Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken
Hola! If you’ve ever craved the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy magic of General Tso’s chicken but didn’t want the fuss of takeout, this recipe is for you. Growing up in Florida, I was surrounded by flavors from all over the world, and one of my guilty pleasures has always been this classic Chinese-American dish.
My family loves it when I toss tender chicken into the slow cooker with a sticky, savory sauce that clings to every bite. Using my crockpot makes dinner easy, flavorful, and healthier than restaurant versions.
This recipe proves that Chinese chicken in the crockpot can taste even better than delivery, and it’s now one of our go-to great crockpot meals.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 3 hours |
| Total Time | 3 hours 5 minutes |
| Servings | 5 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Asian American |
| Best Season | Anytime |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better than takeout: The sauce is rich, balanced, and clings perfectly to each piece of chicken, making it restaurant-quality at home.
- Effortless cooking: With just 5 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
- Family-friendly: It’s flavorful without being overly spicy, so kids and adults alike will enjoy it.
- Perfect for busy nights: This is one of those cook-all-day crockpot meals that feels gourmet with minimal effort.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap in thighs for breasts, or even add veggies for a healthier twist.
Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
Slow cooker General Tso’s chicken is a super easy version of everyone’s favorite Chinese entree! Crispy chicken cooked in a sweet and savory sauce with a little added heat. This is way better than takeout!
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 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (more or less to liking)
- Optional garnish: green onions, sesame seeds, additional red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Combine the cubed chicken breasts and cornstarch in a bowl or plastic bag. Toss until the chicken is completely coated.
2. In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat add vegetable oil. Cook the chicken until it is lightly browned but not cooked through. Place the chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker.
3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, dry ginger, and crushed red pepper. Pour on top of the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until chicken is cooked throughout.
5. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Browning the chicken adds flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy. Adjust spice to your liking with extra red pepper flakes. Great for meal prep, reheats beautifully!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 312
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 962mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 59mg
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 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (more or less to liking)
- Optional garnish: green onions, sesame seeds, additional red pepper flakes
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Cut evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate in the slow cooker. |
| Cornstarch | Creates a light coating for the chicken, helping the sauce stick beautifully. |
| Hoisin sauce | Look for a quality brand, since this is the main flavor base of the dish. |
| Soy sauce | Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish. |
| Brown sugar | Light brown sugar works best, adding sweetness without overpowering the sauce. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced garlic is essential for depth of flavor. |
| Rice wine vinegar | Balances the sweetness with a subtle tang. |
| Sesame oil | Adds a nutty aroma, so use sparingly for best results. |
| Crushed red pepper | Adjust to taste, depending on your spice preference. |
| Green onions & sesame seeds | Add freshness and crunch for garnish. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Coat the chicken: Place cubed chicken in a bowl or plastic bag with cornstarch. Toss until every piece is evenly coated. This helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce as it cooks.
- Brown the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken just until lightly browned, but not fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, dry ginger, and crushed red pepper until smooth.
- Combine and cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the chicken and sauce over steamed rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Lightly browning the chicken first adds flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer more tender and juicy bites.
- Don’t overcook, as chicken breasts can dry out if left in the slow cooker too long.
- Stir once halfway through cooking to make sure the sauce coats the chicken evenly.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Thicker sauce: If you like a thicker glaze, remove the chicken once cooked, simmer the sauce in a saucepan, and whisk in a cornstarch slurry.
- Rice choice matters: Serve with jasmine or sticky rice to soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Add veggies: Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas can be added in the last hour of cooking.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for weekly meal planning.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version: Increase the crushed red pepper or add chili paste for a bold kick.
- Honey General Tso’s chicken: Swap half the brown sugar for honey for a sweeter, floral flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower, adjusting the cook time to prevent overcooking.
- 8-hour version: Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours for busy days when you want dinner waiting after work.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can prep the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Cooked leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your General Tso’s chicken over rice or noodles for a comforting meal. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and fresh green onions for color. For extra crunch, pair with a side of steamed broccoli.
Pairing Ideas
This dish pairs wonderfully with vegetable fried rice or lo mein. For drinks, try pairing with chilled jasmine tea, a crisp Riesling, or even sparkling water with lime.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. For a quick option, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and stay even more tender in the slow cooker.
2. Do I need to brown the chicken first?
It’s optional, but highly recommended. Browning locks in flavor and keeps the chicken from falling apart.
3. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough, and cook for the same amount of time.
4. Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from crushed red pepper, but you can adjust it to suit your preference.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
6. What’s the best side dish for General Tso’s chicken?
Rice is classic, but it’s also great with steamed veggies, fried rice, or Asian-style noodles.
7. Can I leave it on warm after cooking?
Yes, but only for 1 to 2 hours, otherwise the chicken may dry out.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
|---|---|
| Calories | 312 kcal |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbs | 41 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 29 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with melt-in-your-mouth chicken. It’s one of those slow cooker best recipes that feels like a treat but couldn’t be easier. Try it once, and you’ll never crave takeout the same way again.
Hungry for more? Dive into our Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe.
