General Tso's Chicken - Mediterranean Style

Ingredients

This Mediterranean version of General Tso's Chicken uses olive oil instead of vegetable oil, and replaces soy sauce with balsamic vinegar. The dish is also seasoned with Mediterranean spices such as oregano and thyme, and served with a side of hummus instead of rice. We alse have the original recipe for General Tso's Chicken, so you can check it out.

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 2 tbsp (30ml) tomato paste 2 tbsp (30ml) tomato paste
• 2 tbsp (30ml) water 2 tbsp (30ml) water
• 1 tbsp (15g) brown sugar 1 tbsp (15g) brown sugar
• 1 tbsp (15g) minced garlic 1 tbsp (15g) minced garlic
• 1 tbsp (15g) minced ginger 1 tbsp (15g) minced ginger
• 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
• 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) red pepper flakes 1/2 tsp (2.5g) red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup (60g) chopped green onions, for garnish 1/4 cup (60g) chopped green onions, for garnish
• 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Hummus, for serving Hummus, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (2g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (18g sugars)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat oven to 200C (400F).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
3. 3.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, tomato paste, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
6. 6.
   Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce is thick and bubbly.
7. 7.
   Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley, and serve with hummus.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Balsamic vinegar — Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
• Hummus — Make your own hummus or use store-bought hummus for convenience.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish.
• Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.
• Double the sauce recipe for extra saucy chicken.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean General Tso's Chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley. Serve with a side of hummus and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the chicken on a platter and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley.