Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with cornstarch and toss until evenly coated. This helps tenderize the chicken and slightly thicken the sauce later.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add to Slow Cooker
Place the coated chicken into the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over the top. Gently stir to ensure all the chicken is submerged in the sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. The chicken should be very tender and infused with the sweet, savory flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cover and continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 6: Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of vinegar for brightness.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the General Tso’s Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for color and crunch.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Total Time: 4½–5½ hours
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Variations & Substitutions
Extra Crispy Style:
For a texture closer to classic takeout, briefly broil the cooked chicken on a baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before returning it to the sauce.
Healthier Option:
Use chicken breast and reduce the sugar by half for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Vegetarian Version:
Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets and reduce cooking time to prevent over-softening.
Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
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