20-Minute Weight Watchers General Tso's Chicken
A lighter take on the classic Chinese-American dish featuring tender chicken pieces in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce with hints of ginger and garlic. This Weight Watchers-friendly version reduces calories while maintaining the bold flavors that make General Tso's chicken so popular. The cornstarch-thickened sauce coats each piece of chicken perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners when you're craving takeout flavors at home.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- ¾ cup chicken broth, reduced-sodium
- ½ tsp ginger, ground
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp peanut oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- 1
Mix soy sauce, broth, vinegar, ginger, cornstarch, and sugar with a whisk in a medium mixing bowl
- 2
Heat oil in wok or large skillet over medium to high heat
- 3
Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and scallions and cook for about 2 minutes
- 4
Add chicken and cook until browned, approximately 5 minutes
- 5
Add soy sauce mixture and simmer until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens, approximately 3 minutes
- 6
Serve over rice
Tips
Cut chicken into uniform 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and browning throughout the dish.
Whisk the cornstarch thoroughly with the liquids to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight container
Sauce can be mixed up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated
Best served immediately while chicken is hot and sauce is glossy
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook chicken to avoid dryness
Whisk cornstarch mixture well to prevent lumpy sauce
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and will be more tender and flavorful than breast meat.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent chicken from becoming tough.
Can I make this spicier?
Increase red pepper flakes to taste or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.