Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

The tantalizing aroma of sweet, spicy, and savory sauce coating tender chunks of chicken is what makes Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken an irresistible favorite. This classic Chinese-American dish transforms into a convenient, hands-off meal when prepared in your trusty slow cooker. Unlike takeout versions that can be overly sweet or deep-fried, this homemade Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken delivers authentic flavors with significantly less oil and customizable spice levels. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while absorbing the complex flavors of the signature sauce. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality General Tso’s Chicken with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken recipe will quickly become a family favorite for numerous reasons. First, it offers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that coat each morsel of chicken. The contrast between the tender, juicy chicken pieces and the thick, glossy sauce creates an irresistible texture experience that’s impossible to replicate with takeout.

The convenience factor is unbeatable—simply prep your ingredients, add them to the slow cooker, and let the appliance work its magic while you attend to other tasks. Unlike traditional General Tso’s Chicken recipes that require constant attention and deep-frying, this version eliminates the mess and hassle.

Health-conscious cooks will appreciate that this slow cooker Asian chicken recipe contains significantly less oil and no deep-frying, making it lighter without sacrificing flavor. The sauce thickens naturally during cooking, creating that authentic restaurant-quality glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken and whatever you serve alongside it. Plus, the recipe is easily customizable to your family’s spice preference, making it versatile enough for everyone at your table.

Ingredients

For this delectable Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
• ¼ cup (32g) cornstarch
• ½ tsp (2.5g) salt
• ¼ tsp (1g) black pepper
• 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil

For the signature sauce:

• ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup (67g) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (60ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp (30ml) tomato paste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2-4 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
• 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch (for thickening)
• ¼ cup (60ml) water

For garnish:

• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Steamed broccoli and rice for serving

The chicken thighs are preferable to breast meat as they remain tender during the long cooking process, while the combination of hoisin, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates that distinctive General Tso’s flavor profile.

Pro Tips

Perfect the Sauce Consistency
The key to authentic Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken lies in achieving the right sauce consistency. For best results, wait until the chicken is fully cooked before adding your cornstarch slurry. Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water until smooth, then stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thin or breaking down during the long cooking process. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can transfer it to a saucepan and reduce it further over medium heat.

Proper Chicken Preparation
To ensure your chicken develops the best texture in the slow cooker chicken dish, don’t skip the initial coating and browning step. Tossing the chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then briefly browning them in a hot pan creates a protective coating that helps the meat retain moisture during slow cooking. This step only takes 5 minutes but makes a significant difference in the final texture and flavor absorption.

Balance Heat Levels Perfectly
The signature heat in General Tso’s Chicken should be present but balanced. For family-friendly heat, start with 2 dried chilies and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can always add more heat by serving extra red pepper flakes on the side. If you prefer a truly authentic spice level, add a tablespoon of chili paste or sambal oelek to the sauce mixture before cooking. Remember that the spice intensifies as it cooks, so start conservatively if you’re unsure.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large bowl and toss with ¼ cup cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, briefly brown the chicken pieces for about 1-2 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through, just creating a light crust. Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Create the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste until well combined. Add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and 2 tablespoons grated ginger, stirring to incorporate these aromatic ingredients. The fragrant combination will immediately remind you of your favorite Chinese restaurant! Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure all pieces are well coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Add the dried red chilies to the slow cooker, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The longer, slower cooking method is preferred as it allows the flavors to meld more completely and keeps the chicken incredibly juicy.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving your Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high (if not already) and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a glossy, coating consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, your Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken is ready to serve! Spoon it over steamed rice, garnish generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with steamed broccoli on the side. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will have everyone at the table excited before they even take their first bite.

Variations

Vegetarian General Tso’s
Transform this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken into a plant-based delight by substituting the chicken with 2 pounds of extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or 2 pounds of cauliflower florets. For tofu, skip the browning step and instead toss the cubes in cornstarch before adding to the slow cooker. For cauliflower, reduce cooking time to 2 hours on low to maintain some texture. The rich sauce works beautifully with these alternatives, creating a satisfying vegetarian option that maintains all the signature flavors of traditional General Tso’s.

Pineapple General Tso’s
For a tropical twist on this slow cooker Chinese chicken recipe, add 1 cup of pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking. The sweet, tangy pineapple complements the spicy sauce perfectly and adds a refreshing burst of flavor. You can use fresh pineapple for the best flavor or well-drained canned pineapple for convenience. Consider reducing the brown sugar slightly to accommodate the natural sweetness of the fruit. This variation is particularly popular with kids and makes for a bright, colorful presentation.

Storage and Serving

Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making next-day leftovers even more delicious. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

For serving, traditional steamed rice makes a perfect base, but consider these creative alternatives: serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or try it with udon noodles for a hearty twist. For a complete meal, accompany your General Tso’s Chicken with steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or a simple Asian slaw. For entertaining, serve family-style on a large platter surrounded by various sides, allowing guests to create their perfect plate. A sprinkle of extra sesame seeds and green onions refreshes the presentation when serving leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this General Tso’s Chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes as breast meat cooks faster and can dry out. For best results, check for doneness earlier and consider adding a tablespoon of sesame oil to the sauce for added moisture.

How can I make my Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken spicier or milder?
Adjust the heat by varying the number of dried chilies and amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chilies or omit them entirely. For extra heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of chili paste or a dash of cayenne pepper.

My sauce didn’t thicken properly. What went wrong?
The cornstarch needs heat to activate its thickening properties. If your sauce is still thin after adding the slurry, increase the slow cooker to high, leave the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken up to two days ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on low until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture.

What side dishes pair best with General Tso’s Chicken?
Beyond rice and broccoli, consider serving with steamed bok choy, vegetable spring rolls, hot and sour soup, or cucumber salad. For an authentic Chinese-American takeout experience, pair with vegetable fried rice or lo mein noodles.

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