Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Baked Wontons: Your Go-To Recipe for Homemade Takeout Flavor

Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy shell, revealing a flavorful filling of tender chicken coated in tangy General Tso’s sauce, all balanced with a touch of creamy cheese. Now imagine achieving this delectable experience without the fuss and mess of deep-frying. Yes, it’s possible! These Crispy General Tso’s Chicken Baked Wontons combine the iconic flavors of everyone’s favorite General Tso’s chicken with the irresistible crunch of a baked wonton, reminiscent of beloved crab rangoons. Get ready for an appetizer that will disappear faster than you can say “takeout”!

Celebrate Flavors: From Lunar New Year to Everyday Cravings

Happy New Year! While it might be February 8th and not January 1st on the Gregorian calendar, for many cultures around the world, today marks the beginning of a new cycle. I’m referring to the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, which ushers in the Year of the Monkey (based on the original article’s context, implying the year 2016 when the Year of the Monkey began). It’s a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, incredible food!

You might wonder why an Italian American woman is celebrating Chinese New Year with such enthusiasm. My passion for Chinese food, or more accurately, Chinese American cuisine, runs deep, fueled by a lifelong fascination with diverse cultures and their culinary traditions. Growing up, my exposure to Chinese food often came through a Girl Scout troop friend whose parents owned a local Chinese restaurant. Snack days were legendary when it was her turn – a delightful spread from their kitchen that everyone eagerly anticipated.

My appreciation for Chinese culture extended beyond the plate. During my time in Ireland, I vividly recall attending the Dublin Chinese New Year festival with a friend. We immersed ourselves in the vibrant parade, admired the festive costumes, and yes, indulged in countless egg rolls – a memory that, even nine years later, still brings a smile to my face. It’s funny how things come full circle: while my parents rarely took me out for Chinese food as a child, it’s now my ultimate comfort food as an adult.

The Quest for Perfect General Tso’s Chicken: A Culinary Journey

The craving for Chinese takeout is a weekly ritual for me, particularly on Fridays. This habit likely started at my previous job, where treating myself to a takeout lunch, usually from the local Chinese spot, became a cherished end-of-week reward. My order was almost always the same: General Tso’s Chicken with white rice. Occasionally, I’d venture out and try something different, only to be left disappointed and wishing I had stuck to my tried-and-true favorite.

When I moved back to Pittsburgh, this beloved craving followed me. The challenge, however, was finding a new Chinese restaurant that could live up to my General Tso’s expectations. No two places ever taste quite the same! The restaurant I truly love is a bit of a drive, but if I’m already in the area shopping, I make sure to grab some takeout. Even after the drive home, it’s usually still warm and retains that delightful, slight crispness.

There are two closer options, but neither quite hits the mark. One place is too shy with its sauce, leaving the chicken feeling dry, while the other’s General Tso’s just doesn’t capture the familiar, beloved flavor profile I’ve come to expect. What’s a food lover to do when the perfect version of their favorite dish is elusive? You take matters into your own hands and make your own at home!

Baked, Not Fried: The Brilliant Fusion of Flavors

My enthusiasm for homemade Chinese food comes with a significant caveat: I avoid deep-frying whenever possible. While I adore fried food, I generally prefer to buy it already cooked. The thought of dealing with half a bottle of oil, the lingering smell of fried food for days, and the cleanup process is enough to deter me. This preference posed a problem for another one of my takeout favorites: crab rangoons. Those crispy, cream cheese-filled wontons are undeniably delicious, but they are, by definition, deep-fried.

Somewhere along my culinary journey, a brilliant idea sparked: why not marry these two concepts? Combine the irresistible flavors of General Tso’s chicken with the beloved format of a crispy, cream cheese-filled wonton – but make it baked! This stroke of genius led to the creation of these incredible General Tso’s Chicken Baked Wontons. They offer all the satisfying crunch and rich flavor you crave, without any of the deep-frying hassle.

Each wonton is generously stuffed with a savory mixture of creamy cream cheese, tender chicken, and (of course) my irresistible homemade General Tso’s sauce. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, offering a healthier and equally delicious alternative to traditional fried versions.

Crafting the Perfect General Tso’s Sauce at Home

My homemade General Tso’s sauce boasts a slightly unique twist compared to what you might find at typical Chinese American restaurants. My “secret” ingredient? A generous helping of sweet chili sauce. This addition lends a fantastic balance of sweetness and a gentle kick, elevating the traditional flavors and making the sauce truly irresistible.

If sweet chili isn’t quite your preference, don’t worry! These versatile wontons also taste fantastic when dipped in a tangy pineapple teriyaki sauce. Experiment to find your perfect pairing!

Another essential (and not-so-secret) ingredient crucial to the depth of flavor in this recipe, and indeed most Asian-inspired dishes, is soy sauce. I’m quite confident that almost all Chinese dishes rely on soy sauce to impart that characteristic umami richness and savory depth. Choosing a good quality soy sauce can make a noticeable difference in the final taste of your dish, so don’t skimp on this foundational ingredient.

Mastering the Art of Wonton Folding: Easier Than You Think!

Assembling these wontons might look intricate, but I promise you, stuffing the wontons is easier than it looks! With a little practice, you’ll be a wonton-folding pro in no time. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

• First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh wonton wrappers, which are typically found in the refrigerated produce section of your grocery store, often near the tofu or mushrooms.
• Place about 1 tablespoon of your delicious chicken and cream cheese filling directly into the center of a single wonton wrapper. Remember, less is more here – overfilling can make sealing difficult and lead to burst wontons during baking.
• Next, lightly brush all four edges of the wonton wrapper with a small amount of water. This creates a seal that will help hold your wonton together.
• Carefully bring each of the four corners of the square wrapper up towards the center, pinching them together so they all meet in the middle.
• As you bring the corners together, an “X” shape should naturally form on top. Gently press along the edges where the wrapper overlaps to ensure a tight seal. This not only keeps the filling secure but also helps create those lovely crispy edges.
• If this method feels a bit tricky, you can also opt for a simpler triangle fold. Simply fold the square wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your folding technique. The goal is a securely sealed package, and practice makes perfect!

General Tso’s Chicken Baked Wontons

Yield:
12 wontons

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
55 minutes

Want to save money on Chinese take out but hate frying at home? These crispy General Tso’s Chicken Baked Wontons combines everyone’s favorite general tso’s chicken dish with the concept of crab rangoons into crispy baked wontons that will disappear quickly.

Ingredients

General Tso’s Sauce

• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Wontons

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into 4 pieces
• 12 wonton wrappers

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. For the sauce: In a large saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes or until it thickens. Remove from the heat and cool. Reserve 1/2 cup for dipping sauce.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes then flip and cook for another 3 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add the remaining general tso’s sauce, green onion, and cream cheese, a few pieces at a time, and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Working with 1 wonton wrapper at a time, add 1 tablespoon filling to the center. Lightly brush the edges with water then lift each corner and have all four meet in the middle, forming an X. Press the edges to seal and place on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining wontons and filling.
5. Lightly spray each wonton with cooking spray then bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Serve with reserved 1/2 cup sauce for dipping.

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More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Elevate Your Home Cooking

If you loved these General Tso’s Chicken Baked Wontons and are looking to explore more delicious dishes that use soy sauce or have an Asian-inspired flair, here are some fantastic recipes to try:

General Tso’s Sweet Chili Shrimp


Thai Sweet Chili Shrimp with Cabbage “Noodles”


Pork Teriyaki Meatball Subs


Pork Wonton Soup


General Tso’s Sweet Chili Chicken Strips

These recipes offer diverse ways to enjoy the rich, savory, and sometimes sweet notes of Asian cuisine, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy experimenting!