General Tso's Chicken

This pregnancy has had me craving chinese food like crazy. So I try to make my own even though it doesn't taste as good as takeout (probably because I have to clean up after myself). I've never actually had General Tso's chicken from a restaurant, but this is awesome!

Photo Credit to Tracey's Culinary Adventures

General Tso's Chicken
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup water
3-4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes {I used 1 3/4-2 lb}
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
6-8 spring green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely chopped or grated {I just used ground ginger, 1/2 tsp maybe}
hot pepper flakes (optional) {I will use it next time}

Mix together the first 6 ingredients (through the water) and set aside. This is the sauce.

Dredge the chicken cubes in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and saute the chicken until browned. Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Wipe pan clean with paper towel and add sesame oil with onions and chopped ginger. Fry about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add sauce mixture. Bring to a boil and simmer about 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens a bit. Add the chicken back to the skillet, toss to coat with sauce and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through. Serve garnished with green onion tops and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Recipe Source: Tracey's Culinary Adventures