Dinner Ideas

Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken and Broccoli

Servings

4

Prep time

10 mins

Cooking time

20 mins

Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken and Broccoli: A Flavor Explosion in One Pan!

Craving that crispy, saucy, Chinese takeout-style flavor but don’t want to deal with the hassle of ordering out? Meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken and Broccoli! It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken, savory-sweet General Tso’s sauce, and vibrant broccoli, all roasted to perfection on a single pan.

Not only does this recipe deliver that beloved bold, tangy flavor, but it’s also effortless to make. No frying, no fuss—just toss everything together, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this dish checks all the boxes.

What is General Tso’s Chicken?

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its bold, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. It typically features deep-fried pieces of chicken that are coated in a sticky sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and a touch of chili. Often served with steamed broccoli and white rice, the dish combines crispy texture with a savory glaze.

Despite its name, General Tso’s Chicken is not a traditional Chinese dish and is largely unknown in China. It was created in the United States, inspired by Hunan-style flavors, and named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a 19th-century Chinese military leader. However, there is no direct connection between the general and the recipe.

Today, General Tso’s Chicken is a staple in many Chinese takeout menus across North America and is celebrated for its rich taste and comforting appeal.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Quick & Easy: Toss the chicken and broccoli on a sheet pan, bake, and enjoy—no complicated steps.
  • Packed with Flavor: Sweet, spicy, and tangy General Tso’s sauce infuses every bite with bold taste.
  • One Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup—just one sheet pan to wash!
  • Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The oven works its magic to crisp up the chicken just right, without the mess of frying.
  • Healthy & Satisfying: You get that takeout taste, but with wholesome ingredients and less guilt.

Dinner’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate go-to meal for busy nights or when you just want something seriously delicious. This Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken and Broccoli is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation. Don’t just take our word for it—try it and taste the magic yourself!

Tips for Enjoying or Making General Tso’s Chicken

  1. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs – They stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast.
  2. Double-fry for extra crispiness – Frying the chicken pieces twice makes them crunchier and helps them hold up better in the sauce.
  3. Balance the sauce – Adjust the sweetness, heat, and tang to your preference by adding more sugar, vinegar, or chili flakes.
  4. Serve immediately – The dish is best served hot and fresh to maintain the chicken’s crispy texture.
  5. Add vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas make great additions for extra color and nutrition.
  6. Make it healthier – Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying to reduce oil content.
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce

  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce

  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

  • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 1 pound frozen fully-cooked chicken nuggets (about 24)

  • 2 cups cooked white rice, or as needed, for serving

  • sliced green onions (optional)

  • sesame seeds (optional)

  • dried red chili peppers

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Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • Whisk sambal oelek, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and garlic together in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until warm, about 5 minutes; set aside.
  • Place broccoli florets in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on High for 2 minutes. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper; toss to coat.
  • Place nuggets on one half of a large baking sheet. Spread broccoli on the other half of the baking sheet. 
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Place nuggets in a large bowl. Drizzle sauce over the top, and toss until evenly coated. Serve chicken over rice with roasted broccoli. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

FAQ:

Q: Is General Tso’s Chicken actually Chinese?
A: No, it was developed in the United States, inspired by Chinese flavors but not traditionally found in Chinese cuisine.

Q: What does it taste like?
A: It has a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor with a rich, savory base and crispy chicken.

Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Yes, simply reduce or omit the chili flakes or hot sauce in the recipe.

Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Traditional recipes use soy sauce and flour-based coatings, which contain gluten. You can substitute with gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and cornstarch to make it gluten-free.

Q: How is it different from Orange Chicken?
A: General Tso’s Chicken has a spicier and more savory sauce, while Orange Chicken features a sweeter, citrusy glaze.