Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe General Tso
Introduction
Are you tired of ordering takeout every time you crave General Tso’s chicken? Look no further! In this recipe, we will show you how to make this popular Chinese dish right in your own kitchen using a slow cooker. Not only will you save time and money, but you’ll also be able to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and easy slow cooker General Tso’s chicken recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with this slow cooker General Tso’s chicken recipe:
1. Easy and Convenient: With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. No need to stand over a hot stove or constantly stir the dish.
2. Flavorful and Tender: The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld together for a mouthwatering result.
3. Homemade Takeout: By making this dish at home, you can control the quality of ingredients and adjust the spice level to your preference.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For the sauce:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces and cornstarch. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth.
3. Place the coated chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. In the meantime, prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and water in a small bowl.
6. About 30 minutes before the chicken is done cooking, pour the sauce mixture into a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully pour the thickened sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat the chicken evenly.
8. Serve the slow cooker General Tso’s chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
Expert Tips for Success
– For extra crispiness, you can coat the chicken in cornstarch and pan-fry it for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
– If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
– To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Variations and Substitutions
– Vegetarian Option: Substitute tofu for the chicken and follow the same steps.
– Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
– Healthier Option: Use skinless chicken breast instead of thighs and reduce the amount of honey or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
– Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker General Tso’s chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or extra sliced green onions for added visual appeal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast instead of chicken thighs. Keep in mind that chicken breast tends to dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook it in the slow cooker.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine them in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions as usual.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the secrets to making delicious slow cooker General Tso’s chicken, it’s time to bring the flavors of your favorite takeout dish into your own kitchen. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a homemade version of this classic Chinese dish that will leave you wanting more!
slow cooker chicken recipe general tso
Impress your family and friends with this delicious and easy slow cooker General Tso’s chicken recipe that allows you to enjoy a homemade version of this classic Chinese dish right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 cup water
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces and cornstarch. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
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In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth.
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Place the coated chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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In the meantime, prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and water in a small bowl.
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About 30 minutes before the chicken is done cooking, pour the sauce mixture into a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
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Once the chicken is cooked, carefully pour the thickened sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat the chicken evenly.
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Serve the slow cooker General Tso's chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
