Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

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Here’s a simple and delicious Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken recipe. This version lets your slow cooker do the hard work while you enjoy tender, flavorful chicken in a sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce. Serve it over rice and enjoy a takeout favorite made at home!

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning, optional)

For the sauce:

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1/4 cup water

For thickening the sauce (optional):

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For garnish:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Prep the chicken:
    • Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
    • (Optional) Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped.

    2. Make the sauce:

      • In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and water.

      3. Assemble in the slow cooker:

        • Place the chicken into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.

        4. Cook:

          • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

          5. Thicken the sauce (optional):

            • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Stir it into the sauce during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.

            6. Serve:

              • Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch.

              Tips:

              • For extra veggies, add chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
              • Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

              Enjoy your homemade slow cooker General Tso’s Chicken—a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors!

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