Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken

This Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken brings the bold flavors of your favorite takeout dish straight to your kitchen, with minimal effort! The slow-cooked chicken is coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with fluffy steamed rice or fresh veggies. Making this dish in the crockpot means that the flavors have time to develop, resulting in a rich and savory taste that rivals any restaurant version. It’s a hassle-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or satisfying your Chinese takeout cravings—without leaving home!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• ⅓ cup hoisin sauce

• ¼ cup honey

• ¼ cup rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

• 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Lightly coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, shaking off excess.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

3. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

4. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and chicken broth.

5. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.

6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours.

7. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

8. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

9. Serve over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken

Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken is a game-changer for anyone who loves the bold, irresistible flavors of Chinese takeout but wants a healthier, homemade version. This dish takes the iconic sweet, spicy, and sticky sauce that defines General Tso’s Chicken and transforms it into a slow-cooked masterpiece. The result? Tender, juicy chicken infused with deep, savory flavors—all without the hassle of deep-frying.

The History of General Tso’s Chicken

Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken is one of the most popular Chinese-American dishes, often found on the menu of nearly every Chinese takeout restaurant. Despite its name, it is not a traditional Chinese dish but was popularized in North America. It is believed to have originated in Taiwan, created by Chef Peng Chang-kuei, who named it after a 19th-century Chinese military leader, General Tso Tsung-t’ang. The dish later gained widespread fame when it was introduced in New York City in the 1970s, evolving into the sweet, tangy, and crispy version we know today. The beauty of this recipe is that it captures all the classic flavors of the original dish but with a healthier, hands-free approach, thanks to the slow cooker.

Why This Crockpot Version is the Best

There are plenty of General Tso’s Chicken recipes out there, but this crockpot version stands out for several reasons:

• Set It and Forget It – The slow cooker does all the work for you! Unlike the traditional deep-fried version, which requires constant attention, this recipe allows you to throw everything into the crockpot and let it cook to perfection while you go about your day.
• Healthier Alternative – By skipping the deep fryer, you significantly reduce the amount of oil used in this dish. The chicken remains tender and juicy without being greasy.
• Incredible Flavor Infusion – The slow cooking process allows the sauce to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor that tastes even better than takeout.
• Budget-Friendly – Making this dish at home is far more affordable than ordering from a restaurant. Plus, you can easily feed a family of four with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Customizable – Whether you like your General Tso’s Chicken extra spicy or prefer a milder version, you can easily adjust the spice level. You can also swap out ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – This recipe stores well in the refrigerator and can be frozen for future meals, making it ideal for meal planning.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

• Chicken Thighs – Preferred over chicken breast because they stay moist and tender throughout the slow cooking process.
• Cornstarch – Helps to create a light coating on the chicken, giving it a subtle crispness and helping the sauce thicken.
• Soy Sauce & Hoisin Sauce – These umami-packed sauces create the savory backbone of the dish. Hoisin sauce adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
• Honey & Brown Sugar – Essential for achieving that signature sticky, caramelized sauce. The sweetness balances the spice.
• Rice Vinegar – Adds acidity to brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the sauce.
• Garlic & Ginger – Classic aromatics that add warmth and depth to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Adds heat, but you can adjust the amount to control the spice level.
• Sesame Seeds & Green Onions – Used as garnish, adding texture and a pop of freshness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

• Prep the Chicken – Coat the chicken in cornstarch, then sear it in a skillet to lock in flavor before transferring it to the slow cooker. This step is optional but highly recommended for a better texture.
• Make the Sauce – Mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. This combination creates a bold, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that thickens beautifully.
• Slow Cook to Perfection – Let the chicken cook in the sauce on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. The slow heat allows the flavors to meld together.
• Thicken the Sauce – Stir in a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve that signature thick and glossy consistency.
• Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for the perfect finishing touch. Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or stir-fried vegetables.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken

While this dish is amazing on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great accompaniments:

• Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice – Soaks up the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful.
• Fried Rice – A classic pairing that adds more texture and flavor to your meal.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas complement the dish beautifully.
• Lo Mein or Rice Noodles – For an alternative to rice, try serving the chicken over noodles.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – A crispy appetizer that pairs well with the saucy chicken.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Customizations & Variations

• Make it Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower. Sear the tofu first to help it hold its shape.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Extra Crispy Texture: If you miss the deep-fried crunch, you can air-fry or bake the cornstarch-coated chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt to reduce sodium intake.

Conclusion

Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken is a perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just satisfying a takeout craving in a healthier way, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. By using a slow cooker, you unlock a depth of flavor that rivals any restaurant, with minimal effort required. It’s a dish that proves you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy an amazing homemade meal. So next time you’re tempted to order takeout, try making this slow-cooker version instead—you won’t be disappointed!