General Tso’s Chicken, a hallmark of Chinese-American cuisine, carries a rich, albeit mysterious history. Allegedly named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a renowned Chinese military leader, the exact origins of the dish are somewhat of an enigma. With various theories tracing its roots to New York City or Taiwan, its exact lineage may remain obscured, but its global adoration is clear and unequivocal.
In childhood memories, General Tso’s Chicken stood out as a celebratory dish, often requested for special gatherings and events. Despite its beloved status, restaurant renditions sometimes missed the mark, presenting a dish that was overly greasy or lacked the ideal harmony of flavors. Here, a slow cooker recipe for General Tso’s Chicken offers a solution, providing a variant that is not only healthier but arguably more flavorsome than the conventional deep-fried approach. This family-cherished recipe stands poised to become a treasured addition to your own repertoire.
Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
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
- Green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Combine chicken, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Using a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chicken, cooking until browned, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Move the browned chicken to your slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Slow Cook:
- Drizzle the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir. Cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Plate the chicken over rice, garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Enjoy this scrumptious, healthier adaptation of General Tso’s Chicken, crafted with care in the slow cooker! The reduced grease content and perfectly balanced flavors promise a delightful, home-cooked meal that honors the classic dish while embracing a lighter approach.