General Tso Chicken vs Tai Chien Chicken: Which One Should You Choose?

As a self-proclaimed foodie and lover of Chinese cuisine, I have always been curious about the difference between General Tso Chicken and Tai Chien Chicken. These two dishes are often found on the menu of Chinese restaurants around the world, but what sets them apart?

In this article, I will delve deep into both dishes’ history, taste, and ingredients, and give you my verdict on which one is better.

Criteria	General Tso Chicken	Tai Chien Chicken
Origin	Hunan Province, China	Taiwan
Taste	Sweet and spicy	Savory and slightly sweet
Ingredients	Chicken breast, cornstarch, egg, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, dried chili peppers, and scallions	Chicken breast, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and scallions

Introduction

General Tso Chicken and Tai Chien Chicken are both popular Chinese dishes that are loved by people all over the world. General Tso Chicken is a dish that originated in Hunan Province, China, and is made by deep-frying chicken pieces that are then coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.

On the other hand, Tai Chien Chicken is a Taiwanese dish that stir-frying chicken makes with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.

General Tso Chicken

Origin of General Tso Chicken

Contrary to popular belief, General Tso Chicken was not named after a famous Chinese general. The dish was created in the 1970s by a Chinese chef in New York City.

The chef, Peng Chang-Kuei, had previously served as a chef for the Nationalist government in China before fleeing to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War. In New York City, Peng came up with the recipe for General Tso Chicken, which quickly became popular in Chinese restaurants around the States.

Taste and Flavor of General Tso Chicken

so Chicken is known for its sweet and spicy flavor profile. The sauce used in the dish is made with a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers.

The chicken is often deep-fried, which gives it a crispy texture. The sauce is then poured over the chicken pieces and served with steamed rice.

Ingredients of General Tso Chicken

The ingredients used in General Tso Chicken include chicken breast, cornstarch, egg, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, dried chili peppers, and scallions. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of cornstarch, egg, and soy sauce before being deep-fried.

The sauce is then made by combining rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and dried chili peppers in a pan and cooking until the sugar has dissolved. The deep-fried chicken is then added to the sauce and cooked until the chicken is coated in the sauce.

Tai Chien Chicken

Origin of Tai Chien Chicken

Tai Chien Chicken is a Taiwanese dish that is made by stir-frying chicken with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The dish is believed to have originated in Taipei in the 1950s, and it quickly became popular in Taiwan and other parts of Asia.

Taste and Flavor of Tai Chien Chicken

Tai Chien Chicken is known for its savory and slightly sweet flavor. The dish is made with a combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sugar, which gives it a unique taste.

The chicken is stir-fried, which gives it a tender texture. The dish is often served with steamed rice and vegetables.

Ingredients of Tai Chien Chicken

The ingredients used in Tai Chien Chicken include chicken breast, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and scallions. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch.

The chicken is then stir-fried with scallions until it is cooked through. The dish is often served with steamed rice and vegetables.

Comparison

General Tso Chicken and Tai Chien Chicken are quite different regarding taste and flavor. General Tso Chicken is known for its sweet and spicy flavor, while Tai Chien Chicken is savory and slightly sweet.

Both dishes are made with chicken breasts, but each dish’s cooking methods and ingredients are different.

In terms of ingredients, both dishes use similar ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. However, General Tso Chicken also uses rice vinegar, dried chili peppers, and scallions, while Tai Chien Chicken uses cornstarch and sugar.

Conclusion

So, which one is better – General Tso Chicken or Tai Chien Chicken? Well, that ultimately depends on your personal taste preferences. General Tso Chicken is the way to go if you like sweet and spicy dishes. If you prefer savory dishes with a slight sweetness, Tai Chien Chicken is the better choice.

Both dishes are loved by people all over the world, and they each have their unique flavor profiles. So why not try both and see which one you like best?

FAQs

Is General Tso Chicken a traditional Chinese dish?

No, General Tso Chicken is not a tradition was actually created Chinese chef who was working in New York City in the 1970s.

Is Tai Chien Chicken healthier than General Tso Chicken?

Both dishes are not exactly healthy as they are fried and coated in sauce. However, Tai Chien Chicken may be slightly healthier as it is stir-fried rather than deep-fried.

Can I make these dishes at home?

Yes, both General Tso Chicken and Tai Chien Chicken can be made at home. There are many recipes available online that you can follow.

Are these dishes gluten-free?

It depends on the recipe you use. Some recipes may use soy sauce, which contains gluten. However, there are gluten-free soy sauce options available that you can use instead.

References:

1. https://natashaskitchen.com/general-tsos-chicken/
2. https://www.recipetineats.com/general-tsos-chicken/
3. https://www.mashed.com/228943/the-little-known-reason-you-shouldnt-order-general-tsos-chicken-at-a-chinese-restaurant/