Slow Cooker General Tsos Chicken
Recipe Introduction: Craving Chinese Takeaway?
Fancy a slow cooker general tsos chicken that tastes like your favourite Friday night treat? Me too! Honestly, who doesn’t love that sweet, sticky, slightly spicy goodness? This recipe delivers all that, and it’s super easy to make.
General Tso's: A Little Bit of History
The general tso chicken recipe isn't exactly authentically Chinese. It's actually an American invention. This easy slow cooker meal lets you get that delicious chinese takeaway at home flavour with minimal effort.
The slow cooker is the secret. It makes the chicken unbelievably tender, and the sauce turns into a glossy dream.
Slow Cooker Magic: Why It's So Good
This is seriously one of the easy slow cooker meals you'll ever try. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and then the slow cooker does all the work.
You can cook it on low for 4- 6 hours or on high for 2- 3 hours. This recipe makes about 6 servings.
That is perfect for a family dinner.
Healthier & Happier
Making your own homemade general tsos chicken means you control what goes in it. You can use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the sugar.
It's perfect for a cosy night in, a family gathering, or just when you're craving something comforting. Plus, the chicken thigh recipes used are much more forgiving in a slow cooker, staying tender and juicy.
This recipe is special because it's delicious, convenient, and a bit healthier than the takeaway version. I think is the best general tso chicken you can cook at home.
Ready to dive in?
Next, let's gather those ingredients. You will not regret this crockpot general tsos chicken recipe!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Slow Cooker General Tsos Chicken
So, you wanna make slow cooker general tsos chicken ? Awesome! Getting the right ingredients is half the battle. Don't worry, it's easier than ordering Chinese takeaway at home.
Let's break it down!
Main Ingredients: Get Ready to Rumble!
Okay, for this general tso chicken recipe , you'll need:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Seriously, use thighs! They stay juicy in the slow cooker .
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch. This helps the sauce stick.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Seasoning basics, innit?
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or veg oil). For browning (trust me, it helps!).
Chicken quality: Fresh is best, but frozen (thawed, obvs) works too. Just make sure it doesn't smell funky.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Literally!)
Here's where the magic happens for our homemade general tsos chicken :
- 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce. Less salt, more flavour control!
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar. Sweetness is key.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar. That tangy twang!
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth (or water). Adds depth.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup. Yep, ketchup! Don't @ me.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce. This is where you get that real oriental flavour!
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil. So aromatic!
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch. For thickening the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Flavour bombs.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Or more, if you're brave.
Spice It Up! Don't be scared to add sriracha or fresh chillies if you like it extra spicy! If you are looking for healthy general tso chicken , then use less sugar.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make amazing crockpot general tsos chicken . Here's what you'll actually use:
- A slow cooker (4-quart or bigger). Obviously.
- A large bowl. For tossing the chicken.
- A whisk. For the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy matters, darlings.
- A spatula. For stirring.
- (Optional) A small saucepan. To thicken the sauce at the end, if needed.
No fancy equipment? Use a regular pot instead of a saucepan. You got this!
If you fancy general tso chicken with rice , then don't forget the rice cooker! Or just boil some rice the old-fashioned way.
Easy peasy! I have had general tso chicken recipe nightmares where I forgot the rice...never again!
Cracking on with Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken
Fancy a proper chinese takeaway at home but can't be arsed with the faff? Right, listen up! This slow cooker general tsos chicken recipe is about to become your new best mate.
Seriously, easy slow cooker meals don't get much better than this. It's like a hug in a bowl, all sticky, sweet, and a bit spicy.
I'm not even kidding, this recipe will change your life.
Prep Like a Pro: Setting Up Your Slow Cooker Success
Okay, first things first. The mise en place is key, yeah? Chop up those 1.5 lbs chicken thighs into bite sized bits.
Grab your spices, sauces, and all that jazz. Getting everything prepped and ready saves a ton of time later. Honestly, it's a game changer.
For safety, make sure your chicken is properly defrosted. And remember always wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah? Can't be getting the lurgy!
Slow Cooker Magic: step-by-step Guide
Ready to get cooking? Here's the drill:
- Toss your chicken with ¼ cup cornstarch, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Get it all coated evenly.
- Brown the chicken in a pan with 1 tbsp oil. This isn't essential, but it adds loads of flavour. Trust me.
- Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. We're talking ½ cup soy sauce, ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup rice vinegar , the whole shebang.
- Pour that glorious sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker . Give it a good stir.
- Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 3 hours . Until the chicken is tender.
- If you want a thicker sauce, simmer on the stove until it’s thickened.
- Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Honestly, the best general tso chicken recipe has a few secrets. Don't skip browning the chicken; it really makes a difference.
If you are looking for a gluten-free general tso chicken , use tamari instead of soy sauce. Also, low sodium soy sauce is always the best choice.
I always adjust the spice to taste. Honestly, sometimes, I even add a tiny splash of vinegar for a bit of tang.
Recipe Notes: Your Slow Cooker General Tsos Chicken Cheat Sheet
Okay, so you're about to embark on your slow cooker general tsos chicken adventure! Here are a few little nuggets of wisdom I've picked up along the way.
Think of them as your secret weapons for creating the best general tso chicken ever.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate
Right, first things first, presentation! This isn’t just some easy slow cooker meals , this is a culinary experience ! Pile that gorgeous slow cooker general tsos chicken high on a bed of fluffy rice jasmine rice is my personal fave.
Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped spring onions on top. Ooh la la !
And to make it a proper spread, serve it with steamed broccoli. Honestly, it's a match made in heaven. Or, if you're feeling fancy, get some egg rolls from the freezer and whip them up! Don't forget a nice cuppa tea, or even an ice-cold beer, to wash it all down.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Right, let's talk leftovers. If you've got any of this amazing homemade general tsos chicken left, pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezing is a goer too! Just let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It'll happily sit in the freezer for up to 2 months .
When you're ready to scoff, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in a pan or the microwave.
Just give it a good stir to make sure it's heated through.
Variations: Mix It Up
Fancy a bit of a twist? If you're after a gluten-free general tso chicken version, just swap the soy sauce for tamari. Boom! Sorted!
Veggie? No sweat! You can easily make this a vegetarian general tso chicken dish. Just swap the chicken for tofu.
Make sure it is firm tofu, pressed to remove as much water as possible. Then, just follow the recipe as normal! You could even use cauliflower florets for a nice, chunky texture.
I bet this general tso tofu would be fantastic.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
So, let's be real, this isn't exactly a health food. BUT, it's still a darn sight better than ordering chinese takeaway at home , you know? Plus, chicken is a great source of protein, and it's got all those lovely comforting vibes that do wonders for the soul.
The general tso chicken calories are about 350 per serving, but of course, that depends on your portion size!
Look, making slow cooker general tsos chicken is seriously straightforward. Just throw the general tso chicken ingredients in the crockpot general tsos chicken , and let it do its thing.
Seriously, you've got this! Enjoy your delicious dinner and remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make slow cooker General Tso's chicken with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You certainly can! Chicken breasts will work, but be mindful that they tend to dry out more easily than chicken thighs in the slow cooker. To combat this, consider reducing the cooking time slightly and checking for doneness a little earlier. Chicken thighs will offer a much more tender final result.
My slow cooker General Tso's chicken sauce is too thin. What can I do?
No worries, that's an easy fix! The easiest trick is to mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to create a slurry, add to slow cooker and stir through. Cook on high with lid off for 15-20 mins. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a saucepan after the chicken is cooked.
Simmer it over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your liking. A little patience goes a long way here!
How spicy is this slow cooker General Tso's chicken recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
As written, the recipe has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes. If you are like me and prefer more of a Nando's Peri Peri heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce (like sriracha or chili garlic sauce) to the sauce.
On the flip side, if you're not a fan of spice, just omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
Can I prepare this slow cooker General Tso's chicken ahead of time? What's the best way to store it?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just let it thaw completely in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Is there a vegetarian version of this slow cooker General Tso's chicken?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version! Simply substitute the chicken with firm or extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or cauliflower florets. The rest of the recipe remains the same. Just be mindful that the tofu or cauliflower might not need as long to cook, so check for doneness a bit earlier.
It will be a banger!
I'm trying to eat healthier; what are some nutritional considerations for this slow cooker General Tso's chicken?
Great question! To lighten things up, use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake. You can also reduce the sugar slightly, although it is integral to the flavor profile. Serving with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice will add more fiber.
Load up on steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, to increase the nutritional value of your meal - Bob's your uncle!
Slow Cooker General Tsos Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
