Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe General Tso
This recipe is even better than the restaurant version, my husband loves it.
General Tso Chicken is more than just a dish; It’s a fusion of cultures, a blend of flavors that has captivated taste buds around the world. The true origin of this dish, named after the respected Chinese military leader General Tso Tsung-tang, is shrouded in mystery and stories of its origin range from New York City to Taiwan. Regardless of where it began, General Tso’s chicken has secured a place as a treasured food in countless households, including mine.
When I was a child, this dish was a symbol of celebration, a staple for birthdays and milestones.However, with the restaurant versions, I often found myself craving something less greasy with a more harmonious blend of flavors. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to this slow cooker version of General Tso’s Chicken. This version promises a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-frying method without sacrificing the rich flavor that makes it a family favorite.
Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into small 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 garnish: sliced spring onions, sesame seeds
Instructions:
To prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, salt and pepper until evenly coated.
Fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker.
Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, stir together the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes. Once everything is mixed, pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cooking: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours, or turn it to high to reduce the cooking time from 2 hours.
Serve: Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, if desired, for an extra touch of flavor and texture.Diving into this slow-cooked version of General Tso’s Chicken not only brings back treasured memories, but also allows you to create new ones. This dish is a testament to the power of adaptation and shows how traditional flavors can be adopted and improved upon in our modern kitchens. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this General Tso’s Chicken is sure to please and fill you up. Enjoy the rich, complex flavors of this beloved dish, now easier and healthier in your slow cooker.