A healthy, light, and fresh take on a Chinese-American favorite, General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowls offer a high‑protein, lower‑calorie alternative to takeout. They’re quick to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights. Low‑carb options are noted throughout.

What is General Tso’s Chicken?

General Tso’s chicken is a well‑known Chinese‑American dish characterized by crispy pieces of chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. Traditional recipes often use boneless chicken pieces dredged in cornstarch and deep‑fried before tossing them in the sauce.

This version skips frying for a lighter result while preserving the bold flavors you expect from General Tso’s.

What is in General Tso’s Chicken Sauce?

The sauce typically combines hoisin, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), a sweetener such as honey or sweet chili sauce, and a chili paste or flakes for heat. It becomes glossy and sticky when heated, coating the chicken and pairing well with steamed broccoli and rice.

You can use a store‑bought sauce for convenience, or make a simple homemade version with the ingredients listed below for better control over sugar and sodium.

How To Make Our General Tso’s Chicken Bowl Recipe

To keep this recipe lighter, we grill seasoned chicken breasts instead of frying. Marinating the chicken in General Tso’s sauce infuses flavor and shortens cook time.

For a time‑saving option, use a good quality jarred sauce. If you prefer, prepare the homemade sauce below to reduce added sugars and tailor the spice level. Marinate the chicken at least 10 minutes; for deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight.

Grill the marinated chicken over medium to medium‑high heat. Depending on thickness, cook about 6–10 minutes per side. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or the juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. While it rests, steam the broccoli.

Slice the rested chicken into thick pieces. One boneless chicken breast typically serves two people when combined with rice and vegetables.

How To Assemble Our General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowl

Build each bowl with about 1/2 cup cooked white, brown, or cauliflower rice (for low‑carb). Top with shredded carrots (or green onions for a low‑carb swap), steamed broccoli, and sliced grilled General Tso’s chicken. Finish with an extra spoonful of sauce so it soaks into the rice.

For extra protein and color, add a soft‑boiled egg, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowl

Ingredients:

2 boneless chicken breasts, halved horizontally

• ½ cup General Tso’s sauce, plus more for serving
• 2 cups cooked brown or white rice (or cauliflower rice for low carb)
• ½ cup shredded carrots (or green onions if low carb)
• 2 cups steamed broccoli

Homemade Sauce Ingredients

• Fresh minced ginger — 2 tsp
• Fresh minced garlic — 2 cloves
• Red chili flakes — 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos — 3 tbsp
• Hoisin sauce — 1 tbsp
• Water — ¼ cup
• Sweetener of choice — 2 tbsp
• Cornstarch or xanthan gum — 1 tbsp (to thicken)
• Note: If you are not following a low‑carb plan, you can simplify the sauce by using sweet chili sauce plus soy and hoisin.

Garnish options:

• Sesame seeds
• Green onion
• Boiled egg

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and pour ½ cup General Tso’s sauce over them. Coat well and let marinate at least 10 minutes, or refrigerate for several hours for deeper flavor.
2. Preheat a grill or skillet to medium‑high. Cook the chicken 4–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thick pieces.
4. Divide rice into bowls, top with shredded carrots (or green onions), steamed broccoli, and sliced chicken.
5. Drizzle additional General Tso’s sauce over each bowl and garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or a soft‑boiled egg if desired.
6. If making the sauce from scratch: whisk all sauce ingredients together, bring to a simmer in a small pot, and cook 3–5 minutes until thickened.

Notes

Calories and nutrition will vary based on choices and portion sizes. The nutrition values shown in the recipe card are based on portions containing 1 cup jasmine rice and 4 oz chicken. For a lower‑carb bowl, use cauliflower rice or omit rice entirely. Store‑bought sauces can contain a lot of sugar, so consider making the sauce at home to control sweetness and sodium.