Sheet Pan General Tso's Chicken: A Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner

Introduction: Flavorful Chicken in Minutes

Tired of spending hours slaving over a hot stove, only to be met with a mountain of dirty dishes? Craving a vibrant, intensely flavorful meal, but short on time and energy? Then look no further than this Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken – a culinary revelation that proves incredibly delicious food doesn’t require complicated techniques or a marathon in the kitchen. This recipe is a champion of weeknight convenience, delivering a wonderfully aromatic and sticky General Tso’s-inspired chicken dish in a remarkably short amount of time. We’re talking approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; it leverages the magic of sheet pan cooking, where everything – chicken, broccoli, and the gloriously savory General Tso’s sauce – cooks simultaneously in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, slightly charred chicken coated in a sauce that’s both sweet and spicy, balanced with a delightful crunch from the perfectly cooked broccoli. flavorful chicken is truly achievable with this recipe. This isn’t just about speed; it’s about making genuinely satisfying food accessible to everyone, regardless of their cooking experience. It’s perfect for busy families, date nights, or simply when you want a seriously impressive meal without the fuss. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience. sheet pan meals have become increasingly popular because of the convenience, but this recipe really elevates the game. Prepare to be wowed by how simple and effective sheet pan cooking can be. This recipe is truly a game changer – easy weeknight dinners don’t get much better than this. It’s an excellent example of how delicious food can be made with minimal effort. General Tso’s Chicken is a classic for a reason, and this recipe brings it to life in a convenient way.

Ingredients: Simple & Delicious

Let’s dive into the fantastic array of flavors that make this Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken so incredibly satisfying. It’s truly remarkable how much impact a few key ingredients can have, and we’ve carefully selected each one to deliver a robust, savory, and slightly spicy experience. At its heart, this dish relies on quality chicken, and we’re using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor – the fat renders beautifully during cooking, adding depth and richness to the entire dish. Chicken Thighs are generally more forgiving than breasts, holding up well to long cooking times without drying out, which is absolutely critical when you want that juicy, tender result. You’ll need approximately one pound; 1 lb Chicken Thighs offers the right amount for a generous serving.

Next up is the broccoli – we’re opting for fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and flavor. Roughly two cups should be sufficient to complement the chicken beautifully. The broccoli adds a fantastic slightly bitter counterpoint to the savory sauce. Fresh Broccoli is essential for a bright, refreshing element.

Then we have the sauce, the soul of this dish! We’re using 1 1/2 cups of General Tso’s sauce, making sure to choose a good quality brand; General Tso’s Sauce is a cornerstone of this recipe. This sauce is what delivers the signature sweet and spicy profile. For a little extra oomph, consider adding a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce—Sriracha is an excellent choice to personalize your spice level. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Finally, we need some aromatics to build the flavor base. We’re incorporating 1 tablespoon of olive oil – a good quality extra-virgin olive oil Olive Oil adds fantastic flavor – and 1 tablespoon of ginger powder, which will give the dish that signature Asian warmth. The ginger powder is a fantastic way to deliver the flavor. We’re also using 2 teaspoons of black pepper and ½ tablespoon of salt to season appropriately. You can also use 1 ½ tablespoon of garlic powder for another layer of flavor. Garlic Powder is a wonderful addition to this dish. Don’t overdo it with the salt until you taste the sauce – it’s easier to adjust than it is to remove it! A little bit of Salt goes a long way. Sesame Seeds are optional but create a wonderful aroma when added at the end, and they add a nutty and fragrant component to the dish. Sesame Seeds is a fantastic garnish. To summarise, you’ll need Chicken Thighs, Fresh Broccoli, General Tso’s Sauce, Olive Oil, Sesame Seeds, Sriracha, Garlic Powder, Salt and Black Pepper. This complete list will ensure your dish will be a huge success!

Instructions: Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Let’s get cooking! This Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort – perfect for busy weeknights. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying meal in about 30-40 minutes.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken (5 minutes)
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets beautifully browned.
Cut the pound of chicken thighs (or chicken breasts – either works great!) into bite-sized pieces – about 1-inch cubes are ideal. Don’t make them too small, or they’ll dry out during cooking. Spread the chicken pieces out on a large cutting board.

Step 2: Spice It Up (3 minutes)
In a medium bowl, combine the spices. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ tablespoon of ginger powder (a crucial element for that authentic General Tso’s flavor!), 2 teaspoons of black pepper (adjust to your spice preference!), ½ tablespoon of salt (again, adjust to taste), and ½ tablespoon of garlic powder. Whisk everything together thoroughly. The key here is to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken (5 minutes)
Add the seasoned spice mixture to the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Make sure every piece is covered in the flavorful blend. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there a little – it helps the spices adhere.

Step 4: Build the Sheet Pan (2 minutes)
Spread the coated chicken in a single layer on a large sheet pan. Using a sheet pan liner is highly recommended – it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper. Ensure there’s enough space between the pieces of chicken to allow for even cooking – overcrowding leads to steaming rather than browning. If you want to add some heat, add ½ tablespoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection (20-25 minutes)
Place the sheet pan into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through cooking, give the pan a shake to ensure even browning. This prevents the chicken from sticking and helps develop a beautiful, caramelized crust. Rotate the pan 180 degrees to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Sauce It Up (5 minutes)
While the chicken is roasting, prepare the sauce. You’ll need 1 ½ cups of General Tso’s sauce (store-bought is perfectly fine – it simplifies things!), but feel free to make your own if you’re feeling ambitious! Once the chicken is done, add the sauce to the sheet pan and toss to coat. The sauce will thicken slightly as it heats up. For added flavour, add ½ tablespoon of sesame seeds at this stage. Continue cooking for a final 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is fully incorporated and the chicken is glistening.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken. Serve immediately over rice (jasmine rice is fantastic!) or noodles. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Don’t forget to share your amazing creation! Share your recipe

Tips & Variations: Customize Your Meal

Want to take your Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken to the next level? This recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to tailor it to your taste. Let’s explore some fantastic customizations.

Spice It Up! The beauty of this dish is that you can control the heat. If you love a fiery kick, increase the amount of dried peppers. Alternatively, incorporate chili garlic sauce or sriracha into the sauce for an extra layer of spice. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also do the trick. For a milder version, simply reduce the number of dried peppers or omit them altogether.

Protein Power: While chicken thighs are fantastic, you can easily substitute chicken breasts. Just be mindful of cooking times – chicken breasts tend to cook faster. You can also incorporate shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian or pescatarian option. Add the shrimp during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Veggies Galore! Broccoli is a star here, but don’t limit yourself. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced onions, snap peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms would all be excellent additions. Add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, so they have time to soften without becoming mushy. Consider adding some baby spinach towards the end for a burst of fresh flavor. fresh vegetables are always a great addition.

Sauce Sensations: The General Tso’s sauce is the heart of this dish, but you can customize it. For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to thicken it. A splash of soy sauce adds depth of flavor, as does a little oyster sauce (though this adds a distinct umami flavor). oyster sauce is particularly effective.

Herbaceous Notes: Fresh herbs elevate this dish significantly. Chopped cilantro, scallions, or basil are fantastic garnishes. Adding a teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme to the sauce would add a subtle complexity. dried herbs are an easy way to add aromatic flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Serve your Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. A sprinkle of sesame seeds sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal. For a complete meal, pair it with a light and refreshing Asian slaw. Asian slaw recipe is a simple and delicious side dish.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is a fantastic base – let your creativity guide you to create your perfect Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken. Sharing your variations is encouraged – connect with us on social media and show us what you’ve created!

Nutrition Information: Calorie Breakdown

Let’s dive into the nutritional details of this incredibly satisfying Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken dish! This recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, and thankfully, it doesn’t compromise on nutritional value. A generous serving (approximately 1.5 cups) provides a substantial boost of energy and essential vitamins and minerals. We’ll break down the approximate calorie count, along with macronutrient details, to help you plan your meal perfectly.

Approximate Nutritional Values (per serving – 1.5 cups):

Calories: 581 kcal – This is a fantastic base, providing around 25% of your daily caloric needs, depending on your overall diet.
Carbohydrates: 61g – Primarily from the broccoli and any added sauce components. This contributes to sustained energy levels and offers fiber for digestive health. This represents roughly 25% of your daily carbohydrate intake. Remember, this comes from the broccoli, a key component of the dish, contributing significantly to the overall carbohydrate content. The sauce also contains sugars, which contribute to the carbohydrate count.
Protein: 25g – Chicken thigh is an excellent source of lean protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues, and boosting satiety. This makes it a particularly satisfying meal.
Fat: 27g – Mostly from the olive oil used for cooking and from the chicken itself. This provides essential fatty acids and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
Saturated Fat: 6g – Important to consume in moderation.
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g – Healthy fats that support heart health.
Monounsaturated Fat: 12g – Another heart-healthy fat option.
Trans Fat: 0.1g – Ideally, you want to avoid trans fats entirely.
Cholesterol: 114mg – Moderate intake is recommended.
Sodium: 2658mg – This is a significant amount, so consider using low-sodium ingredients or adding the dried peppers for a bolder flavour.
Potassium: 533mg – An important mineral for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Fiber: 9g – Excellent for promoting digestive health and keeping you feeling full.
Sugar: 35g – Primarily derived from the sauce, this contributes to sweetness and energy but should be enjoyed in moderation. The general sauce, being a general tso’s, will have a notable sugar content.
Vitamin A: 375 IU – Important for vision and immune function.
Vitamin C: 40mg – A powerful antioxidant that supports immune health and protects against cell damage.
Calcium: 79mg – Essential for strong bones and teeth.
Iron: 3mg – Crucial for carrying oxygen in your blood.

Important Notes:

These values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Using store-bought general tso sauce adds to the sodium content considerably.
Adding dried peppers will increase the spice level and might impact the nutritional profile slightly (though this effect is minimal).
For a lower-sodium version, consider using low-sodium soy sauce and limiting the amount of sauce added.

This Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a genuinely wholesome choice – a delightful blend of flavor and nutrition, perfectly suited for a weeknight meal. Incorporating broccoli adds extra nutrients and fiber – broccoli is an exceptionally nutritious vegetable!