If you have ever craved that perfectly balanced sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor melody of takeout but longed for something you could set and forget at home, the Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe answers that desire with flair. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with a luscious sauce that simmers slowly, allowing the flavors to deepen and marry into a comforting, irresistible meal. It transforms the classic restaurant favorite into an effortless slow cooker masterpiece, making dinner both stress-free and absolutely satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from building the bold, authentic flavor of the sauce to giving the chicken its tender, juicy texture. The combination is straightforward but layered, creating a dish that bursts with color, taste, and comfort.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and rich, these cook beautifully in the slow cooker.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Helps to give the chicken a wonderful texture and slightly crispy finish if you brown it first.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used to brown the chicken and add depth to the dish.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy richness that makes this dish so addictive.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Brings brightness and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Contributes caramel sweetness and depth.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Infuses tomato tang and subtle acidity for balance.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Essential aromatic that layers robust flavor.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a fresh zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle kick of heat to enliven the dish.
- 1/4 cup water: Used to help thicken the sauce at the end.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening): Ensures that glossy, clingy sauce that coats every bite.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: The perfect fresh and nutty finish for garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat and Brown the Chicken
Begin by tossing the bite-sized chicken thighs in 1/2 cup cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This step is crucial as it builds a slight crust on the chicken, which helps lock in moisture during slow cooking. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet and brown the chicken pieces on all sides for about 2 to 3 minutes each. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Browning is optional but highly recommended as it deepens the flavor and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Sauce
While the chicken browns, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This mixture is the heart of your Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe, delivering the complex sweet and spicy sauce that makes this dish legendary.
Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook
Place the browned chicken into your slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it, ensuring every piece gets coated. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavors have melded perfectly. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing every bite with that vibrant, rich taste.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
To achieve that restaurant-quality glossy sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker around 15 to 20 minutes before the cooking time is up. This step thickens the sauce, making it luscious and cling to each piece of chicken just right.
How to Serve Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds add a fresh crunch and nuttiness that elevate the final presentation. They bring brightness and a beautiful contrast to the deep, rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a fresh balance, try serving with sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or a crunchy Asian slaw to lighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini to keep it low-carb. You could also scoop it into lettuce cups for an interactive appetizer or casual dinner. Either way, Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is versatile and lends itself to plenty of creative plating ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover General Tso’s chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it ideal for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze fully cooked General Tso’s chicken for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot and the sauce is bubbling. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating and to keep the chicken moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs remain juicier and more forgiving in slow cooking. Breasts can dry out easily, so watch the cooking time closely if you swap.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?
Browning the chicken adds flavor and texture, but it is optional. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and just add coated chicken directly to the slow cooker—it will still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust the heat gradually to suit your taste buds.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe?
Traditional steamed rice is perfect, but you can also enjoy it with fried rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves bold Asian flavors but values simplicity and convenience in the kitchen. From its rich, perfectly balanced sauce to the tender chicken that melts in your mouth, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making over and over. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly at home.
Print
Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken is a flavorful and convenient Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs in a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe combines classic flavors like soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and ginger, slow-cooked to perfection and thickened for a rich coating. Serve it over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic takeout experience at home.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 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
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Thickening Slurry
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in 1/2 cup cornstarch until evenly coated, ensuring each piece is fully covered for a crisp texture once cooked.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side, ensuring not to cook it through. This adds flavor and texture. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the prepared sauce over the browned chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken pieces are mostly covered.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix water and 2 tablespoons cornstarch to form a smooth slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce to a glossy finish.
- Serve: Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra crisp texture, skip the browning step and air-fry the cornstarch-coated chicken separately, then toss it in the sauce before serving.
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness in the dish.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently over the stovetop.
