In this quick-cooking spin on a takeout favorite, hoisin sauce, honey, sriracha, and sesame oil lend our chicken the sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors General Tso's is known for. A light dusting of cornstarch on the chicken just before it hits the pan creates a delicately crispy exterior (and helps it soak up the irresistible sauce later).
1. Cook the rice:
Remove the honey from the refrigerator to bring to room temperature. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, a big pinch of salt, and 1 1/2 cups of water; heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook 12 to 14 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat and fluff with a fork. Cover to keep warm.
2. Coat & cook the chicken:
While the rice cooks, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add the cornstarch; toss to thoroughly coat. In a medium pan, heat a thin layer of oil on medium-high until hot. Once the oil is hot enough that a piece of chicken sizzles immediately when added to the pan, add the coated chicken in an even layer (tapping off any excess cornstarch before adding). Cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a plate. Set aside in a warm place
3. Prepare the ingredients & make the sauce:
While the chicken cooks, wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut off and discard the root end of the bok choy; roughly chop. Peel and finely chop the ginger. Peel and roughly chop the garlic. In a bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, vinegar, honey (kneading the packet before opening), sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of water, and as much of the sriracha as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be.
4. Stir-Fry the Bok Choy with Aromatic and Sauce:
Add the chopped bok choy, ginger, and garlic to the pan of reserved fond; season with salt and pepper. (If the pan seems dry, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.) Cook on medium-high, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Add the sauce and cook, stirring constantly and scraping up any fond, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until thoroughly combined.
5. Finish & serve your dish:
Turn off the heat and add the cooked chicken to the pan; stir to thoroughly coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the finished chicken and bok choy with the cooked rice. Enjoy!
