There’s something magical about the aroma of Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken wafting through your home. Imagine tender chicken, bathed in a sweet and spicy sauce, simmering away while you go about your day. creamy chicken alfredo tortellini You can already feel your taste buds dancing in anticipation.
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’ve just returned from a long day of adulting. The thought of cooking feels overwhelming, but then you remember your trusty crockpot is patiently waiting for its moment to shine. You know that soon enough, you’ll be indulging in the comforting embrace of this delightful dish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken is simple to whip up, making meal prep a breeze
- The flavor profile balances sweetness with a hint of heat that will leave you wanting more
- Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate
- Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for dinner parties
I once made this dish for my friends during our monthly get-together, and let me tell you, the clean plates and satisfied smiles spoke volumes!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts to feed your crew; adjust based on appetites.
- Fresh Garlic: Go for firm cloves; they pack the best flavor punch you can find.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger root adds a zesty kick; peel it before grating.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium varieties let you control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This sweetener caramelizes beautifully, giving the sauce its signature richness.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash brightens the dish and balances out sweetness perfectly.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance; these little flakes pack quite a punch!
- Green Onions: Slice these up for garnish; they add a fresh touch that complements the dish beautifully.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle of this fragrant oil at the end elevates all those flavors.
- Cornstarch: Use this to thicken your sauce; trust me—it makes all the difference!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all that glorious sauce.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add some oil and sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant—about one minute. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Add Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth. This is where the magic begins!
Combine Everything in the Crockpot: Place chicken pieces into the crockpot and pour over your delicious sauce mixture. delicious garlic parmesan chicken Stir gently to coat every piece evenly.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and infused with flavor when done. For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Beef And Noodles recipe.
Thicken Your Sauce: Once cooked, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot and let it cook uncovered on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
Now you’re ready to serve!
Serve over fluffy white rice or crispy fried rice for an authentic experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Make sure to sprinkle green onions on top—your dish deserves that extra flair!
Enjoy every bite of your homemade Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken! smothered chicken and rice.
You Must Know
- This Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken provides rich flavors with minimal effort
- The slow cooking process enhances the delicious sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Plus, your kitchen will smell like an Asian fusion restaurant, which is always a bonus!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, season and sear the chicken for maximum flavor; then combine other ingredients in the crockpot for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables or add extra spices to cater to your taste buds. savory yaki udon noodles.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor
- Make sure to whisk your sauce thoroughly to avoid clumps
- Always let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it and asked for seconds, proving that crockpot magic can indeed impress!
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs offer better moisture and flavor when cooked slowly.
What should I serve with Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken?
For more inspiration, check out this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken recipe.
Serve it over steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.
Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4–5 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties, this easy-to-make recipe will fill your home with an irresistible aroma while you focus on other tasks. Just set it and forget it until it’s time to enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (for thickening)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic and ginger in oil until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Place chicken pieces in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them. Stir gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Mix cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and cook uncovered on high for an additional 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over fluffy white rice or crispy fried rice and garnish with green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
- Category: Main
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
