Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful weeknight dinner that combines crispy breaded chicken with tender roasted vegetables all baked together on one pan. This easy recipe saves time without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for busy cooks craving a delicious Asian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

• 1 small red bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 6 medium button mushrooms, quartered
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 of a 24 ounce bag breaded popcorn chicken (about 17-20 pieces, such as Just Bare brand)
• 1/2 cup bottled General Tso’s sauce
• 2 scallions, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for serving
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat a rimmed 15×10-inch baking sheet with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: Place the bell pepper pieces, broccoli florets, and quartered mushrooms on one side of the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Arrange the breaded popcorn chicken pieces in a single layer on the other side of the baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables are fork-tender.
5. Step 5: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the General Tso’s sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
6. Step 6: Toss everything gently to coat well with the sauce, then sprinkle the diced scallions and toasted sesame seeds on top.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with hot cooked white rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken and vegetables for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Swap out breaded popcorn chicken for cooked bite-sized chicken tenders or thighs if you prefer homemade chicken.
• Add more veggies like snap peas or sliced carrots to boost nutrition and color.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce moist. Reheating in the oven can help maintain crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breaded chicken and make sure the General Tso’s sauce is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions of these ingredients.

Can I prepare this recipe without the popcorn chicken?

Absolutely. You can use diced raw chicken breast or thighs, seasoned and baked alongside the vegetables. Just ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving.

Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 133 reviews

This Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a quick and easy one-pan meal featuring crispy breaded popcorn chicken and vibrant vegetables all baked together and tossed in a flavorful General Tso’s sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner served with steamed white rice.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 small red bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 6 medium button mushrooms, quartered

Chicken and Sauce

• 1/2 of a 24 ounce bag breaded popcorn chicken (about 17–20 pieces, Just Bare brand recommended)
• 1/2 cup bottled General Tso’s sauce

Seasonings and Garnishes

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 scallions, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Serving

• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat a rimmed 15×10 inch baking sheet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare vegetables: Place the cut red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and quartered mushrooms on one side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and season with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly with oil and spices.
3. Add chicken: Arrange about 20 pieces of breaded popcorn chicken in a single even layer on the other side of the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping for proper crisping.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the popcorn chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are fork tender.
5. Add sauce: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately drizzle the General Tso’s sauce over both the chicken and vegetables.
6. Toss and garnish: Toss everything on the sheet pan gently to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle with diced scallions and toasted sesame seeds to add freshness and a nutty crunch.
7. Serve: Serve the General Tso’s chicken and vegetables hot over a bed of cooked white rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• If you prefer homemade sauce, you can substitute bottled General Tso’s sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger.
• Feel free to swap out vegetables based on preference or seasonality, such as snap peas or carrots.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure popcorn chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internally.
• To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free brand of breaded chicken and General Tso’s sauce.

Keywords: General Tso’s Chicken, sheet pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, baked popcorn chicken, one-pan meal, Chinese-inspired chicken