Dinner

General Tso’s Chicken Soup Recipe

Bynova cole November 23, 2025November 23, 2025

Introduction

General Tso’s Chicken Soup is a cozy, flavorful twist on a Chinese takeout favorite, transformed into a comforting bowl of soup. This easy one-pot recipe delivers a spicy-sweet, bold broth with tender pan-fried chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

A white bowl filled with a thick yellow-orange soup containing visible white rice, small pieces of chicken, bright green broccoli florets, and small red pepper bits. The soup is topped with chopped green onions in the center. Nearby is a small white bowl filled with more chopped green onions. Two silver spoons rest on a light gray cloth napkin beside the bowl. The setting is on a dark gray surface with a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/3 cup General Tso’s sauce (store-bought or homemade marinade)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked rice (added just before serving)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Pour in the General Tso’s sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
Step 5: When ready to serve, stir in the cooked rice to warm through. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and confirm the General Tso’s sauce is gluten-free.
Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra vegetables and crunch.
If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of Sriracha.
To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of pan-frying.

Storage

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cooked rice separate and add just before reheating to prevent the soup from thickening too much. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Two white bowls filled with a thick soup that has a golden-yellow broth. The soup contains white rice grains, small green broccoli florets, red bell pepper pieces, and chunks of light-colored chicken. Each bowl is topped with a small pile of chopped green onions. A small white bowl with extra chopped green onions sits nearby on the right. Two silver spoons rest on a light gray cloth napkin on the left. All items are on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make General Tso’s Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup actually tastes better after resting in the fridge for several hours, which allows the flavors to deepen. Just add the cooked rice right before serving to keep the texture perfect.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful in this recipe. If using breast, be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out quickly.