Prepare the Chicken: Begin by tossing the chicken pieces in 1/4 cup of cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This step helps to create a slightly crispy exterior on the chicken once it’s cooked, which is a signature characteristic of General Tso’s Chicken.
Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, browning it on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per batch. You don’t need to cook the chicken through at this stage; the goal is to develop a nice golden crust that will enhance the flavor and texture of the finished dish. Once browned, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. This sauce is the heart of the dish, combining sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a hint of heat. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure all the pieces are well coated.
Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and soak up all the rich flavors of the sauce. As the chicken cooks, the sauce will thicken slightly and develop even deeper flavors.
Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, which will help to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency. Continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to serve. Garnish the chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of freshness and crunch. Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over steamed rice or with a side of broccoli for a complete meal.
Tips and Conclusion
For a more balanced meal, consider adding some vegetables to the slow cooker about halfway through the cooking process. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas are great options that complement the flavors of General Tso’s Chicken. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the slow cooker to cook until tender.
This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken recipe proves that you don’t need to order takeout to enjoy this iconic dish. By making it at home, you can control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to suit your taste perfectly. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful chicken coated in a sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner. Once you try it, you might just find that it’s even better than the restaurant version—and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself.
