellows out all that sweetness. You can also use regular soy sauce or coconut aminos instead!
• Toasted Sesame Oil – Toasty and nutty, this gives the sauce lots of depth and creates the signature flavor you look for in Asian-inspired dishes. 
• Garlic Chili Sauce (opens in a new tab) –  This adds lots of flavor and a little heat. Use more or less to taste. Just be sure to start slowly, and adjust as you go! 
• Rice Vinegar – Naturally acidic, this balances the flavors and adds an extra touch of sweet, almost fruity flavor.

Bowls

• Jasmine Rice (opens in a new tab) – Prep this ahead or use store-bought microwave rice packets to save time!
• Avocado Oil (opens in a new tab) – This stir-fries the vegetables. You can use olive oil as well, but it will affect the flavor slightly. 
• Veggies – Red bell pepper (or any color), assorted mushrooms, and green onions add color, nutrients, and texture. 
• Rice Vinegar – This ties the flavor of the veggies in with the sauce. 
• Salt/Pepper
• Sesame Seeds – Optional but highly recommended, I love to include these as garnish for a slightly nutty flavor and a little extra crunch. 

RELATED: Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

How to Make This General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

This general tso’s chicken recipe is so easy to make! All you’ll need are a few bowls and a non-stick skillet (opens in a new tab). With simple steps, you’ll be ready to eat in about 35 minutes. Here’s how to make healthy General Tso’s Chicken Bowls:

1. Coat the Chicken – In a medium bowl, toss cubed chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Pan Fry – Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F! 
3. Make the Sauce – While the chicken cooks, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside about ¼ cup for drizzling later.
4. Combine the Chicken & Sauce – Transfer the cooked chicken to the sauce bowl, and toss until fully coated.
5. Cook the Veggies – In the same skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, green onions, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Sauté just until tender, stirring occasionally. 
6. Assemble the Bowls – Divide cooked jasmine rice among four bowls. Top it with the cooked veggies and chicken, then drizzle the reserved sauce on top. Garnish with sesame seeds and enjoy!

Tips

• Use Scissors to Cube Chicken – I love this simple tip. Cut the chicken breasts into cubes with kitchen shears (opens in a new tab) directly into the bowl of cornstarch. It’s faster and keeps your cutting board clean! 
• Use a True Non-Stick Pan – This allows you to use less oil and not worry about anything sticking to the pan. If you use a non-toxic non-stick pan (like I do), it’ll still work great, but cleanup just takes a tad bit more time!
• Make Crispier Chicken – Lightly pat the chicken dry before tossing it in the cornstarch mixture. Then, let it sear for several minutes in the skillet before flipping. This helps develop a golden, crispy crust. Just make sure the pan and oil are fully heated before adding the chicken! 
• Veggie Shortcut – Use pre-sliced mushrooms and bell peppers to cut prep time in half. It’s seriously a game-changer on busy weeknights!

Related: Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Variations

• Spicy – If you love heat, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or an extra tablespoon of garlic chili sauce or sriracha to the sauce. 
• Sweet – Add more honey, using up to 4 tablespoons. 
• Protein – Not a fan of chicken, or maybe you just want to switch it up? Use peeled, deveined shrimp instead! Coat them in the cornstarch mixture, and cook in oil as usual, following the package instructions. It should only take a couple of minutes on each side! 
• Low-Carb – Serve your chicken in butter lettuce leaves for light, flavorful wraps instead. They can make for a yummy appetizer or healthy lunch! 
• Rice – Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice in place of white rice. 
• Extra Veggies – Add snap peas, zucchini, broccoli florets, water chestnuts, or whatever you have on hand for even more color and nutrients! 

How to Store

These General Tso’s Chicken Bowls can be stored altogether in meal prep containers (opens in a new tab)! They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

To serve, add 1-2 teaspoons of water or broth. Then, reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes from the fridge. Or, warm them for 4-5 minutes if still frozen. Add sesame seeds right before serving, and they’ll taste fresh and delicious! 

More Easy Chicken Recipes

• Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe
• BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls
• Copycat Chipotle Chicken Bowls
• Chicken Shawarma Grain Bowls
• Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bowls
• Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls

More Healthy Protein Bowl Recipes

• Turkey Taco Bowl Recipe
• Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl Recipe
• Viral Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
• Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
• Fried Tofu Bowls
• Miso Glazed Salmon Bowls

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