Spicy Orange General Tso’s Chicken
A slow cooker rendition of a beloved takeout staple, this dish melds succulent chicken breast with a bold, zesty orange-infused sauce. Sweet heat, savory depth, and effortless preparation make this an ideal evening meal with minimal hands-on time.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar light or dark varieties both work
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock vegetable broth is an acceptable alternative
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger root
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes quantity may be modified to taste preference
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast, diced into uniform bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil such as vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup tamari or regular soy sauce for a gluten-free option, choose tamari
- 1/4 cup fine cornstarch
- 3 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Sliced green onions for topping
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the cornstarch with salt and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Add the diced chicken and toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated in the seasoned starch mixture.
- Warm the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, arrange the chicken in a single layer and sear without disturbing for 1–2 minutes. Turn the pieces and lightly brown the opposite sides. It is not necessary to fully cook the chicken at this stage.
- In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce or tamari, orange juice, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until well blended.
- Transfer the partially seared chicken into the bowl of a slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir gently to ensure thorough coating.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender.
- Serve the chicken warm over steamed rice. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For enhanced citrus flavor, consider adding a small amount of orange zest to the sauce mixture. The level of spiciness may be easily adjusted by increasing or reducing the quantity of crushed red pepper flakes used.