Description
Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken: Tender chicken cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for an easy and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- ¼ cup (32g) cornstarch
- ½ tsp (2.5g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1g) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup (67g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (60ml) rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp (30ml) hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp (30ml) tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2–4 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch (for thickening)
- ¼ cup (60ml) water
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Steamed broccoli and rice for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Start by cutting 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large bowl and toss with ¼ cup cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, briefly brown the chicken pieces for about 1-2 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through, just creating a light crust. Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker.
- Step 2: Create the Sauce In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste until well combined. Add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and 2 tablespoons grated ginger, stirring to incorporate these aromatic ingredients. The fragrant combination will immediately remind you of your favorite Chinese restaurant! Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure all pieces are well coated.
- Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection Add the dried red chilies to the slow cooker, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The longer, slower cooking method is preferred as it allows the flavors to meld more completely and keeps the chicken incredibly juicy.
- Step 4: Thicken the Sauce About 30 minutes before serving your Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high (if not already) and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a glossy, coating consistency.
- Step 5: Serve and Garnish Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, your Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken is ready to serve! Spoon it over steamed rice, garnish generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with steamed broccoli on the side. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will have everyone at the table excited before they even take their first bite.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380 calories
- Sugar: 15 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 120 mg