Crock Pot General Tso’s Chicken- A Comforting, Easy-to-Make Homestyle Recipe
Introducing the crock pot General Tso, a culinary marvel that combines the rich flavors of General Tso’s chicken with the convenience of slow cooking. This dish is a game-changer for busy individuals and families looking to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without the hassle of constant monitoring. Let’s dive into the world of crock pot General Tso and discover how to make this mouthwatering dish in a matter of minutes.
The crock pot General Tso is a twist on the classic Chinese takeout favorite, General Tso’s chicken. Instead of frying the chicken pieces, this recipe utilizes the slow cooking power of a crock pot to tenderize the meat and infuse it with a flavorful sauce. The result is a juicy, tender chicken dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup green onions, chopped
– 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, red pepper flakes (if using), chicken broth, and water. Whisk until well combined.
2. Place the chicken pieces in the crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over them. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce.
3. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and falls apart easily.
4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the green onions, red bell pepper, and pineapple chunks (if using) to the crock pot.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the sesame seeds (if using) and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve the crock pot General Tso over rice or noodles, garnished with additional green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoying the crock pot General Tso is a breeze, and the leftovers make for a fantastic meal the next day. This dish is perfect for entertaining, as it can be prepared ahead of time and simply reheated before serving. So, the next time you’re craving General Tso’s chicken, reach for your crock pot and create a mouthwatering, homestyle version of this iconic dish.