What Is the Difference Between Empress Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken?

While both dishes feature crispy chicken and a rich sauce, Empress Chicken focuses on a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. General Tso’s Chicken is spicier and tangier, making it ideal for those who prefer bolder flavors.

Why Is It Called Empress Chicken?

The name "Empress Chicken" reflects its origins in Chinese imperial cuisine. It was likely inspired by dishes served at royal banquets, showcasing luxurious ingredients and a harmonious blend of flavors.

What Is the Most Popular Chinese Chicken Dish?

General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken are among the most popular Chinese-American chicken dishes. However, Empress Chicken is increasingly gaining recognition for its refined flavor and texture.

What Is Chinese Empire Chicken?

Chinese Empire Chicken is a variation of Empress Chicken , often emphasizing opulent presentation and using higher-quality ingredients. It’s typically served at special occasions or upscale restaurants, staying true to its imperial roots.

Empress Chicken: Recipe, Variations, and Tips

Name: A Complete Guide to Empress Chicken: Recipe, Variations, and Tips
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening); 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish

Description

This Empress Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce, perfect for dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour. Dredge the chicken pieces in the dry mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring an even coating.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, ginger, and garlic to prepare the sauce.
Combine water and cornstarch in a separate bowl to create a slurry.
In the same skillet, pour the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the fried chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the sauce evenly.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili garlic sauce.
For extra crunch, sprinkle roasted cashews or peanuts on top before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying, Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Empress Chicken, crispy chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, dinner recipe, easy Asian recipes