General Tso’s Chicken 🐔
General Tso’s Chicken (Clean-ish, Anti-Inflammatory Friendly)
Sauce:
• 1/3 cup coconut aminos
• 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 Tbsp molasses
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 tsp sriracha (optional, to taste)
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Chicken:
• 2 large chicken breasts (1–1.5 lbs), chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch (or tapioca starch for cleaner option)
• 3 Tbsp rice flour ( almond flour works too )
• 2 Tbsp avocado oil
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Broccoli:
• 1–2 cups broccoli florets 🥦
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Water (for cooking)
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For Serving:
• Brown rice 🍚
• Optional: green onions + extra sesame seeds
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Directions:
1. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
coconut aminos, maple syrup (or honey), molasses, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, tomato paste, sesame oil, garlic, and sriracha.
Set aside.
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2. Prep the Chicken
In a bowl:
• Add chopped chicken
• Crack in the egg
• Add salt, pepper, garlic powder
• Add cornstarch + rice flour
Mix until fully coated (slightly sticky, not dry).
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3. Cook the Chicken
• Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat
• Add chicken in a single layer
• Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through
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4. Add the Sauce
• Lower heat to medium
• Pour in sauce
• Toss to coat
Let simmer 2–4 minutes until thick and glossy ✨
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5. Cook the Broccoli
• Add broccoli to a pan with a splash of water
• Cover and steam for 4–6 minutes until tender
• Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
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6. Serve
Serve chicken over brown rice with broccoli on the side 🥦🍚
Top with green onions + sesame seeds if you want that takeout vibe ✨
If you're looking to enjoy the classic flavors of General Tso's Chicken without the guilt, this clean-ish, anti-inflammatory-friendly recipe is a fantastic option. Using coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce eliminates gluten and soy, making it suitable for those with dietary sensitivities. Plus, the inclusion of natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey offers a balanced sweetness with added nutrients compared to refined sugars. One personal tip I found helpful is to thoroughly coat the chicken with the combination of rice flour and cornstarch (or tapioca starch for a cleaner option). This ensures a crispy exterior once cooked in avocado oil, which itself is a heart-healthy oil choice that withstands medium-high heat well. When cooking, avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain this crispiness. Adding steamed broccoli seasoned simply with garlic powder, salt, and pepper not only provides essential vitamins and fiber but also complements the bold flavors of the sauce beautifully. For the rice component, brown rice is a great choice for additional fiber and a nutty flavor that balances the sweet and savory notes of the dish. I also recommend adjusting the sriracha quantity to your preferred spice level—starting low if you're unsure. The tomato paste adds a subtle depth to the sauce that elevates the traditional taste profile. This recipe can easily be adapted for a soy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free diet, making it a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal. Leftovers reheat well and can be stored for a few days, making it perfect for meal prep. Top with green onions and extra sesame seeds to add a fresh finish and the familiar takeout vibe that everyone's craving.
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