Healthy General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Description
General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese dish known for its perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. This healthy version takes it up a notch with the addition of oats, turning the dish into a more wholesome and hearty option. It’s an ideal recipe for house parties, or when you’re hosting lunch or dinner for friends and family. This version of General Tso’s Chicken provides all the flavor without compromising on nutrition, making it a guilt-free treat everyone will love.
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces | 500 grams |
| Egg whites | 2 |
| Baking soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Soy sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Rolled Oats or Instant Oats | 80 grams (for coating) |
| Oil (Saffola Active) | 2 teaspoons |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 2 teaspoons |
| Spring onion greens, finely chopped | 4 |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 4 cloves |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh red chillies, finely chopped | 3 |
| Rolled Oats or Instant Oats (for sauce) | 40 grams |
| Rice Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Palm sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Soy sauce (for sauce) | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
Start by whisking the egg whites with soy sauce and oats. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb the marinade and get coated with the oats. -
Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring the chicken doesn’t stick to the bottom. Then, place the marinated chicken into the dish along with the sauce mixture. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of oil over the top to help it crisp up as it bakes. -
Bake the Chicken:
Bake the chicken uncovered for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and its juices run clear (no longer pink). The chicken should become crisp during this time, especially with the oats coating it. Once done, remove the dish from the oven. -
Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken bakes, whisk together soy sauce, palm sugar, chili, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Add the 40 grams of oats and 1 cup of water, then whisk everything together to create the sauce. Set it aside. -
Cook the Sauce:
In a wok or kadhai, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over high heat. Add the sesame seeds, ginger, spring onion, and garlic. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. -
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once the sauce is simmering, add the baked chicken to the wok. Toss the chicken on high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the sauce. -
Final Adjustments:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt or spices based on your preference. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your healthy General Tso’s Chicken immediately. It pairs wonderfully with Burnt Garlic Chicken Fried Rice and Stir Fried Broccoli for a delicious and balanced lunch or dinner.
This Healthy General Tso’s Chicken offers all the flavors of the original, but with the added benefits of oats, making it a wholesome and satisfying option for any meal.
