Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe with friends because it combines all the bold flavors of takeout with the ease of slow cooking. Tender, juicy chicken pieces bathed in a perfectly balanced sauce that’s both sweet and savory with just a bit of kick — it’s a dish I find myself craving again and again. If you want that comforting, restaurant-quality experience at home without the fuss, this recipe hits all the right notes for me.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

I have to tell you, what makes this recipe stand out for me is how it delivers incredible flavor with very little effort. The chicken turns out so tender because it slowly simmers in this incredible sauce made from hoisin, soy, garlic, and just the right amount of brown sugar and vinegar to give a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Plus, the crushed red pepper gives it a satisfying warmth that’s not overpowering but just enough to keep your taste buds excited. It’s like your favorite General Tso’s chicken but better, because it’s homemade and tailored to exactly how I like it.

Another thing I absolutely love is how simple the prep is. You only need to toss the chicken in cornstarch and brown it quickly, then set everything to cook in the slow cooker. This means I can get it started in the morning and come home to a kitchen that smells amazing and a meal ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even when I want to impress guests without stressing in the kitchen. Honestly, this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort foods.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of a few essential ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the dish’s texture, color, and flavor profile.

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into one inch cubes: Perfectly sized pieces that cook evenly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch: Helps achieve a slight crisp on the chicken before slow cooking so it holds texture.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For browning the chicken and adding a gentle richness.
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce: Brings that signature sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory depth and umami to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Provides caramelized sweetness that balances the tang and spice.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a punch of aromatic flavor that brightens the dish.
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a lovely acidic lift that keeps the sauce from becoming too heavy.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: For that nutty, almost toasted aroma that rounds out the sauce flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger: A warm, subtle spice that pairs beautifully with garlic and soy.
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming the sweetness.
• Optional garnish of green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes: For fresh color, crunch, and extra flavor when serving.

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl or plastic bag, toss the cubed chicken breasts with the cornstarch until every piece is completely coated. This coating helps the chicken develop a lovely texture when browned.

Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook just until pieces are lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step locks in moisture and adds flavor.

Step 3: Transfer the browned chicken to the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking later.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, dry ginger, and crushed red pepper until smooth and combined.

Step 5: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are well coated. This sauce will slowly caramelize and thicken, infusing the chicken with rich flavor.

Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The longer you go, the more the flavors meld, but be careful not to overcook so the chicken stays juicy.

Step 7: Just before serving, give the chicken a gentle stir, then serve it hot over rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and extra red pepper flakes if you like a little more spice.

Servings and Timing

This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe serves about 5 people, making it a perfect size for a family dinner or small gathering. The prep time is incredibly short—just around 5 minutes to get everything ready. The slow cooking time is approximately 3 to 4 hours, which mostly requires you to wait and let the flavors develop while you go about your day. In total, expect roughly 3 hours and 5 minutes from start to finish. No resting or cooling time is necessary; it’s best enjoyed freshly cooked and piping hot.

How to Serve This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

When I serve this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe, I love piling it over fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up all that amazing sauce. It holds so beautifully that every bite is bursting with flavor. For some extra freshness and crunch, I often add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side—it balances the richness and adds a vibrant green to the plate. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, crispy fried rice or garlic noodles also complement this dish wonderfully.

For garnishing, I always sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top to add a pop of color and a subtle crunch. A few extra red pepper flakes are great too if you want an added hint of heat. I find that presenting the chicken in a shallow bowl with the rice on the side makes for an inviting and approachable family-style meal.

To drink, I often opt for something refreshing like a chilled jasmine iced tea or sparkling water with a slice of lime to cut through the sweetness. If you’re into cocktails, an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy sauce. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend get-together, this dish is best served hot and enjoyed with relaxed company.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want to switch things up, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier, more flavorful result. For a gluten-free option, just swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and make sure the hoisin sauce you use is gluten-free.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, try replacing the chicken with firm tofu cubes or cauliflower florets. Just toss them in cornstarch and brown carefully before slow cooking with the sauce. For a different flavor twist, I sometimes add a splash of pineapple juice or orange zest to brighten the sauce and give it a tropical note that’s really fun.

You can also experiment by cooking this on high in the slow cooker for about 1.5 to 2 hours if you’re short on time, but I personally prefer the low and slow method to get that perfect tender texture. Alternatively, if you want to speed things up further, you could finish it on the stovetop by simmering the sauce quickly after slow cooking to thicken and glaze the chicken just right.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover General Tso’s chicken in an airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best to avoid any odor absorption. Stored in the fridge, leftovers will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or lunch the next day.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! I recommend placing cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. It keeps well for up to 2 months frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave on medium power to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Avoid reheating on very high heat or for too long, as the chicken can become tough. I find gentle reheating keeps the sauce glossy and delicious just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my personal favorite for this dish because they tend to stay more moist and flavorful during slow cooking. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes and follow the same steps; the cooking time remains the same.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce and ensuring your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Always double-check labels to keep it safe if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity.

How spicy is the Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe?

The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted easily by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper. I usually stick to the recipe’s 1/2 teaspoon for a gentle kick, but you can add more if you like it spicy or omit it if you prefer mild flavors.

Can I make this recipe in a regular pot on the stove?

Yes, though it won’t be quite the same as slow cooking. You can simmer the browned chicken and sauce in a covered pot on low heat for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Just watch closely to prevent the sauce from burning.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

I love serving it with steamed jasmine rice, broccoli, snap peas, or even stir-fried vegetables. Garlic noodles, fried rice, or a simple cucumber salad also complement the sweetness and spice of General Tso’s chicken beautifully.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a delicious, fuss-free way to enjoy one of the most beloved Chinese-American dishes, I wholeheartedly recommend giving my Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe a try. It’s simple to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and perfect for any occasion when you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation just like it has in mine!

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