Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken is a delectable and convenient twist on the popular Chinese-American dish known for its bold flavors and satisfying texture. This dish brings together tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory-sweet sauce, offering a delightful fusion of tastes that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a casual gathering.
At the heart of this recipe is the tender chicken, which is slow-cooked to perfection. The slow cooker ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both juicy and flavorful. The sauce itself is a harmonious blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, creating a well-balanced mixture of salty, sweet, and tangy notes. This combination imparts a rich, complex flavor to the chicken, reminiscent of the classic General Tso’s chicken found in many restaurants.
The preparation is straightforward and hands-off, making it ideal for busy days. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become infused with the aromatic spices of garlic and ginger, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat to complement the sweetness of the sauce. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, with layers of flavor that develop over the cooking time.
When served over a bed of steamed rice, Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken becomes a satisfying and hearty meal. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite even more delicious. Garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds, the dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight.
This slow-cooked version of General Tso’s Chicken offers all the flavor and satisfaction of the traditional dish with the added convenience of minimal preparation and cooking time. It’s a wonderful option for those who love the bold flavors of General Tso’s Chicken but prefer a more hands-off approach to cooking.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken promises a flavorful and gratifying experience, showcasing the rich, savory, and sweet flavors that make this dish a favorite.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- For Garnish:
- 2-3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted, optional)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of vegetable oil.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes). This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
- Slow Cook:
- Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Stir in the minced garlic, minced ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Serve:
- Serve the General Tso’s chicken over cooked rice.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Tips:
- Chicken Preparation: For a crispier texture, consider browning the chicken pieces before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds extra flavor and texture but can be skipped if you prefer a simpler preparation.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a smaller amount if you prefer a milder dish.
- Thickening Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can add additional cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency. Alternatively, cook uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with steamed vegetables or a side of stir-fried greens to complement the meal.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken, a delicious and convenient twist on a classic takeout favorite that’s perfect for a comforting dinner with minimal effort!
