Sesame Chicken vs. General Tso. Two chicken dishes that look similar yet differ in important ways.
Both are crispy, saucy, and satisfying, but their sauces and seasonings create distinct flavor profiles.
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Sesame Chicken vs. General Tso
At a glance, sesame chicken and General Tso chicken can appear very similar—crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce. Sesame chicken is often finished with sesame seeds, and General Tso’s typically has a slightly darker, richer hue. The primary distinction between them comes down to their sauces: both use soy sauce as a base, but the additional ingredients create unique and recognizable flavors.
Sesame Chicken
What is Sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken highlights sesame flavor—both the oil and the small seeds. It features crispy pieces of chicken, usually cut into strips or cubes, stir-fried or briefly deep-fried, then tossed in a glossy sweet-savory sauce. The sauce commonly combines soy sauce with honey, ketchup, garlic, and sesame oil, producing a balanced sweet and savory profile. Sesame seeds are sprinkled on top for texture and a nutty finish. This dish is typically served with rice or noodles and often accompanied by vegetables like carrots.
The Origins of Sesame Chicken
The origin of sesame chicken is debated. Some trace it to Canton in mainland China, others to Hong Kong, while many believe it was adapted by Chinese restaurants in the United States. Over time, this American-influenced version has become a staple of Western Chinese cuisine. Rather than representing a strictly traditional Chinese dish, sesame chicken is best seen as a dish inspired by Chinese flavors and adapted for broader tastes.
General Tso chicken
What is General Tso chicken?
General Tso chicken features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sticky, slightly sweet-and-sour sauce with a noticeable chili kick. The sauce is typically based on soy sauce and blended with chicken stock, vinegar (often rice wine vinegar), and a sweetener such as honey or brown sugar, then thickened with cornstarch. Garlic and dried chili or chili flakes are added while simmering to give the sauce its characteristic warmth and depth. The finished dish is glossy and clings to the chicken; it is commonly served with rice or noodles and steamed broccoli.
The Origins of General Tso chicken
General Tso chicken is credited to Chef Peng Chang-Kuei, who first served a version of the dish at a banquet in Taiwan in the 1950s. He named it after General Zuo Zongtang (often anglicized as General Tso). The dish later became popular in American Chinese restaurants and evolved into the spicy-sweet version many recognize today.
Sesame chicken vs. General Tso chicken
Both dishes share a base: bite-sized fried chicken coated in a thick, glossy sauce and served with rice or noodles. Differences arise in cut, oil, and—most importantly—the sauce composition and seasoning.
Sesame chicken often uses chicken breast cut into strips or cubes and is frequently cooked with sesame oil and flavored with sesame seeds. General Tso’s is commonly made with dark meat like thighs for a juicier texture and is usually fried in a neutral oil.
Preparation techniques overlap: chicken pieces are often dipped in egg and coated with cornstarch before frying to create a light, crisp crust. The sauces are where the dishes diverge: sesame chicken’s sauce leans sweeter and nuttier thanks to honey and sesame oil, sometimes with ketchup for body and garlic for aromatics. General Tso’s sauce adds depth with chicken stock, vinegar, brown sugar, and chili, plus aromatics like garlic, hoisin, and scallions in some recipes—resulting in a spicier, more tang-forward profile. Visually, General Tso’s sauce is usually a shade darker than sesame chicken’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is General Tso chicken named after the general?
The dish was named by its creator, Chef Peng Chang-Kuei, in honor of General Zuo Zongtang (General Tso). The recipe was introduced at a banquet in Taiwan and later spread to American Chinese restaurants.
Are they the same color?
Both dishes typically display a reddish-brown hue from soy sauce and other seasonings, but General Tso’s sauce is often slightly darker and glossier.
Which is sweeter, Sesame Chicken or General Tso chicken?
Sesame chicken tends to be sweeter and nuttier because of honey and sesame oil, while General Tso chicken balances sweetness with vinegar and chili heat, making it less sugary overall.
Conclusion
Sesame chicken and General Tso chicken share many elements—crispy fried chicken, soy-based sauces, and similar presentation—but their sauces and seasonings set them apart. Sesame chicken emphasizes sesame and sweet notes, while General Tso balances sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. If you enjoy exploring flavors, try both and compare the nuances yourself.