A healthy, light, and fresh take on the classic takeout favorite, General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowls are an excellent choice for a calorie-conscious, high-protein meal. They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Low-carb alternatives are included.

What is General Tso’s Chicken?

General Tso’s chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Traditionally, bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken are lightly coated, fried until crisp, and then tossed in a sticky, tangy sauce. For this recipe, we skip frying and use grilled chicken to deliver the same bold flavor with fewer calories.

What is in General Tso’s Sauce?

The classic sauce typically combines hoisin and soy sauce with a sweetener (like honey), chili paste or red pepper flakes, and aromatics such as garlic and ginger. The result is a glossy, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and soaks into rice. You can use a good-quality store-bought jar for convenience, or make the homemade version provided below for better control over sugar and sodium.

How to Make These General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowls

Grilling chicken breasts keeps this recipe lighter and faster than the traditional fried version. Start by marinating boneless chicken breasts in either jarred General Tso’s sauce or your homemade sauce. A short 10-minute marinade adds flavor, but marinating in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight will deepen the taste.

When ready to cook, grill the marinated breasts over medium to medium-high heat. Depending on thickness, grill roughly 6–10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to retain moisture, then slice into thick pieces. While the chicken rests is a great time to steam broccoli and prepare rice.

One medium boneless chicken breast generally serves two when sliced and added to bowls.

How to Assemble the Bowls

To assemble, divide cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb) among bowls. Top each portion with shredded carrots (or green onions if keeping it low-carb), steamed broccoli, and sliced grilled chicken. Spoon extra General Tso’s sauce over the top so it soaks into the rice for maximum flavor.

For extra protein and presentation, 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, sliced in half horizontally

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

Homemade Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tsp fresh minced ginger
• 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tbsp sweetener of choice (honey, maple, or sugar alternative)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch or xanthan gum (for thickening)
• Note: If not following a low-carb diet, you can simplify the sauce with sweet chili sauce, soy, and hoisin.

Garnish options:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onion
• Soft- or hard-boiled egg

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in a bowl and coat with ½ cup General Tso’s sauce to marinate. For best flavor, refrigerate for several hours or overnight; at minimum, let sit 10 minutes.
2. Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high. Grill chicken 4–7 minutes per side (or 6–10 minutes depending on thickness) until fully cooked.
3. Let cooked chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice into thick pieces.
4. Divide rice, carrots (or green onions), and steamed broccoli among bowls. Top with sliced chicken.
5. Drizzle additional General Tso’s sauce over each bowl and garnish with sesame seeds, green onion, or a boiled egg if desired.

To make the homemade sauce: Combine ginger, garlic, red chili flakes, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), hoisin, water, and sweetener in a bowl. Stir in cornstarch or xanthan gum, transfer to a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, and cook 3–5 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

Nutrition will vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes. The pictured bowl is estimated using 1 cup jasmine rice and 4 oz chicken. For a lower-carb version, swap in cauliflower rice or omit rice altogether. Many store-bought General Tso’s sauces contain added sugar—making the sauce at home lets you control the sweetness and reduce added sugars.