If there’s one dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with easy comfort, it’s this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy cornstarch crust and then slow-cooked in a tangy, sweet, and just a little spicy sauce that clings to every bite. The magic here is in how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours in a restaurant kitchen, but with almost no effort on your part. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving some seriously satisfying takeout vibes at home, this recipe truly delivers pure deliciousness every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to bringing together the rich, vibrant flavors and irresistible texture that make this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe so special. Each one plays a distinct role—from the crispy coating to the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy in the sauce.
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chopped into bite-size pieces for easy cooking and perfect sauce absorption.
- 2 tablespoons oil: For browning the chicken and creating that slight crisp before slow cooking.
- 1 cup corn starch: The key to that crispy outer layer that soaks up all the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and warmth to the corn starch coating.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Gives a subtle kick to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce: A fragrant and sweet base that gives the dish a classic Asian restaurant flair.
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides savory umami that ties the whole sauce together.
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds necessary acidity to brighten and balance the dish’s flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the sauce just right without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic flavors cut through the richness and add a punch of aromatics.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps loosen the sauce, ensuring it’s just saucy enough to coat every piece.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: The perfect surprise heat underlining every bite—not too fiery, just enough to keep things interesting.
- Steamed or fried rice for serving: To soak up all that amazing sauce and complete the meal.
How to Make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Coating
Start by preheating your oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat—this oil is vital to getting that beautifully golden outer crust. While the oil warms, whisk together your corn starch, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl. Then, toss the chopped chicken pieces into a zip-top bag with this mixture and shake it all up until every piece is fully coated. This coating is going to give you that crave-worthy crunch amidst the silky sauce.
Step 2: Browning the Chicken
Add your coated chicken to the hot pan and sauté them just long enough to get some color—around 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t worry if the chicken is still raw inside; this step is all about building flavor and texture on the outside before slow cooking takes care of the rest. The browning also helps steam off some excess moisture, ensuring your sauce stays nice and thick.
Step 3: Mixing the Sauce
While the chicken is browning, grab a bowl and whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, water, and red pepper flakes. This sauce is where the classic General Tso’s balance comes from—tangy, sweet, a little spicy, and loaded with savory depth. You’ll pour half of this sauce into the slow cooker alongside the chicken first.
Step 4: Slow Cooking the Chicken
Transfer your browned chicken, along with half of the sauce, into the slow cooker. Set the cooker on low for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce. This slow cooking builds layers of flavor that cannot be rushed, turning an easy meal into an extraordinary one.
Step 5: Final Touch Before Serving
Right before you’re ready to serve, add the remaining sauce to the slow cooker and gently stir. This fresh addition boosts the sauciness and adds a glossy finish, giving your dish that “just-made” vibrancy. Serve immediately over steamed or fried rice to catch every last drop and enjoy the ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top to add a fresh, nutty crunch and a pop of color. Thin slices of fresh red chili can also bring an extra spark of heat if you enjoy things on the spicier side. These small touches elevate the dish, making it feel as special as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice to help soak up all that vibrant sauce. For a bit of green and crunch, serve a simple side of sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or snap peas. These fresh veggies balance the richness and bring lightness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or inside lettuce cups for a low-carb option that is just as satisfying. You could also turn the leftovers into a General Tso’s chicken bowl with quinoa, avocado slices, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a wholesome lunch. The versatility of this dish means you can always find new ways to enjoy it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover General Tso’s Chicken into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so be sure to warm it gently before serving to restore that perfect consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers to make reheating easy and convenient. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure the chicken stays tender and the sauce remains luscious.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your leftovers is on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method helps the sauce loosen up and keeps the chicken juicy. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too, but be sure to add a splash of water to keep the sauce from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more tender and juicy, and they work wonderfully in this recipe. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps for coating and browning.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and make sure the hoisin sauce you choose is gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy all the bold flavors without the gluten.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe?
This recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes, but it is not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, or omit it altogether for a milder dish.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can coat and brown the chicken ahead of time and prepare the sauce in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge, then combine and slow cook when you’re ready for a hands-off dinner.
What can I use if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and a splash of vinegar to mimic the sweet and savory notes. However, the flavor won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe enough—whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is satisfying. The way tender chicken merges with that perfectly balanced sauce will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds. Give it a try and let this dish bring some comforting joy to your dinner table!
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 Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken recipe offers a deliciously comforting and flavorful Chinese-American classic made easy with a slow cooking method. Tender bite-size chicken pieces are lightly coated, sautéed for a quick browning, then simmered in a tangy and slightly sweet homemade sauce made with hoisin, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Perfectly paired with steamed or fried rice, this dish combines convenience and rich taste for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), chopped into bite size pieces
- 1 cup corn starch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
To Serve
- Steamed or fried rice
Instructions
- Prepare Coating and Chicken: Preheat oil in a nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. In a bowl, whisk together corn starch, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Place the chicken pieces in a large ziplock bag, add the corn starch mixture, seal the bag, and shake well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Sauté Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the preheated pan with oil. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the chicken pieces are browned on the outside. They will still be raw inside at this point, which is fine as they will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, water, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until the sauce ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Cook Chicken in Slow Cooker: Add half of the prepared sauce to the slow cooker along with the sautéed chicken pieces. Stir gently to distribute the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Immediately before serving, add the remaining half of the sauce to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat the chicken evenly. Serve the General Tso’s Chicken hot alongside steamed or fried rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Lightly browning the chicken before slow cooking enhances flavor and texture.
- This recipe yields a mildly spicy dish, adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer more or less heat.
- Hoisin sauce can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores or specialty markets.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
