Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken is a super easy meal with an amazing sweet and savory sauce with a little bit of heat! This is way better than takeout!

Asian food and slow cooker just go together, it gives time for the meat to soak up all those intense flavors. For instance in this slow cooker Chicken, Beef and Kung Pao Chicken, the flavors just explode because of the long slow simmer.

General Tso Chicken

I made this recipe four years ago and the pictures weren’t doing it justice. We love asian inspired meals here at our family so of course this was one of the first recipes to make its debut on the blog. We have it quite often at our house and it is incredible. I love being able to make better than takeout right at home!  It was time to update the pictures on here and my family was reminded about how much we love it. Everyone devoured it including my youngest two year old.

The rich and dark sauce in this meal is incredible. It is sweet and savory with just a little bit of heat. I always have to hold out the red pepper flakes until the end just for my kiddos, but it has such incredible flavor. The sauce is thick on the chicken and it is perfect served over rice with some vegetables.  I know this is a meal that your family is going to love! You will make it again and again.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken

Simple ingredients that combine to create magic in the slow cooker. You are going to love this easy way of getting better than take out at home.

• Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless and cut into one inch cubes.
• Cornstarch: This will create that crispy outside.
• Vegetable Oil: To fry the chicken in before slow cooking.
• Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and salty sauce can be found in the asian aisle with the soy sauce, and other asian sauces.
• Soy Sauce: Can use regular or low sodium with great results.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a bit of sweet to combat the heat.
• Garlic: A necessary ingredient for this incredible chicken.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds that bit of zing that’s awesome.
• Sesame oil: Adds intense flavor.
• Dry Ginger: Blends easy and has just the right amount of flavor and heat.
• Crushed Red Pepper: This brings the heat.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, Additional Red Pepper Flakes: These are all optional but all worth the extra effort to have them ready to go.

Making Incredible Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken

Start by adding a simple breading to the outside, then pan fry the edges for just a few minutes. This is an extra step, but you will love the crispy edges. The chicken has a tender and juicy center by doing this extra step. If you want to just dump the chicken in with the sauce and let it do its thing you can as well.

1. Mix: In a mixing bowl add the chicken and cornstarch. Toss until the chicken is completely coated in the cornstarch.
2. Brown: In a medium sized skillet over medium high heat add oil and cook the chicken until the chicken is slightly brown but not cooked throughout. Put in the bottom of a slow cooker.
3. Whisk: In a small mixing bowl whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and crushed red pepper. Pour on top of chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cook: Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until chicken is cooked throughout.
5. Serve: Serve over rice and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if desired.
6. Note:  If you are cooking the chicken without browning in the skillet first, when chicken is finished cooking, remove the chicken and add 1 Tablespoon cornstarch to the sauce. Add the chicken back to the crockpot and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce thickens up. Chicken could also take longer to cook, closer to 4 hours.

Tips for Tender and Juicy Chicken

This is truly one of my all time favorites along with Crispy Sweet and Sour Baked Chicken or Baked Honey Sesame Chicken. I can’t decide, but either way they are all super easy, and super delicious.

• Chicken: I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs. Be sure to cut them all the same side so they’ll cook evenly.
• Coating: It’s true you don’t have to pre brown them in the oil with the cornstarch, but the extra crispiness and coating make it more like a restaurants. Plus it just tastes so much better. If you choose not to do this step. Be sure to check the notes for how to thicken the sauce.
• Serve: Our favorite way to eat this is over rice. But this is also great over brown rice, cauliflower rice and quinoa.  It would also be amazing over a salad or roasted vegetables.

How to Store Easy General Tso Chicken

America loves its Asian food. You know you are getting great quality ingredients with incredible flavor in the comfort of your own home. You have to try these tried and true recipes! You are going to love them.

• Store: Keep for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
• Freeze:  In an airtight freezer safe bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight and rewarm on the stove in a skillet or microwave.

More Asian Inspired “Better than Takeout” Recipes

• Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
• Air Fryer Cream Cheese Wontons
• Sticky Asian Glazed Chicken
• Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls
• Easy Fried Rice

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Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken

Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken is a super easy meal with an amazing sweet and savory sauce with a little bit of heat! This is way better than takeout!

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian American

Keyword general tso chicken

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes

Servings 5

Calories 312kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into one inch cubes
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 T soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp dry ginger
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper more or less to liking
• Optional garnish green onions, sesame seeds, additional red pepper flakes

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl add the chicken and cornstarch. Toss until the chicken is completely coated in the cornstarch. In a medium sized skillet over medium high heat add oil and cook the chicken until the chicken is lightly brown but not cooked throughout. Put in the bottom of a slow cooker.
• In a small mixing bowl whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and crushed red pepper. Pour on top of chicken in the slow cooker.
• Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until chicken is cooked throughout. *see note
• Serve over rice and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if desired.

Video

Notes

If you are cooking the chicken without browning in the skillet first, when chicken is finished cooking, remove the chicken and add 1 Tablespoon cornstarch to the sauce. Add the chicken back to the crockpot and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce thickens up. Chicken could also take longer to cook, closer to 4 hours.

Updated on February 19, 2021

Originally Posted on September 29, 2018

Nutrition

Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 962mg | Potassium: 419mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 0.9mg

 This was the old picture. Wasn’t too awful compared to some but I didn’t even spell Tso’s right! haha

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Donut Holes

Donut Holes have to be the best part of making donuts. They are bite size and fun to eat!

Donuts are fairly simple to make and making them homemade is even better. For the best in homemade pastries try my tried and true donuts, Apple Fritters and Beignets.

Homemade Donut Holes

Whenever we make homemade donuts at home, everyone gobbles up the donut holes first. Donut holes are bite sized pieces of perfectly fried dough covered in a variety of toppings. They are a great way to try all the different coatings and glazes without having to eat a whole donut each time.

These donuts are truly the best, They are fast, no rise, no yeast donuts for starters. This means you can make your donuts and eat them too! You don’t have to wait forever for them to rise. These donut holes will cook faster than a regular sized donut, which will also save you time in the kitchen. The donut recipe calls for buttermilk which will make them light and airy, but have tons of flavor. Don’t have buttermilk on hand? Don’t panic, you can make your own here in a matter of minutes. Toss them in your favorite topping or frosting and watch them disappear.

Ingredients for Traditional Donut Holes

These donuts holes can be made with ingredients you probably in have sitting already in your pantry. Whip them up in a matter of minutes and have a great treat or dessert in no time.

• Flour: Both all purpose and unbleached flour work here beautifully.
• Sugar: Need a little bit of white sugar for sweetness.
• Baking Powder: This acts a neutralizer and a leavening agent.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda works with the buttermilk to create lift and flavor.
• Salt: Brings out the flavors in the donuts.
• Egg: Make sure your egg is at room temperature
• Buttermilk: Your buttermilk also needs to be at room temperature. Make your own buttermilk if you don’t have any on hand.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds an extra bit of sweet flavor.
• Butter: Melt the butter in this donut hole recipe.
• Oil for Frying: The best oils for frying are Peanut oil and Canola

How to Make Donut Holes at Home

These donut holes can’t be much easier and you are going to love it. If you have a legless dutch oven, it will work best for frying.

1. Prepare Oil: Heat the oil in a heavy pot to 350°F, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature during frying as you may need to adjust the heat to keep the temperature constant.
2. Liquid Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, beat together the egg, buttermilk, vanilla and melted butter. 
3. Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Stir in salt and sugar.
4. Combine: Add the liquid mixture to the bowl and mix until a thick batter forms. 
5. Fry: Use a small cookie scoop to drop dough into the fryer, and fry until golden brown, about 3 – 4 minutes, turning the donuts halfway through cooking. Don’t crowd the pot.
6. Drain: Remove the donuts from the hot oil and rest them on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to drain excess oil or simply place them on some paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
7. Eat: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Toppings are Endless!

One of the best things about donut holes is that they are so easy to top or glaze. Add sprinkles or any other toppings you can think of to this mix. My kids love to do this part, so grab your whole family for the topping part. They will love it!

• Powdered sugar: Classic white powder that is a favorite for many. Use a bowl to hold your powdered sugar and roll the holes in them once they are cool enough to touch. Fluff the powdered sugar with a fork if it gets matted down.
• Plain sugar: Use a drop of food coloring to color your sugar before rolling the donut holes in for a fun festive twist.
• Cinnamon sugar: Mix cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl and roll the cooling donut holes in the mixture.
• Glaze: In a small bowl whisk together  1 cup of powdered sugar, 3 Tablespoons milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Roll the donut holes in the glaze and have them cool completely on a wire rack. The glaze will dry as it cools.
• Chocolate Glaze: Don’t forget about the chocolate!  Use 1 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup unsweetened dutch cocoa powder, 3  Tablespoons milk and 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla. Whisk together and glaze!

Tips and Variations for Easy Donut Holes

These are perfect for a quick dessert or special treat for a party. Donut holes are the perfect size for a dessert buffet or party too. Easy to grab and better to eat, they will become a fast favorite.

• Oil: Use a thermometer to keep your oil at the right temperature. This will help the donut holes cook evenly and for the same amount of time.
• Start with One: Cook just one donut hole to start with. Check it at the recommended time and cut it in half to make sure it’s cooked all the way through. If it is still gooey cook one more adding on 30 seconds to 1 minute more or until you get the desired doneness. Use the time you get as your base time for all the donut holes. This way you can make sure your donut holes are cooked all the way through.
• Cookie Scoop: To get the ideal round shape a cookie scoop is your best bet. If you don’t have a cookie scoop a good spoon will also work. They might be a bit oblong though, instead of super round. Either way they’ll taste the same!
• Flavor: If you want a bit of a different flavor you can sub out the vanilla for almond, coconut or butter rum flavoring.
• Store: Keep the donuts at room temperature in a plastic airtight container. They will sweat a bit, the longer they are stored, which will cause the toppings to dissolve and melt. These are best served immediately.

More Fried Heavenly Recipes!

If you are going to fry something, you want it to come out delicious, and perfect every time. The next time you’re looking for a great recipe, check these out.

• The Best Fried Mashed Potato Balls
• Cream Cheese Wontons
• Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
• Fish and Chips
• The Best and Easiest Hush Puppies

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Donut Holes

Donut Holes have to be the best part of making donuts. They are bite size and fun to eat!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword donut holes

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 40 Donut Holes

Calories 44kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup butter melted
• Oil for frying

Topping Options

• Powdered sugar
• Plain sugar
• Cinnamon sugar
• Glaze

Instructions

• Heat the oil in a heavy pot to 350°F, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature during frying as you may need to adjust the heat to keep the temperature constant.
• In a small mixing bowl, beat together the egg, buttermilk, vanilla and melted butter.
• Sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Stir in salt and sugar. Add the liquid mixture to the bowl and mix until a thick batter forms.
  
• Use a small cookie scoop to drop dough into the fryer, and fry until golden brown, about 3 - 4 minutes, turning the donuts halfway through cooking. Don’t crowd the pot.
  
• Remove the donuts from the hot oil and rest them on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to drain excess oil or simply place them on some paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
  

Notes

To dress up your donut holes, you can roll them in powdered sugar, plain sugar, cinnamon sugar or dip them in a glaze.
For plain sugar and cinnamon sugar topping, roll the donut holes in the sugar while they are still warm.
For powdered sugar and glaze topping, allow the donut holes to cool slightly before rolling, sprinkling or dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 44kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 52IU | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

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Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is pretty much a one pan wonder you will want to cook over and over again!  Perfect for a busy night, this is a hearty comforting dish that will truly satisfy.

Creamy Tuscan flavor is exquisite, divine and goes are favorites on my blog. These tried and true tuscan recipes are a perfect example, try Creamy Tuscan Scallops, Shrimp or Chicken.

Italian Sausage Pasta

This is super easy pasta that will taste like you slaved over it all day. This Tuscan pasta has tender pasta, savory sausage, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and spinach all smothered in a creamy decadent sauce. It’s insanely delicious and it’s fast. You can even argue that it’s made in one pan, especially if you already had pasta already cooked. This creamy sausage pasta hits the spot when comes to wanting something full of flavor and comforting. It’s going to become a quick family favorite.

This will feel like you’re eating at a fancy restaurant or having an intimate dinner for two all in the comfort of your own home. Pair this with a side of breadsticks, some roasted vegetables and a tasty chocolate dessert and you have fine dining on busy weekday at home. Whether it’s your first time with a Tuscan sauce or not, you have to try this tonight! You are going to love the way the sausage and sun-dried tomato come together in this sauce. It’s heavenly.

What Does “Tuscan” Mean?

Tuscan food is based on the Italian idea of cucina povera or “poor cooking.” It’s a concept of cooking that started very literally. It means simple meals that are inexpensive and could easily be made into large amounts. For instance this recipe can be doubled super easily as could this Tuscan pasta salad or vegetable and chicken stew. They are filling dishes that taste amazing without super expensive ingredients.

Tuscan cooking doesn’t use complicated seasonings or elaborate ingredients or even fancy creations. This is because they focus on using fresh, high quality ingredients that bring out incredible flavors without the extras. It’s delicious done simply and done right!

Ingredients for Sausage Pasta

Creating this creamy dish is fast and easy and doesn’t take a bunch of crazy ingredients. Pick your favorite type of ground sausage, pork, chicken and turkey all work really well. And you can control the spice level by what kind of sausage you get. Look for sun dried tomatoes either in the produce section or the canned vegetable aisle.

• Penne Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente
• Ground Sausage: Pick your favorite kind, mild, or spicy.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil goes perfectly with this Italy inspired dish.
• Heavy Cream: This will create the creaminess in the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds richness and flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic is great flavor in this tuscan pasta.
• Italian Seasoning: I love this seasoning, it has all the great spices together. You can make your own here.
• Parmesan cheese: Love this cheese with this dish. Fresh is best if you have it.
• Spinach: Gives color, vitamins and nutrition.
• Sun Dried Tomatoes: Sweet and savory, these are just too good.

Making Pasta with Sausage

Truly this dish couldn’t be easier. You are going to love that it tastes so amazing but is so simple to through together. It’s perfect for a busy weekday, or a quiet weekend. Either way you have to try it!

1. Pasta:  Bring a large pot to boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. Sausage: In a large skillet add the sausage. Cook and crumble until it is no longer pink. Set aside on a plate
3. Sauce: Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.  Whisk over medium high heat until it starts to thicken. Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and let it simmer until the spinach starts to wilt. Add the sausage back to the pan and add the pasta and stir until heated throughout.

Tips and Variations for Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Use your imagination and what you have on hand to create this splendid dish.

• Pasta: I love using pasta that can really soak up the sauce and hold it in its crevices. For this creamy sausage pasta you can use almost any pasta you like, even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Try cavatappi, rigatoni, conchiglie, or fusilli for fun and ease.
• Al dente: Cook your pasta al dente. This means that the pasta is tender but is still chewy and holds it shape with a bit of firmness. This will allow the pasta to absorb the sauce a bit and hold on to the flavor in every bite.
• Sausage: You can use just about any sausage you would like. I prefer to use Italian sausage, which is just sausage flavored with Italians type spices versus regular sausage, but both will work. Italian sausage can be found in both mild and spicy, and either taste amazing. For lower fat versions try chicken or turkey Italian sausage.
• Heavy Cream:  You can use half and half instead of heavy cream to also cut a few calories but it won’t quite have that richness.
• Spinach: If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen will work. Be sure to really squeeze out any of the extra liquid. Kale and Swiss chard can also be used.

How to Store Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Like most Italian dishes, they are almost better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Keep leftovers tightly covered in fridge for up to 4 days.

You can also keep this frozen for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If it needs thinning add a bit of chicken broth or water as it heats.

More Pasta Recipes to Devour

Pasta is an ideal comfort food, its customizable, filling and a great energy source. Adding pasta to leftovers is a great way to stretch meals and make them go further. Pasta is tender and you can flavor it in so many ways and with so many different foods, and it all just works. Pasta comes in so many fun shapes too. Try something new the next time you are at the store and grab a type of pasta you’ve never tried before. It puts a fun spin on old favorites. Need a new way to serve up pasta tonight? Try one of these tried and true favorites for dinner that’s guaranteed to win the family over.

• One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
• Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup
• Creamy Bacon Carbonara
• Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
• Three Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells

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Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is pretty much a one pan wonder you will want to cook over and over again!  Perfect for a busy night, this is a hearty comforting dish that will truly satisfy.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Italian American

Keyword italian sausgae pasta, sausage pasta

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 6 People

Calories 778kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 8 ounce penne pasta uncooked
• 1 Pound Ground Sausage
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 cups spinach chopped
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes

Instructions

• Bring a large pot to boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.
• In a large skillet add the sausage. Cook and crumble until it is no longer pink. Set aside on a plate.
• Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Whisk over medium high heat until it starts to thicken. Add the spinach and sundried tomatoes and let it simmer until the spinach starts to wilt. Add the sausage back to the pan and add the pasta and stir until heated throughout.

Nutrition

Calories: 778kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 174mg | Sodium: 875mg | Potassium: 687mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1439IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 281mg | Iron: 3mg

 

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