Quick and Easy Homemade Crockpot Baked General Tso Chicken Meal Prep Recipe

Last Updated on: 24th March 2024, 12:48 pm

I love meal prepping, but sometimes I get bored with the same old chicken and rice dishes.

That’s why I decided to switch things up and try making my own General Tso chicken in the crockpot.

Not only is it a delicious and flavorful meal, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and perfect for meal prep.

Chicken pieces, vegetables, and sauce mixed in a crockpot. Timer set. Ready to cook

To make this meal, all you need is a crockpot and a few simple ingredients.

The chicken is cooked low and slow in a sweet and savory sauce that’s made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. The result is tender and juicy chicken that’s bursting with flavor.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal prep option that’s both delicious and satisfying, then you definitely need to try this crockpot General Tso chicken recipe.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook, and it’s also a great way to switch up your meal prep routine.

Key Takeaways

  • This homemade crockpot General Tso chicken is a delicious and flavorful meal that’s perfect for meal prep.
  • The chicken is cooked low and slow in a sweet and savory sauce that’s made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
  • This meal is quick and easy to make, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.

General Tso Chicken Recipe

A crockpot sits on a kitchen counter, filled with homemade General Tso chicken. Ingredients surround the pot, ready for meal prep

If you’re looking for an easy meal prep recipe that you can make in a crockpot, then you’re going to love this General Tso Chicken recipe.

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It’s a quick and easy recipe that you can make in just a few minutes, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.

Ingredients

This recipe only requires a few ingredients, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Crockpot Preparation

Before you start cooking, you’ll need to prepare your crockpot. Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
  2. Heat the oil in a large, nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear it until it is well browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to combine.
  4. Pour the chicken and sauce into the crockpot. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until chicken is cooked throughout.

That’s it! This General Tso Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep, and it’s a great way to make a delicious and healthy meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Meal Prep Guide

A crockpot sits on a kitchen counter, filled with homemade general tso chicken. Ingredients and spices are neatly arranged nearby for quick and easy meal prep

Portioning

When it comes to portioning your homemade crockpot baked General Tso chicken, it’s important to consider your personal dietary needs and goals. I recommend portioning your chicken into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

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Aim for a serving size of 4-6 ounces of chicken per container, depending on your caloric needs. You can also add in some steamed veggies and brown rice for a well-rounded meal.

Storage

Proper storage is key to ensuring your General Tso chicken stays fresh and safe to eat throughout the week. I recommend storing your chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

If you don’t plan on eating your chicken within 4 days, you can also store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips

To reheat your General Tso chicken, simply remove it from the fridge or freezer and transfer it to a microwave-safe container. Heat it up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

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Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Just be sure to cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken up in the fridge, so you may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to help thin it out.

Suggested Side Dishes

When it comes to serving General Tso chicken, there are a variety of side dishes that can complement the meal. Here are a few suggestions to help you complete your meal prep:

1. Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables are always a great choice to pair with General Tso chicken. Broccoli, carrots, and green beans are all good options.

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Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and steam them until they are tender. You can also season them with salt, pepper, and a little bit of garlic powder for extra flavor.

2. Rice

Rice is a classic side dish that pairs well with General Tso chicken. You can use any type of rice you prefer, such as white rice, brown rice, or even fried rice. To add a little bit of extra flavor, try cooking your rice with chicken broth instead of water.

3. Asian Slaw

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, consider serving an Asian slaw alongside your General Tso chicken. This crunchy and flavorful side dish is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, and is dressed with a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. You can find many different recipes online, such as this easy Asian slaw recipe.

4. Glazed Carrots

Another great side dish option is glazed carrots. These sweet and savory carrots are cooked in a crockpot with a delicious glaze made from brown sugar, butter, and soy sauce. They’re easy to make and add a pop of color to your plate. You can find a recipe for crockpot glazed carrots here.

Overall, there are many different side dishes that can complement your homemade crockpot General Tso chicken. Whether you prefer steamed vegetables, rice, Asian slaw, or glazed carrots, any of these options will make a delicious and satisfying meal.

Jakob miller