Healthier General Tso’s Chicken

Ingredients:

Healthier-General-Tsos-Chicken-394x197.jpg
  • 1 lb. raw chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. cornstarch, divided use
  • ¼ tsp. sea salt
  • 1 tsp. sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 thin slice fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste, no added sugar
  • 2 tsp. hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp. pure maple syrup (or raw honey)
  • 2 Tbsp. cold water
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 Tbsp. dried Thai chilies (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
3. Place chicken, 2 Tbsp. cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl; toss until well coated.
4. Place chicken in a single layer on prepared baking sheet; bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While chicken is baking, heat oil, garlic, and ginger in large skillet over medium heat; cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Add soy sauce, broth, vinegar, tomato paste, hoisin sauce, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
7. Dissolve remaining 1 tsp. cornstarch in cold water; add to soy sauce mixture. Gently boil, stirring frequently, for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until sauce begins to thicken.
8. Add cooked chicken to sauce, coating thoroughly.
9. Serve chicken sprinkled with sesame seeds, green onions, and chilies (if desired).