Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

Step into the world of Chinese-American cuisine with our Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken recipe. This beloved dish, named after a Qing dynasty military leader, offers a tantalizing combination of crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy all the flavors of this popular dish with minimal effort. So, let’s dive into the recipe and create a meal that’s sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Optional for garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that all pieces are coated evenly.
4. Cook Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or on high heat for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Cook Notes and Variations

• Crispier Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, you can skip the browning step and place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Healthier Option: For a healthier version, you can use skinless chicken breasts and bake them instead of frying. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute in the sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value of the dish by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat. You can also add additional hot sauce or chili paste for an extra kick.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

• Keto Version: Substitute the cornstarch with almond flour or coconut flour for coating the chicken. Use a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia instead of brown sugar in the sauce. Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Version: Similarly, use almond flour or coconut flour for coating the chicken to keep it low in carbs. Adjust the amount of brown sugar or omit it entirely from the sauce. Serve the dish with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative to rice or noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Keep in mind that thighs may require slightly longer cooking time in the slow cooker.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Simply transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook according to the recipe instructions when ready to serve.
3. Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. The red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat, but you can increase or decrease the amount to suit your preference for spice.
4. Can I use a different type of vinegar? While rice vinegar is traditional for General Tso’s Chicken, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if needed.
5. How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken offers all the flavors of the classic takeout favorite with the convenience of a slow cooker. With its tender chicken, crispy coating, and flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to become a hit with your family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or served at a gathering, it’s a versatile and satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So, fire up your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade version of this beloved Chinese-American dish.

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken and treat yourself to a taste sensation that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and easy preparation, it’s a dish that delivers on both taste and convenience. So, gather your ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work as you sit back, relax, and enjoy the delicious results.