General Tso's Chicken is a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its sweet and spicy flavors. This version adds a zesty orange twist, making it a refreshing take on the classic. The slow cooker method not only simplifies the process but also infuses the chicken with a rich depth of flavor. Perfect for busy days, this recipe allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal effort.
This Spicy Orange General Tso's Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the dish's bold flavors.
Slow Cooker Spicy Orange General Tso's ChickenServings: 4
Ingredients1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sliced green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions1. In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, orange juice, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are covered.
5. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. Serve the chicken over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Variations & TipsFor a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. For added texture, you can include chopped bell peppers or broccoli in the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. To make it even more citrusy, add some orange zest to the sauce.
