General Tso Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe (Guide)

ByAmy

Ah, General Tso Chicken-the name alone conjures images of sweet, sticky, spicy, and utterly irresistible comfort food. This dish has become a beloved staple in Chinese-American cuisine, adored for its balance of flavors: the tangy sweetness of the sauce, the gentle heat of chili, and the succulent, tender chicken that soaks it all in.

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But here’s the thing: traditional restaurant-style General Tso Chicken usually requires deep frying, juggling multiple pans, and a mountain of patience. Enter the slow cooker-our magic wand for turning this labor-intensive favorite into a stress-free, weeknight-friendly dish.

Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully over hours, giving you tender, juicy chicken that practically melts in your mouth. The sauce thickens naturally, hugging each bite in a deliciously sticky coating. And the best part? Minimal cleanup, minimal fuss, and maximum flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing friends at your next casual gathering, this slow cooker version will not disappoint.

General Tso Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

general tso chicken slow cooker recipe

This slow cooker adaptation doesn’t just simplify the process-it enhances it. The chicken absorbs the sauce as it simmers, giving you rich layers of flavor without the greasy aftermath of deep-frying. It’s perfect served over steamed rice, paired with stir-fried vegetables, or even tossed with noodles for a hearty twist.

Ingredient List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish. I’ve broken it down by category to make shopping a breeze:

For The Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating the chicken lightly)

For The Sauce

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup hoisin sauce
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less depending on spice preference)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or water)

Optional Garnishes

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instruction Guide

Here’s the step-by-step process to make sure your slow cooker General Tso Chicken turns out perfectly:

  1. Prep The Chicken

    • Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
    • Toss the chicken in cornstarch until lightly coated. This helps thicken the sauce later and gives the chicken a subtle silky texture.

  2. Prepare The Sauce

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

  3. Combine In Slow Cooker

    • Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure each piece is coated.

  4. Cook Low And Slow

    • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

  5. Thicken The Sauce (Optional)

    • For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker sauce and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.

  6. Serve

    • Plate the chicken over steamed rice, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Ingredient Swaps

Flexibility is key! If you don’t have certain ingredients or want to tweak flavors:

  • Chicken: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but note that thighs stay juicier. Tofu or tempeh work for a vegetarian version.
  • Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos or tamari for gluten-free options.
  • Sweetener: Honey, maple syrup, or agave instead of brown sugar.
  • Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as substitutes for rice vinegar.
  • Spice: Adjust red pepper flakes, or add sriracha for extra heat.

Helpful Tips

To elevate your slow cooker General Tso Chicken:

  • Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensures uniform cooking.
  • Brown Chicken (Optional): Quickly searing in a pan before slow cooking adds depth of flavor.
  • Check Sauce Consistency: Slow cookers retain liquid, so thickening at the end prevents a watery sauce.
  • Layer Flavors: Don’t skip ginger or garlic-they’re essential for that authentic kick.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Customization Ideas

Get creative and tailor this dish to your taste:

  • Vegetables: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
  • Nuts: Sprinkle toasted cashews or peanuts for crunch.
  • Heat: Amp up spice with chili garlic sauce, fresh chilies, or a dash of cayenne.
  • Carbs: Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
  • Sweetness Level: Adjust brown sugar or honey for a more balanced sweet-savory flavor.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For A General Tso Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe?

You will typically need boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, chicken broth, and optional red chili flakes or dried chilies for heat. Some recipes also call for green onions or sesame seeds for garnish.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs In This Slow Cooker Recipe?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used. However, they are leaner and can dry out more easily than thighs. To prevent this, cook on low heat and consider adding extra sauce or broth to maintain moisture.

How Long Should I Cook General Tso Chicken In A Slow Cooker?

Cook the chicken on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender. Avoid overcooking, especially if using chicken breasts.

Do I Need To Brown The Chicken Before Adding It To The Slow Cooker?

Browning the chicken is optional but recommended. Searing the chicken in a skillet before slow cooking adds extra flavor and color to the final dish.

How Do I Thicken The Sauce In A Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken Recipe?

To thicken the sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker 15-30 minutes before serving, and cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?

Yes, add red chili flakes, dried red chilies, or a small amount of sriracha to the sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Is It Possible To Prepare This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Combine and cook in the slow cooker when ready to serve. Leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

What Should I Serve With General Tso Chicken From A Slow Cooker?

It pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or noodles. Steamed vegetables or stir-fried broccoli and snow peas complement the dish nicely.

Can I Freeze General Tso Chicken Made In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, freeze the fully cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How Do I Prevent The Chicken From Becoming Too Watery In The Slow Cooker?

Avoid adding too much liquid initially. Use just enough sauce or broth to coat the chicken. Thicken the sauce at the end using cornstarch or reduce the liquid by cooking on high for the last 30-60 minutes without a lid.

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