Copycat PF Chang's General Tso Chicken

I made this copycat PF Chang's General Tso Chicken for dinner last night and it got RAVE reviews - "Better than a restaurant, mom" kind of reviews. My pickiest eater had three servings - she stocks up on the stuff she likes, and picks at the stuff she doesn't, so that in itself is a recommendation on it's own.

Sauce:

4 Tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup cold water

3 minced garlic cloves

3 Tablespoons grated fresh ginger - strings and all

1.5 cups white sugar

2 Tablespoons molasses
3 Tablespoons sweet soy sauce (thick, and found at Asian stores)

4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon onion powder

Mix Sauce together, cover, and set aside in the fridge.

Chicken:

3-4 cups diced chicken breasts (no skin or bone, raw)

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1.5 cups oil for frying

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

3-4 red chili peppers - optional (there are many varieties - whatever is on hand)

Place flour, pepper, salt and pepper flakes in large ziplock bag.  Add chicken, seal, and shake until coated. 

Heat oil in wok, and place coated chicken pieces into hot oil.  Cook for 2-3 minutes, frying until cooked through, and as they begin to turn golden brown. Remove from oil, and drain on paper towel.  Repeat until all chicken pieces are cooked.  

Drain all but 1 Tablespoon of oil from wok (chicken debris is ok), and add chili peppers.  Heat for a few minutes, so that their skin can soften, and release the pepper oils.  Remove sauce from refrigerator, and slowly add to wok, stirring constantly, until it boils and thickens and combines.  

Remove from heat, and add chicken - stirring to coat. 

Serve over hot rice

Serves 8