Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken

It's Sunday and sunny.  Can't beat that.  It's me and the kiddos today, so I'm hoping we can make it outside and enjoy the beautiful sunshine!

We are still working on finding a double stroller.  My parents thought they had one at a local garage sale, but sadly got there too late and it was sold.  I just can't get myself to shell out a couple hundred dollars for a new one, when I know it's garage sale season around here.  I'm not at all ashamed to use someones leftovers!

Now, while the weather is FINALLY turning around, it isn't always "slow cooker" or "crockpot" season anymore.  Except in this house, I use it all year around.

If you haven't been to Stephanie's blog A Year of Slow Cooking yet, you should.  Can you believe she used it everyday in 2008?  Wow.  I snagged this recipe she put up the other day and made it that night.  I was craving stir-fry with lots of veggies after a weekend of Easter candy.

Please write that down.  I was craving lots of vegetables.

I also needed to use up the box of whole grain rice Foodbuzz sent me to try, as being part of their Tastemakers program.  Verdict?  It was okay...honestly I prefer brown rice, or nice fluffy white rice.  This turned out to be kinda mushy, even after following the directions to a T.  But, don't let that interfere with the stir-fry, it was great!

Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cut in 1-inch chunks

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon dried ginger

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (add more to taste at the table if you'd prefer more heat)

1 (16-ounce) package stir-fry vegetables (to add later)

Use a 4-quart slow cooker. Put the chicken into the bottom of your crockpot and then add the garlic, brown sugar, ginger, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Toss the chicken to fully coat with the sauce ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, then add the frozen vegetables. Re cover and cook on high for an hour, or until the veggies are fully hot and the chicken has reached desired tenderness.

Serve with white or brown rice.

The only thing I changed in this recipe was the cooking time.  I'm pretty sure I only let mine go 4 hours in the slow cooker.  It was ready and we were hungry.

What are you doing this beautiful Sunday afternoon?