Skip to main content
    Thrive On

    General Tso’s Chicken

    Low SodiumLow PotassiumLow PhosphorusHigh Protein Diabetes-FriendlyHeart HealthyDairy-FreeNo ShellfishNut-FreeChickenDinner

    General Tso’s Chicken

    Low SodiumLow PotassiumLow PhosphorusHigh Protein Diabetes-FriendlyHeart HealthyDairy-FreeNo ShellfishNut-FreeChickenDinner
    4 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each
    Active time: 30 minutes
    Total time: 30 minutes

    Description

    In this healthy version of a General Tso’s Chicken recipe, we cut the fat and sodium in half from the original version by not frying the chicken and by using half as much soy sauce in this Chinese-takeout favorite. Serve with steamed baby bok choy or sautéed spinach and steamed brown rice.

    Directions

    1. Combine 4 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon each soy sauce and rice wine (or sherry) and egg white in a bowl. Add chicken and stir to coat.
    2. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon each cornstarch, soy sauce and rice wine (or sherry), water, hoisin and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
    3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok or large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add the chicken; cook without turning, breaking up stuck-together pieces, until golden on the bottom, 2 minutes. Stir; continue cooking until golden on all sides, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.
    4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, scallions and garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add peas; cook, stirring often, until bright green, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the reserved sauce mixture; cook, stirring, until thick, about 1 minute. Return the chicken to the pan; cook, stirring, until heated through, about 1 minute more.

    Tips

    • People with celiac disease or gluten-sensitivity should use soy sauces that are labeled "gluten-free," as soy sauce may contain wheat or other gluten-containing sweeteners and flavors.
    © Meredith Operations Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

    Nutrition Per Serving

    • Calories364 cal
    • Total Fat19.2 g
    • Saturated Fat3.1 g
    • Cholesterol0 mg
    • Sodium524 mg
    • Carbohydrate Total20.3 g
    • Protein24.6 g
    • Phosphorus178 mg
    • Potassium346 mg
    • Fiber2.2 g
    • Calcium51 mg

    Ingredients

    • 5 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
    • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
    • 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, divided
    • 1 large egg white
    • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
    • ¾ cup water
    • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
    • 2 scallions, sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 cups snow peas

    Ingredients

    • 5 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
    • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
    • 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, divided
    • 1 large egg white
    • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
    • ¾ cup water
    • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
    • 2 scallions, sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 cups snow peas

    Description

    In this healthy version of a General Tso’s Chicken recipe, we cut the fat and sodium in half from the original version by not frying the chicken and by using half as much soy sauce in this Chinese-takeout favorite. Serve with steamed baby bok choy or sautéed spinach and steamed brown rice.

    Directions

    1. Combine 4 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon each soy sauce and rice wine (or sherry) and egg white in a bowl. Add chicken and stir to coat.
    2. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon each cornstarch, soy sauce and rice wine (or sherry), water, hoisin and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
    3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok or large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add the chicken; cook without turning, breaking up stuck-together pieces, until golden on the bottom, 2 minutes. Stir; continue cooking until golden on all sides, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.
    4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, scallions and garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add peas; cook, stirring often, until bright green, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the reserved sauce mixture; cook, stirring, until thick, about 1 minute. Return the chicken to the pan; cook, stirring, until heated through, about 1 minute more.

    Tips

    • People with celiac disease or gluten-sensitivity should use soy sauces that are labeled "gluten-free," as soy sauce may contain wheat or other gluten-containing sweeteners and flavors.
    © Meredith Operations Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
    Download kidney-friendly cookbooks
    Get inspired