Name: Slow Cooker General Tsos: 5 Easy Steps to Flavorful Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491273H6M46S
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/2 cup hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, adjust to taste; Green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds; Additional red pepper flakes

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Introduction

Slow Cooker General Tsos brings the magic of Asian cuisine right into your home with minimal effort. This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for a hands-off dinner that will impress your family and friends. The tender chicken is coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce, making it a delightful meal any night of the week. Let’s dive into this delicious dish that combines the classic flavors of General Tso’s chicken with the convenience of slow cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker General Tsos

This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken is not just easy to make; it’s incredibly satisfying! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this dish:

Hands-off cooking allows you to focus on other tasks.
The sauce is rich and flavorful, perfect for serving over rice.
It’s a family-friendly dish that even kids will love.
Healthy options are available with a gluten-free recipe.
Meal prep friendly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Customize the spice level to your preference with crushed red pepper.

This recipe is not only a delicious choice but also fits seamlessly into an Asian diet.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker General Tsos

Gather these items:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon dry ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, adjust to taste
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds
Additional red pepper flakes

How to Make Slow Cooker General Tsos Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a bowl or a plastic bag, toss the cubed chicken breasts with the cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 3: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, dry ginger, and crushed red pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours.
Step 5: Once cooked, serve the General Tso’s chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and additional red pepper flakes if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker General Tsos

Keep these in mind:

For extra crispiness, sear the chicken longer before adding it to the slow cooker.
Adjust the level of crushed red pepper to suit your family’s taste preferences.
Pair it with steamed broccoli for a colorful, nutritious meal.

Slow Cooker General Tsos: 5 Easy Steps to Flavorful Dinner - Slow Cooker General Tsos - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker General Tsos

Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a satisfying meal. You can also enhance it with:

Steamed broccoli for added nutrition and color.
Fried rice for a delightful twist.
Fresh salad for a refreshing side.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker General Tsos

To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a microwave or on the stove until warmed through. This is also perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a quick slow cooker General Tso’s chicken meal throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker General Tsos

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker General Tsos?

The secret lies in browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. This enhances the flavor and texture, giving your dish an authentic taste.

Can I make Slow Cooker General Tsos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the day before and store it in the fridge. Just cook it in the slow cooker when you’re ready to eat.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker General Tsos?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken; cooking it for 3-4 hours on low will yield tender results. Always check the doneness before serving.

Variations of Slow Cooker General Tsos You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Add broccoli florets for a Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken with Broccoli.
Use tofu for a vegetarian twist on the classic dish.
Try different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch.

For more delicious recipes, check out Crockpot Butter Chicken or Cheesy Chicken Noodle Soup. If you’re interested in meal prep, consider Slow Cooker Chili for an easy weeknight dinner!