Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of tender, saucy chicken that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant - without the takeout price tag or delivery wait! This Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish so delicious, they'll be begging you to make it again and again!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice 1 pound of chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger. Chop 1/4 cup of green onions and set aside for garnish.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the sauce mixture, stirring to incorporate. This will infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors.
- In a separate small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- In the slow cooker, add the diced chicken thighs and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become tender.
- After 4 hours, check the chicken for doneness. If the chicken is fully cooked and tender, stir in the cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker. Mix well to combine and allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the slow cooker. Serve the General Tso chicken over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with the chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.
- Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken!
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs are key to this recipe. They stay more tender and juicy during the long, slow cooking process compared to chicken breasts.
- Cornstarch Slurry Technique: Add the cornstarch slurry in the last 15 minutes of cooking to ensure a perfectly thickened sauce without making it gloppy.
- Customize the Heat: Want it spicier? Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Meal Prep Magic: This recipe freezes beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Garnish Matters: Fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds can elevate the presentation and add a burst of fresh flavor.
- Slow Cooker Tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking, as this releases heat and can increase cooking time.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 125mg
