Slow Cooker General Tsos Chicken Effortless Takeout Homestyle
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Fancy Some Takeout at Home?
Oh my gosh, are you craving some General Tso's Chicken ? Honestly, who isn't? But what if I told you that you could have all that glorious, sticky, sweet and-spicy goodness without even picking up the phone? This slow cooker General Tso's chicken recipe is a real game changer.
Brief Overview: Asian Flavours, Effortless Cooking
This isn't your grandma's chicken casserole, alright? This chinese chicken recipe draws inspiration from the beloved American Chinese takeout staple. It's dead easy, taking about 15 minutes of prep.
Then, let the slow cooker do its thing for 3- 4 hours on high or 6- 8 hours on low.
This recipe makes enough to feed 4-6 hungry folks.
Main Benefits: Healthier Takeout Fakeaway!
Forget the greasy takeout containers. This easy General Tso chicken is not only simple but also allows you to control the ingredients, meaning it can be healthier.
Plus, imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of this slow cooker asian chicken . Serve it up for a fuss free weeknight slow cooker dinner ! Honestly, what's not to love?
Gather 'Round the Ingredients
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need. We're ditching the complicated stir fry and embracing the ease of the crockpot general tso chicken .
Get ready for tender chicken thighs swimming in a delicious sauce, and it is also great with general tso's tofu slow cooker .
Here is the ingredient list:
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken
Alright, let's talk ingredients. We're making slow cooker general tso's chicken , a takeout fakeaway, but way easier! Honestly, this is one of my go-to weeknight slow cooker dinners .
Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs , cut into 1 inch pieces. I love chicken thighs for this. They stay so juicy in the slow cooker ! The key is to cut them evenly.
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch. This helps thicken the sauce later. Don't skip it!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Quality Chicken : Look for chicken thighs that are plump and have a healthy pink color. Avoid any that look pale or smell off.
The better the chicken, the better the general tso's chicken recipe .
Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch
Let's face it, the sauce makes the dish.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce : This is important. Regular soy sauce can be too salty.
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar : It balances the salt and adds that classic sweetness.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar : Adds tang! If you don't have it, a little apple cider vinegar will do, but rice vinegar is best.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth : Helps create a luscious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) hoisin sauce : This is your secret weapon. It adds depth and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil : A little goes a long way, adding a nutty aroma.
- 1 tablespoon (15g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste). I like a little kick!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
Spice it up! Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
No need for fancy gadgets here.
- Slow cooker (at least 4-quart size). Essential for a good crockpot general tso chicken .
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Household Hacks: Don't have a whisk? A fork will work just fine! Honestly? With this super easy general tso chicken , who needs takeout? And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a general tso's tofu slow cooker version! Now, let's get cooking!
Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken: Your Weeknight Saviour
Fancy some takeout fakeaway recipes ? Oh my gosh, honestly , who doesn't love a good General Tso's chicken recipe ? But let’s be real, sometimes you just can’t be arsed with all that frying and fuss.
That's where this slow cooker general tsos chicken comes in. It's like a warm hug in a bowl, packed with flavour, and ridiculously easy to make.
We're talking minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Think of it as your secret weapon for weeknight slow cooker dinners . It’s proper peng.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
It all starts with a bit of mise en place , as they say. Basically, getting your ingredients ready.
- Essential Mise en Place : Chop 2 lbs of chicken thighs into 1 inch bits. Whisk your sauce. Mince your garlic. Boom. Done.
- Time Saving Tips: Pre-minced garlic is your friend. Honestly, it is. It saves so much time.
- Safety First: Chicken safety is paramount. Make sure to cook to an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) to be safe.
step-by-step: Slow Cooking Magic
Here's how we turn simple ingredients into easy general tso chicken greatness. This ain't rocket science.
- Toss your chicken with 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Coat it all proper!
- Whisk together all the sauce ingredients. Think 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup rice vinegar and all the good stuff.
- Pop the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken. Coat well.
- Cook on High for 3- 4 hours or Low for 6- 8 hours . Chicken should be tender.
- Thicken the sauce if needed. Remove the chicken and simmer on High for 15- 20 minutes .
- Return the chicken to the sauce. Make sure it’s all coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions. Serve and enjoy the slow cooker asian chicken !
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Game
Here are a few tricks to make your crockpot general tso chicken a solid 10/10.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat. You know you want to!
- Avoid gummy chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken. It'll become dry and stringy. No one wants that.
- Make it ahead: Prep the sauce the night before and store in the fridge. It's a total game changer. You can even try making general tso's tofu slow cooker , for a Vegetarian version.
So there you have it the ultimate slow cooker general tsos chicken . Perfect for a cosy night in, and so much better than ordering takeout.
Plus, it's easier on the wallet. Now go forth and conquer that craving. I had one just writing this!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken
Right, let's talk about the nitty gritty of this amazing slow cooker general tso's chicken . Honestly, this general tso's chicken recipe is so straightforward, but a few tips can really take it to the next level.
I reckon you want to make the most of this easy general tso chicken, yeah?
Ace the Serving: Plating and Pairing
Presentation, innit? No one wants a beige blob on a plate, do they? So, consider sprinkling sesame seeds and some freshly chopped green onions over your slow cooker general tso's chicken .
It makes it look restaurant worthy. Trust me. For sides, steamed rice is a classic, but why not try some stir fried broccoli or even some spring rolls? Fancy a bevvie? A cold, crisp lager always goes down a treat with chinese chicken recipe .
Savvy Storage Tips
Leftovers? Blimey, you're lucky! If you do have any crockpot general tso chicken remaining, let it cool completely before popping it into an airtight container.
It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it, just portion it out first.
To reheat, either microwave it until piping hot or gently warm it up in a pan on the hob. Just make sure it's thoroughly heated through , yeah?
Remix it: Variations and Adaptations
Want to mix things up? If you're after something a bit different for your weeknight slow cooker dinners, here are a couple of ideas.
For a veggie option, use general tso's tofu slow cooker instead of chicken. Works a treat! Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try swapping out the sugar for honey.
Gives it a lovely, sticky glaze. Also, if you like more spice, throw some extra red pepper flakes!
Nutrition Nibbles
So, just a quick heads-up on the nutritional side. Each serving of this slow cooker asian chicken clocks in at around 450 calories, with 40g of protein.
The good news is that chicken thighs are full of protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Remember this is a great Takeout Fakeaway Recipes.
Also, you can cut down on the sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce.
Honestly, once you've tried this slow cooker chicken thighs recipe , you'll never order takeaway again. It's that good! So, go on, give it a bash. You won't regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this slow cooker General Tso's chicken recipe?
While you can use chicken breast, bear in mind it tends to dry out more in the slow cooker than thighs. If you opt for breast, keep a closer eye on the cooking time and consider reducing it by an hour or so. Nobody wants chicken that tastes like it's been lost in the Sahara!
My slow cooker General Tso's chicken sauce is too thin! How do I thicken it up?
No worries, happens to the best of us! The easiest way is to remove the chicken, turn your slow cooker to High, and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until it reduces.
Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch (cornflour) with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce and cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Sorted!
How spicy is this slow cooker General Tso's chicken? Can I make it milder or hotter?
As written, the recipe has a mild kick from the 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you fancy something that'll make you sweat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
For a milder version, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether remember, you are the chef, you are in charge!
How long does slow cooker General Tso's chicken last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it (though the chicken might get a tad dry), or gently warm it up in a pan on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Always make sure it's piping hot before serving!.
Is this slow cooker General Tso's chicken recipe healthy? What are some ways to make it healthier?
While delicious, it's worth noting it contains a fair amount of sugar and sodium, as is common with many American Chinese dishes. To make it healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce the sugar (or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey), and serve with plenty of vegetables like steamed broccoli or a colourful stir fry.
A little bit of what you fancy does you good though!
Can I make this slow cooker General Tso's chicken vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken for firm or extra firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water, and cut into cubes. Double check that your hoisin sauce is vegetarian/vegan (some contain oyster sauce). Served with a side of rice and stir fried veggies, it will have you thinking you called the takeaway.
Slow Cooker General Tsos Chicken Effortless Take
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
