Easy Crockpot General Tso's Chicken Recipe
Effortless Takeout Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes.
A simple, set-and-forget slow cooker recipe for General Tso's chicken that tastes even better than takeout.
I remember one particularly gray afternoon, the kind where you just feel drained. I had chicken thighs in the fridge and no energy for a complicated meal. So, I decided to let my slow cooker do the work. I whisked together a simple sauce, poured it over the chicken, and just let it be. A few hours later, the whole house smelled incredible. That first bite was just... wow. It was warm, comforting, and exactly what my soul needed. It’s been a staple for busy days ever since.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- •It’s a true 'set it and forget it' meal for busy days.
- •The flavor is so much richer than takeout.
- •Your home will smell absolutely amazing while it cooks.
- •It uses chicken thighs, which stay wonderfully moist and tender.
- •The sauce is perfectly balanced—sweet, savory, and a little bit spicy.
- •It’s a meal the whole family gets excited about.
My family absolutely adores this. My husband, who is the biggest fan of our local Chinese takeout, said this version is officially his new favorite. He couldn't believe I made it in the crockpot! It's a total win.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Chicken Thighs: I really prefer thighs for slow cooking. They have a bit more fat, which means they stay incredibly tender and juicy, even after hours of cooking. Breasts can work, but they can sometimes get a little dry.
- Hoisin Sauce: This is the heart of that sweet and savory flavor. It's a thick, fragrant sauce that adds a depth you just can't get from anything else. Think of it as the recipe's soul.
- Rice Vinegar: This adds the gentle tang that cuts through the richness of the sauce. It brightens everything up and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. A little acidity makes all the difference.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Don't skip this final step! Adding the slurry at the end is what transforms the thin cooking liquid into that thick, glossy sauce that clings to every piece of chicken. It’s the perfect finishing touch.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, toss your chicken pieces in cornstarch. This creates a light coating.
- Then, give them a quick sear in a hot pan. This isn't about cooking them, but about creating a little texture and locking in flavor. It makes a real difference.
- While the chicken browns, you can whisk together the sauce.
- Just combine everything in a bowl—the soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, sugar, and aromatics. It takes just a minute and smells so good.
- Place the browned chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour that lovely sauce all over it.
- Put the lid on and walk away. This is the easy part. Let the cooker work its magic for a few hours.
- Right before you're ready to eat, whisk up the cornstarch and water slurry.
- Stir it into the slow cooker. This will thicken the sauce beautifully in just a few minutes, making it rich and glossy.
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly, maybe to 2-3 hours on low, as chicken breasts can dry out more easily than thighs.
→How can I make this gluten-free?
It's very easy! Just substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and make sure your hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free as well.
→Is this recipe very spicy?
I would say it has a mild warmth. The recipe calls for one teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust it. Use half a teaspoon for less heat, or add more if you like things extra spicy.
→Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely. I love adding sturdy vegetables like broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they become tender but not mushy.
Easy Crockpot General Tso's Chicken Recipe
Enjoy easy crockpot General Tso's chicken for a hassle-free dinner! This Chinese slow cooker recipe brings delicious flavors with minimal effort.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
3-4 hours
Total Time
3 hours 15 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 012 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 021/4 cup cornstarch
- 031/2 teaspoon salt
- 041/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 051 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the General Tso's Sauce
- 011/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 021/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 031/4 cup rice vinegar
- 041/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 052 tablespoons sesame oil
- 064 cloves garlic, minced
- 071 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 081 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 092 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
For Serving (Optional)
- 01Steamed broccoli
- 02Cooked rice
- 03Sesame seeds
- 04Sliced green onions
Instructions
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This little step helps the chicken stay tender.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if you need to) and lightly brown on all sides. It doesn't need to be cooked through. Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Just get it all nice and combined.
Pour the beautiful sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to make sure every piece is coated.
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.
About 20 minutes before serving, create the cornstarch slurry by whisking 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a lovely, glossy consistency.
Serve the chicken warm over a bed of rice, with a side of steamed broccoli. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. It just looks so pretty.
Notes & Tips
- 1Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker model, so keep an eye on it the first time you make it.
- 2Feel free to adjust the brown sugar to your preferred level of sweetness.
- 3This recipe also works wonderfully with pork tenderloin pieces.
Tools You'll Need
- •Don't skip browning the chicken. It adds a layer of flavor and texture that you'll miss otherwise.
- •Always use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- •For the best sauce, use fresh ginger and garlic. The paste is okay in a pinch, but fresh is so much more vibrant.
- •Make sure to mix your cornstarch slurry with cold water to avoid lumps.