Healthy General Tso’s Chicken: A Low-Carb, Weight Watchers Friendly Takeout Alternative

Craving the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors of your favorite General Tso’s Chicken but worried about the high calorie and fat content? Look no further! This incredible recipe for Healthy General Tso’s Chicken delivers all the authentic taste you love without the guilt. We’ve meticulously crafted a lighter version that skips the traditional breading and deep-frying, opting for tender, succulent chicken sautéed to perfection. Infused with aromatic garlic and fresh ginger, then coated in a vibrant, low-sugar sauce, this dish is just as satisfying and flavorful as any takeout—if not more so!

Imagine a delicious, guilt-free meal ready in just 20 minutes, all while being a fantastic 1 Weight Watchers Point per serving. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something quick, easy, and incredibly tasty that helps you stay on track with your health and wellness goals. Say goodbye to greasy takeout and hello to a homemade delight that your whole family will adore. If you’re hungry for more mouthwatering, health-conscious meals, explore our collection of other Weight Watchers dinner recipes—each designed to be speedy, simple, and irresistibly delicious!

Why Choose a Healthy General Tso’s Chicken?

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish, famous for its crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a rich, sweet, sour, and spicy sauce. While undeniably delicious, traditional versions often come with a significant caloric load due to deep-frying and high sugar content in the sauce. Our healthy rendition transforms this classic into a diet-friendly option by making key adjustments without compromising flavor.

• No Deep-Frying: We pan-sear the chicken, significantly reducing the amount of oil and fat. This also makes the cooking process quicker and less messy.
• Low-Sugar Sauce: By using alternative sweeteners like Stevia or Splenda, we dramatically cut down on added sugars, making the sauce healthier and more suitable for low-carb or Weight Watchers diets.
• Lean Protein: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein, helping you feel full and satisfied.
• Quick & Easy: This recipe is designed for efficiency, perfect for those busy evenings when you need a wholesome meal on the table fast.
• Weight Watchers Friendly: At just 1 WW Point per serving, it’s an excellent choice for anyone tracking their points, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal without derailing your progress.

Recipe Overview

Here’s a quick glance at what makes this recipe a weeknight winner:

• Serving Size: Approximately 200 g per serving, providing a substantial and satisfying portion.
• Number of Servings: This recipe yields 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.
• Time to Cook: From start to finish, you’ll have this delicious meal ready in a mere 20 minutes, making it faster than ordering takeout!
• 1 WW Point Per Serving. This recipe is incredibly Weight Watchers friendly. You can easily verify and track it on the official WW App here (WW login required).

Ingredients for a Lighter Takeout Experience

Crafting this healthy General Tso’s Chicken requires simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a complex and delicious flavor profile. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that authentic taste while keeping it light.

For the chicken, we focus on lean protein and a flavorful marinade:

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (600 g), cut into medium cubes: Using chicken breast ensures a lean protein source. Cutting them into uniform cubes helps them cook evenly and quickly.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30 ml): Provides a foundational savory, umami flavor for the marinade. Consider low-sodium soy sauce to manage sodium intake.
• 1 large garlic clove, finely minced: Fresh garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth that is essential to Asian-inspired dishes.
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (5 g): Fresh ginger provides a warm, spicy, and zesty kick, enhancing the overall freshness of the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional): For those who love a little extra heat. Adjust to your personal spice preference, or omit for a milder version.

The General Tso sauce is the heart of this dish, bringing together sweet, sour, and spicy notes:

• ¾ cup chicken broth (180 ml): Forms the base of our lighter sauce, adding body and flavor without excess calories.
• 1½ tablespoons soy sauce (22 ml): Balances the broth and adds more savory notes.
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (15 ml): A crucial ingredient for its sweet and savory depth. Even a small amount adds significant flavor.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml): Provides the characteristic tanginess that cuts through the richness and brightens the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (3 g): Our secret weapon for thickening the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency without relying on heavier flours.
• 1 packet of Stevia or 1 teaspoon of Splenda (or to taste): Replaces traditional sugar, making the sauce low-calorie and diet-friendly. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.
• 1 dried red chili or 1 fresh jalapeño, sliced (optional): For an authentic spicy kick. Dried chilies offer a deeper, slow-building heat, while fresh jalapeños provide a brighter, more immediate spice.

For sautéing, minimal oil is needed:

• 1 teaspoon oil (5 ml): Just enough to prevent sticking and aid in browning the chicken in a non-stick skillet.
• Extra fresh jalapeño slices for serving (optional): A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and an additional layer of heat and freshness when serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Healthy Takeout Meal

Making this healthy version of General Tso’s Chicken is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Begin by placing your cubed chicken breasts in a medium-sized bowl. Add the soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili powder (if using). Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate on the counter while you prepare the remaining ingredients. A quick 10-minute marinade is sufficient to infuse the chicken with flavor, though you can marinate it longer in the refrigerator if you have extra time.
2. Prepare the General Tso Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, your chosen sweetener (Stevia or Splenda), and the chili or jalapeño (if desired for heat). Whisk vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. This ensures a smooth, glossy sauce later on. Set this mixture aside.
3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add one teaspoon of oil, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and boasts a beautiful light golden-brown color on all sides. Turn off the heat but leave the cooked chicken in the skillet; it will absorb the sauce better while still warm.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Pour your prepared sauce mixture into a small saucepan. Cook this over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or spoon. The sauce will begin to thicken gradually as it heats, usually taking about 3–5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a slightly viscous consistency and coats the back of your spoon without dripping off immediately. If you find the sauce is too thin, create a slurry by dissolving 1 extra tablespoon of cornstarch in ¼ cup of cold water and slowly add it to the simmering sauce, stirring until it reaches your desired thickness. Conversely, if the sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little more chicken broth until it’s perfect.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: With the sauce thickened, pour it directly over the sautéed chicken in the skillet. Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated in the rich, glossy sauce. The residual heat from the skillet and chicken will help meld all the flavors together without overcooking the chicken, keeping it tender and juicy.
6. Serve and Garnish: Serve your Healthy General Tso’s Chicken immediately while hot. For an extra touch of freshness and heat, garnish with additional fresh jalapeño slices if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed brown rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or a side of steamed vegetables.

Pro Tips for Perfect Healthy General Tso’s Chicken

While this recipe is designed to be incredibly simple and forgiving, a few expert tips can elevate your dish from great to extraordinary:

1. Uniform Chicken Cubes: Always aim to cut your chicken breast into pieces of roughly the same size. This seemingly small detail ensures that every piece cooks evenly, preventing some from becoming overcooked and dry while others are still undercooked. Consistency is key for uniform texture.
2. Mastering Sauce Consistency: The sauce is arguably the most important component of General Tso’s. The perfect consistency is thick enough to cling to the chicken but still pourable and glossy. A good visual cue is when the sauce coats the back of a spoon without running off immediately. Don’t be afraid to adjust: if it’s too thin, create a quick slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed into ¼ cup of cold water, adding it gradually to the simmering sauce while stirring until it thickens. If it becomes too thick, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Customizing Sweetness and Spice: The beauty of homemade food is tailoring it to your palate. I typically use one packet of Stevia for a balanced sweetness, but if you prefer a bolder, more intense flavor profile with extra zing, feel free to add more chili (fresh or dried) and another packet of Stevia. These adjustments won’t add any Weight Watchers points but will significantly amp up the flavor to your liking.
4. Double Down on the Sauce and Veggies: This is a fantastic strategy for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. I often double or even triple the amount of General Tso sauce. With extra sauce on hand, you can quickly sauté or grill a medley of your favorite chopped vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, or carrots) for a few minutes until tender-crisp. Then, simply toss them with the extra General Tso sauce. This not only adds a nutritious vegetable boost to your meal but can also extend your servings, providing enough for dinner and even leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s a delicious and efficient way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet!

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

To make your Healthy General Tso’s Chicken a complete and satisfying meal, consider these serving ideas:

• Rice: Classic pairing! Opt for steamed brown rice for added fiber or white rice if preferred.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, serve with steamed or sautéed cauliflower rice. It soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or green beans tossed with a light sesame oil dressing complement the dish perfectly.
• Noodles: A side of light lo mein noodles or zucchini noodles can also be a delicious addition.
• Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or extra fresh jalapeño for color and a fresh bite.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This Healthy General Tso’s Chicken is fantastic for meal prepping:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken a day in advance. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then gently reheated and thickened just before serving.

Related Weight Watchers Friendly Recipes

If you enjoyed this healthy Chinese-inspired dish, you’ll love these other recipes:

Chicken Bulgogi: A Healthier Twist on the Classic Recipe

Asian Style Grilled Chicken Wings

Bourbon Chicken

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Healthy General Tso’s Chicken

Servings: 4

Total: 20 minutes mins

A Weight Watcher version of General Tso that’s better than takeout!

Ingredients 

For the chicken:

• ▢ 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into medium cubes (600 g)
• ▢ 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 30 ml
• ▢ 1 large garlic clove, finely minced
• ▢ 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, 5 g
• ▢ ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne, optional

For the General Tso sauce:

• ▢ ¾ cup chicken broth, 180 ml
• ▢ 1½ tablespoons soy sauce, 22 ml
• ▢ 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 15 ml
• ▢ 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 15 ml
• ▢ 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 3 g
• ▢ 1 packet of Stevia or 1 teaspoon of Splenda, or to taste
• ▢ 1 dried red chili or 1 fresh jalapeño, sliced (optional)

For sautéing:

• ▢ 1 teaspoon oil, 5 ml
• ▢ Extra fresh jalapeño slices for serving, optional

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Instructions 

• Place the cubed chicken in a bowl and add soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili powder. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and let it marinate while you prep the other ingredients. Ten minutes is enough.
• In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sweetener, and chili or jalapeño if using. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the cornstarch and set aside.
• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with one teaspoon of oil. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for 6–8 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly golden. Once done, turn off the heat but leave the chicken in the skillet.
• In a separate small saucepan, pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, dissolve 1 extra tablespoon of cornstarch in ¼ cup of water and add a little at a time. If it’s too thick, just add more broth.
• Pour the thickened sauce directly over the chicken in the skillet. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce using a spoon or spatula. The residual heat will help bring everything together without overcooking the chicken.
• Serve hot, topped with fresh jalapeño slices if desired.

Notes

1 Points per serving. 

Nutrition

Serving: 192gCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 4.4gProtein: 35gFat: 5.2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 1158mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 2.3gCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

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