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Slow Cooker General Tso s Chicken

 

Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

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:

  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is well coated.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring all chicken pieces are coated evenly.
  5. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. Once done, stir the chicken to coat it well with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
  8. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken!

This recipe delivers all the bold flavors of General Tso’s Chicken with the convenience of using a slow cooker, making it perfect for a comforting meal at home.

Here are some tips to elevate your Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken and make it even more delightful:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Before coating the chicken with cornstarch, marinate it for 30 minutes to 1 hour in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil. This enhances the flavor profile of the chicken.
  2. Crisp up the Chicken: For a crispier texture, after browning the chicken in the skillet, you can briefly broil the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step adds a nice crunch to the chicken before it goes into the slow cooker.
  3. Adjust Sweetness and Spice: General Tso’s Chicken is known for its balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Adjust the amount of brown sugar and red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences. You can also add a pinch of five-spice powder for an extra layer of flavor.
  4. Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas to the slow cooker along with the chicken. They will absorb the delicious sauce and add freshness and nutrition to the dish.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or Thai basil over the chicken for a burst of freshness and herbaceous aroma.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by creating a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stirring it into the hot sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Garnish Thoughtfully: Use the green onions and sesame seeds generously for garnish. They not only add visual appeal but also contribute to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  8. Serve with the Right Accompaniments: General Tso’s Chicken is traditionally served with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles for a different twist.

By incorporating these tips, you can make your Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken even more delightful, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying meal every time!

Here are 20 secrets to achieving the perfect Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken:

  1. Use Boneless Chicken Thighs: They are more flavorful and stay tender in the slow cooker compared to chicken breasts.
  2. Cut Chicken into Uniform Pieces: This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.
  3. Coat Chicken in Cornstarch: Creates a crispy coating and helps thicken the sauce.
  4. Brown the Chicken First: Adds flavor and helps maintain texture in the slow cooker.
  5. Adjust Soy Sauce and Salt Levels: Balance the saltiness to taste, as soy sauce varies in saltiness between brands.
  6. Use Rice Vinegar for Authentic Flavor: It adds a distinct tanginess essential to General Tso’s Chicken.
  7. Add Hoisin Sauce for Depth: Enhances the sauce with a sweet and savory flavor.
  8. Include Brown Sugar: Balances the flavors and adds sweetness characteristic of General Tso’s Chicken.
  9. Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Use freshly minced for vibrant flavor.
  10. Red Pepper Flakes for Heat: Adjust to your spice preference to achieve the desired level of heat.
  11. Low and Slow Cooking: Allows flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
  12. Avoid Overcooking: Check chicken tenderness periodically to prevent it from becoming dry.
  13. Stir Occasionally: Helps distribute flavors evenly.
  14. Thicken Sauce if Necessary: Use cornstarch slurry to achieve desired consistency.
  15. Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can be added for added texture and nutrition.
  16. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for freshness and crunch.
  17. Adjust Seasoning Before Serving: Taste and adjust soy sauce, vinegar, or sugar to balance flavors.
  18. Let Rest Before Serving: Allows flavors to meld further.
  19. Serve Over Steamed Rice: Traditional and complements the sauce perfectly.
  20. Enjoy Fresh and Hot: Best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

These secrets will help you achieve a delicious and authentic Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken that is sure to impress!

Sure, here’s an extensive list of commonly asked questions and answers related to Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken:

Preparation and Ingredients:

  1. What ingredients do I need for Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken?
    • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, vegetable oil, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, green onions, and sesame seeds.
  2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
    • Yes, chicken thighs are often preferred for their juiciness and flavor in slow cooker recipes.
  3. How should I cut the chicken?
    • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  4. Do I need to marinate the chicken before cooking?
    • It’s optional but recommended for more flavorful chicken. Marinate in soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil.
  5. What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
    • Oyster sauce mixed with honey, or a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a dash of five-spice powder can be used as substitutes.
  6. Is rice vinegar essential? Can I use another type of vinegar?
    • Rice vinegar adds a distinct tanginess, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if needed.
  7. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time and freeze it with the sauce?
    • Yes, assemble chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
  8. Should I brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
    • Browning enhances flavor and texture, but you can skip this step if short on time.
  9. How spicy is Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken?
    • Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of red pepper flakes used.
  10. How can I make the sauce thicker?
    • Create a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) and stir into the hot sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high until thickened.

Cooking Process:

  1. How long should I cook Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken on high versus low heat?
    • Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until chicken is tender.
  2. Should I stir the chicken during cooking?
    • Stir occasionally to ensure even coating of sauce.
  3. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?
    • Yes, add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
  4. What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?
    • Cook on low heat and avoid overcooking. Check tenderness periodically.
  5. Do I need to cover the slow cooker with a lid during cooking?
    • Yes, keep the lid on to trap moisture and heat.
  6. Can I cook Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken without a slow cooker?
    • Yes, you can adapt the recipe for stovetop or oven cooking, adjusting times accordingly.
  7. What’s the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through?
    • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
    • It’s not recommended for safety reasons; always use thawed chicken.
  9. Can I use a different type of starch instead of cornstarch?
    • Cornstarch works best for creating a crispy coating. Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be alternatives.
  10. Should I add salt to the sauce mixture?
    • Taste the sauce before adding salt; soy sauce is salty, so additional salt may not be necessary.

Flavor Adjustments:

  1. Can I adjust the sweetness of Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken?
    • Yes, adjust brown sugar to taste for desired sweetness.
  2. How can I make the sauce less sweet?
    • Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.
  3. What spices can I add to enhance the flavor?
    • Five-spice powder or a pinch of ground cloves can add depth to the sauce.
  4. How can I make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken less spicy?
    • Use fewer red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
  5. Can I add garlic and ginger paste instead of minced?
    • Yes, adjust quantities to taste; use about 1 teaspoon each of paste for every clove or knob of fresh garlic and ginger.

Serving and Storage:

  1. What should I serve with Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken?
    • Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
  2. How should I garnish Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken?
    • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
  3. Can I refrigerate leftovers?
    • Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  4. Can I freeze leftovers?
    • Yes, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  5. How should I reheat leftovers?
    • Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Health and Dietary Concerns:

  1. Is Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken gluten-free?
    • Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make it gluten-free.
  2. Can I make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken healthier?
    • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor, reduce sugar, and use less oil.
  3. Is Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken keto-friendly?
    • Adjust ingredients and serve with cauliflower rice to make it low-carb.
  4. How can I reduce sodium in Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken?
    • Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth, and adjust salt levels accordingly.

Miscellaneous:

  1. What’s the origin of General Tso’s Chicken?
    • It’s a popular Chinese-American dish named after General Tso Tsung-tang, but its exact origins are debated.
  2. Can I make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
    • Yes, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to taste.
  3. What’s the difference between General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken?
    • General Tso’s Chicken is typically spicier and uses different seasonings compared to the sweeter Orange Chicken.
  4. Can I make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken vegan?
    • Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth and vegan hoisin sauce.
  5. How can I adjust the recipe for a larger batch?
    • Double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker, adjusting cooking times as needed.
  6. What’s the best way to serve Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken for a party?
    • Keep warm in the slow cooker and set up a serving station with rice, garnishes, and utensils for guests to serve themselves.

These answers cover a wide range of questions related to Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken, ensuring you have all the information you need to prepare this dish successfully!