Slow-Cooked General Tso’s Chicken Delight

$- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - ½ cup soy sauce - ¼ cup hoisin sauce - ¼ cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 cup broccoli florets - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 tablespoon water - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish) Gather these ingredients to make a delicious general Tso's chicken. Start with the chicken thighs; they stay juicy and tender. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while hoisin sauce brings sweet and savory notes. Sweet chili sauce adds a hint of heat, balanced by rice vinegar's tang. Finally, sesame oil rounds out the flavors with a nutty aroma. For aromatics, garlic and ginger are key. They create a rich base for the dish. The red bell pepper and broccoli not only add color but also bring crunch and nutrition. Together, these ingredients form a delightful blend that makes this meal a favorite at home. To thicken the sauce, cornstarch mixed with water works wonders. It gives the dish a luscious texture. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add freshness and crunch. These small touches elevate your meal, making it look and taste gourmet. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients for the sauce. In a large bowl, mix together: - ½ cup soy sauce - ¼ cup hoisin sauce - ¼ cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated Stir these ingredients well. This blend adds depth and sweetness to the dish. Next, place 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Stir to coat each piece well. Now, set your crockpot. You can choose to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The longer cook time makes the chicken very tender. About 30 minutes before serving, add the chopped red bell pepper and 1 cup of broccoli florets to the crockpot. This timing lets the veggies steam while soaking up the sauce's flavor. To thicken the sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the crockpot. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step gives your dish a nice, glossy finish. Once everything is cooked, stir gently. This meal is perfect over a bed of rice or noodles. Enjoy your flavorful homemade General Tso's Chicken! To get the best tender chicken, marinate it well. Marinating helps the chicken soak in all the flavors. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit longer in the fridge. Cooking times are also key. For juicy chicken, cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you're short on time, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours. Just make sure it's fully cooked and tender before serving. To boost the flavor of your General Tso's chicken, consider adding spices. A dash of red pepper flakes can give it some heat. You can also try a splash of orange juice for a bit of sweetness. If you like it sweeter, add more sweet chili sauce. For extra depth, a hint of five-spice powder can work wonders. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite taste. When it comes to serving, presentation matters. Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. This makes for a hearty meal. For an attractive plate, add the steamed red bell pepper and broccoli on top. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These small touches make the dish pop. You might also want to include extra steamed veggies on the side for color and nutrition. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an even richer taste, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor profile of the dish significantly, so opt for fresh rather than pre-minced versions. Add Heat if Desired: If you enjoy a spicier kick, consider adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or some sliced fresh chili peppers to the sauce mixture. Pair with Perfect Sides: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or lo mein noodles, and consider a side of stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal. {{image_2}} You can swap ingredients to suit your taste. For the sauces, try coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a milder flavor. If you want a vegan option, use firm tofu instead of chicken. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut. Just remember to adjust cooking times. You can cook General Tso's chicken in an Instant Pot. This method saves time. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let it naturally release for 10 minutes. This gives you tender chicken and thick sauce. The flavors still shine through, just like the crockpot version. For a gluten-free meal, use tamari in place of soy sauce. You can also find gluten-free hoisin sauce. To make it low-sodium, look for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of added salt. These small changes keep the dish tasty and healthy. To keep your General Tso's chicken fresh, store it in airtight containers. Divide it into smaller portions for easy access. Let it cool down before sealing, then refrigerate. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. This will help keep the flavors intact. You can reheat General Tso’s chicken easily. For the microwave, place your portion in a bowl. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer the stove, add a little water in a pan. Heat it on medium-low, stirring often until warm. This keeps it juicy and tasty. In the fridge, your dish stays good for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it is in a sealed container. For the freezer, it can last up to 2-3 months. After that, the quality may drop. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. You can pair this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed white rice - Fried rice - Noodles (like lo mein or chow mein) - Fresh spring rolls - Stir-fried vegetables - A simple salad with sesame dressing These sides balance the flavors of the General Tso’s chicken. They add a nice crunch and freshness to your meal. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Marinate the chicken: You can combine the chicken and sauce in the crockpot and let it marinate overnight in the fridge. This helps deepen the flavor. - Store veggies separately: Keep the chopped bell pepper and broccoli in a container. Add them to the crockpot later for the best texture. - Leftover storage: After cooking, let the chicken cool. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Making this ahead saves time and lets flavors meld together. Check if the chicken is fully cooked by using these tips: - Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). - Check the color: The chicken should be white, not pink. Juices should run clear. - Shred test: If you can shred the chicken easily with a fork, it’s done. Always ensure your chicken is safe to eat. Enjoy your meal with peace of mind! This blog post covered the essentials for making Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken. We explored key ingredients like tender chicken, savory sauces, and fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook it perfectly every time. Don’t forget to try my tips for flavor and serving! With the right knowledge, you can enjoy a delicious meal that fits your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Slow-Cooked General Tso’s Chicken Delight

A flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken thighs in a savory sauce with vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
0.5 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup hoisin sauce
0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets
2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
Place the chicken pieces into the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over the top. Stir to ensure the chicken is well-coated.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the chopped red bell pepper and broccoli florets to the crockpot to steam in the sauce.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Once cooked, give the chicken a gentle stir, then serve over rice or noodles.

Notes

Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Keyword Asian, chicken, General Tso's, slow-cooked