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Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken is an easy and flavorful homemade version of the popular Chinese takeout dish. Tender chicken cubes are lightly browned, then slow-cooked in a sweet, savory, and mildly spicy sauce made with hoisin, soy, garlic, and a hint of ginger. Perfectly cooked with minimal effort, this recipe delivers delicious results that are better than takeout and great for busy weeknights.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into one inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, more or less to liking

Optional Garnish

  • Green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds
  • Additional red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Coat the Chicken: Combine the chicken cubes and cornstarch in a bowl or plastic bag. Toss thoroughly until every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the cornstarch. This coating helps achieve a light crust during browning.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for a few minutes until they develop a light golden-brown color on the outside, but are not cooked through. This step adds flavor and texture. Then transfer the chicken into the slow cooker.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, dry ginger, and crushed red pepper. Ensure the sugar is well dissolved and the ingredients are fully combined to create a balanced sauce.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the browned chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the flavorful sauce.
  5. Serve: Once done, serve the General Tso’s chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and additional red pepper flakes if desired for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • For best texture, do not skip browning the chicken before slow cooking, as it adds a subtle crispiness and deeper flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes and cook on high to reduce the liquid.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper according to your heat preference; omit for a milder dish.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • Pair with steamed vegetables or fried rice for a complete meal.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/slow-cooker-general-tsos-chicken-recipe/