If you love takeout but prefer something as easy as it is comforting, this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Tender chunks of chicken are coated in the silkiest, glossy sauce—sweet, savory, tangy, and just a bit spicy—all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This crave-worthy version means you can skip the restaurant line (and the deep fryer) to enjoy the bold flavors right at home, with only a few pantry essentials and minimal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this dish, a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create layers of flavor that would make any restaurant jealous. Each item matters—providing either crunch, color, savoriness, or sometimes that surprise pop of brightness.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy, forgiving, and soak up every bit of sauce—cut into bite-sized pieces for the perfect texture.
- Cornstarch: This is our secret to a beautiful coating and thick, glossy sauce in the end.
- Salt and pepper: A little seasoning upfront lifts all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Just enough to give the chicken golden, irresistible edges during searing.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of savoriness, but choose low-sodium for balance.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a rich, sweet depth you simply can’t skip.
- Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and helps cut through the richness.
- Brown sugar: Lends the classic sticky sweetness to the sauce.
- Ketchup: Provides tang and helps strengthen the tomato backbone in the sauce.
- Minced garlic: Fragrant and punchy, it’s essential for depth.
- Grated fresh ginger: Offers warmth and that unmistakable zing.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust to your ideal level of heat—start small if you’re unsure!
- Cornstarch slurry: Whisk together cornstarch and water for a final sauce-thickening flourish.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: These garnishes bring crunch, pop, and extra color.
How to Make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken
Start by sprinkling salt and pepper over your chicken pieces to enhance their flavor, then toss them with the cornstarch until every piece is generously coated. This step is key for getting that signature, just-thick-enough coating that holds on to the sauce. It also makes the chicken golden and slightly crispy once it’s seared.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches (don’t overcrowd), quickly sear the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until each piece is lightly browned. You’re not fully cooking the chicken here—it will finish in the slow cooker! Transfer the browned pieces directly into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. This mixture should taste bold and balanced with a lovely combination of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure it all gets nicely coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 4 hours, or high for 2 hours. This cozy, hands-off cook time gives the flavors time to marry and the chicken time to become perfectly tender, as the magic of the Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe does its work. Don’t lift the lid too much—let the aromas and heat circulate and do their thing.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 15 to 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir together the cornstarch and water to make a quick slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker and mix well—the sauce will thicken up beautifully as it finishes. You’ll see it become glossy and coat the chicken just right. Once thickened, dinner is ready!
How to Serve Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Top your finished dish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that classic restaurant-style look. Not only do these garnishes make the Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe pop visually, but they add crunch, freshness, and just the right amount of nuttiness.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats steaming hot rice as the starchy base for all that delicious sauce. Jasmine or white rice are traditional, but brown rice or cauliflower rice work too. For something green and snappy, serve it with steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas—both soak up any extra sauce on your plate for a truly satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
This doesn’t have to be a plain old bowl situation! Try serving portions in lettuce cups for a light starter, or tuck the saucy chicken into steamed bao buns for a playful Asian-inspired twist. For a fun family-style dinner, arrange everything on a big platter and let everyone build their own plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply store it in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. The flavors get even deeper overnight and are just as irresistible reheated for lunch or dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked chicken and sauce cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened up too much, splash in a spoonful or two of water to loosen things up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner option and work very well in this recipe. Just keep in mind they can dry out a bit faster, so keep an eye on your cook time and don’t overdo it.
Can I make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe spicier?
Definitely! Bump up the crushed red pepper flakes or toss in a little sriracha or chili paste if you love extra heat. You’re in total control of the final spice level, so taste as you go.
What’s the best way to get a crispy texture?
If a truly crispy bite is your goal, you can fully fry the chicken pieces in the skillet before adding to the slow cooker. This step ensures that lovely crunch, even after simmering in the luscious sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can season, dredge, and even sear the chicken in advance and refrigerate until ready to add your sauce and slow cook. This makes for even speedier weeknight prep, especially if entertaining.
Is the Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap in tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and be sure your hoisin sauce is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a warm plate of homemade comfort, and this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe delivers every time. The best part? It’s fuss-free, family-friendly, and guaranteed to turn any ordinary night into something special. Give it a try, and get ready for rave reviews!
Print
Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce with a hint of heat, served over fluffy rice. A convenient slow cooker meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, coat in cornstarch.
- Sear Chicken: Brown chicken in oil in a skillet, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry in the last 15–20 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Spoon chicken over rice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a crispier version, fry the chicken before adding to the slow cooker.
- Adjust spice level by varying red pepper flakes.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or snap peas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
