Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken
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
- Green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together chicken, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to a slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix together chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low heat for 4 hours, or on high heat for 2 hours.
- Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: Approximately 350 (without rice)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
Total Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes
How to Serve
Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over a bed of freshly steamed rice or your choice of grains like quinoa for a healthier option.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and texture.
Accompany the dish with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas to round out the meal.
Additional Tips
For Extra Crispiness:
Briefly fry the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces before adding them to the slow cooker for a texture that mimics deep-frying.
Adjusting Spiciness:
Modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
You can also add a bit of chili sauce for an extra kick.
Sauce Thickness:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
Storage:
This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently, adding a little water or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Vegetarian Option:
Substitute the chicken with tofu or a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly.