General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its bold flavors and satisfying combination of crispy chicken in a tangy, slightly spicy sauce. This dish has become a staple in many American Chinese restaurants, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to make at home. The origins of General Tso’s Chicken are a bit murky, with various chefs and restaurants claiming to have invented it. Regardless of its true origins, this dish has won hearts with its unique balance of sweet, sour, and spicy elements.
I first discovered General Tso’s Chicken during a family trip to New York City. We dined at a renowned Chinese restaurant in Chinatown, where the dish was a highlight of the meal. The combination of crispy chicken and the rich, flavorful sauce was unforgettable. Inspired by that experience, I began experimenting with recipes at home to recreate that perfect balance of flavors. After several attempts, I found that using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both convenient and delicious.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making this flavorful General Tso’s Chicken, ensuring each detail is covered for a perfect result.
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Toss the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized pieces of chicken with 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior when the chicken is cooked.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a piece of chicken is added.
Cook the Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Lightly brown the chicken on all sides, about 3-5 minutes per batch. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage since it will finish cooking in the slow cooker. Once browned, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Whisk the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk together until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well mixed.
Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the browned chicken pieces in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure that all the chicken pieces are coated with the sauce.
Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for about 4 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it to high and cook for 2 hours. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Prepare for Serving: Once the chicken is cooked, give it a gentle stir. The sauce should be thick and glossy, clinging to the chicken pieces.
Garnish: Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice. For an extra pop of freshness and texture, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Variations & Tips
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Ensure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before coating it with cornstarch.
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
Alternative Sweeteners: Replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. These sweeteners add a natural sweetness that complements the tangy sauce.
Different Proteins: Try using other proteins like shrimp or thinly sliced beef instead of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Extra Veggies: Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the slow cooker for added nutrition and color. Add these in the last hour of cooking to maintain their texture.
Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin for your liking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
Conclusion
General Tso’s Chicken is a dish that brings the zest of Chinese-American cooking right to your dinner table, slow-cooked to perfection. The combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and aromatic spices makes it a comfort food favorite. This recipe is appealing because it allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish that’s both comforting and exhilarating.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply to enjoy a delicious homemade meal, General Tso’s Chicken is sure to impress. The use of a slow cooker makes the process easy and convenient, while the end result is a restaurant-quality dish that’s full of flavor. Enjoy diving into each savory bite and share the joy of this delightful dish with your loved ones.
