General Tso’s Chicken, a beloved Chinese-American classic, brings a little mystery and a lot of flavor to the table. Named after the famed Qing dynasty general, Tso Tsung-tang, its true origins are as debated as they are delicious—some say it popped up in New York City, others claim it’s a Taiwanese creation. Either way, this dish has won over hearts and appetites worldwide. Growing up, it was my go-to request for birthdays and celebrations. However, I found that many restaurant versions were too greasy or didn’t quite hit the mark on flavor balance. That’s why I started making my own version in the slow cooker—healthier, less greasy, but every bit as scrumptious.
This slow cooker recipe for General Tso’s Chicken will simplify your life and maybe even become a new family favorite. It keeps all the bold flavors but cuts down on the oil by skipping the deep-frying, making it a win for both taste and health.
General Tso’s Chicken
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:
Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to coat them well.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown it lightly, about 3-5 minutes, then scoop it into your slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to make a sauce that’s packed with flavor.
Pour this vibrant sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure every piece is nestled in this tangy bath.
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 4 hours, or crank it up to high if you’re in a rush and cook for 2 hours.
When it’s time to serve, lay this luscious chicken over a bed of fluffy rice and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle over some green onions and sesame seeds for that extra pop of freshness and texture.
This General Tso’s Chicken will bring the zest of Chinese-American cooking right to your dinner table, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s perfect for when you need something both comforting and exhilarating—truly a dish that celebrates the fusion of cultures. Enjoy diving into each savory bite!