Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken: Easy, Flavorful, and Effortless

Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken takes just 5 minutes of prep time and delivers a tangy, savory, slightly sweet dish that everyone will devour. It’s my ultimate time-saving slow cooker recipe for busy weeknights—minimal effort, maximum flavor, and zero takeout required.

I stumbled upon this shortcut when I was juggling work, errands, and family dinner. Traditional General Tso’s chicken recipes can be a full-on production with frying and constant babysitting. But this version? Toss it in the slow cooker, walk away, and let it do all the heavy lifting. Trust me, you’ll wonder why you ever spent hours on the stovetop.

Why This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-Off Cooking: Set your slow cooker on low and walk away for 3-4 hours. No stirring, no flipping, no hovering.
• Time-Saving Prep: With just 5 simple ingredients to mix for the sauce, this recipe is all about efficiency.
• Better Than Takeout: You control the ingredients and flavor, so there’s no mystery behind what’s in your dish.
• Perfect Texture: The slow cooker creates super tender, perfectly saucy chicken every single time.
• One-Pot Clean-Up: Minimal dishes fit perfectly into my mantra of spend-less-time-in-the-kitchen cooking.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

To pull off this easy General Tso’s chicken in a slow cooker, you don’t need much. Here are my go-to tools:

• Slow Cooker: A basic 4-6 quart slow cooker works perfectly. If your slow cooker has a programmable timer, even better—perfect for busy schedules.
• Large Skillet: Use this to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. This quick step seals in the flavor.
• Tongs or Stirring Spoon: Handy for tossing ingredients and serving the finished dish.

If you’re shopping for a slow cooker, mine is budget-friendly and gets the job done every time. You don’t need anything fancy here.

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

This homemade General Tso’s chicken recipe calls for a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what makes it shine:

• Hoisin Sauce: The secret to General Tso’s signature sweet-savory kick. If you’re out, try oyster sauce as a substitute.
• Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch gives you that subtle crispy layer even after slow cooking. Don’t skip this step!
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich sweetness that balances the tanginess of the vinegar. Light or dark brown sugar will work.
• <strong.Crushed Red Pepper: Adjust the heat to your liking. Add more if you’re a spice lover or leave it out for a kid-friendly version.

Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe Details

• Servings: 5
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to your spice tolerance)
• Optional garnishes: green onions, sesame seeds, additional red pepper flakes

How to Make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

1. Prep the chicken: Toss the cubed chicken breast with cornstarch in a bowl or plastic bag until evenly coated.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat with vegetable oil. Brown the chicken on both sides (it doesn’t need to cook through).
3. Layer into the slow cooker: Transfer the browned chicken into the base of your slow cooker.
4. Make the sauce: Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, white vinegar, sesame oil, dry ginger, and crushed red pepper in a small mixing bowl.
5. Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6. Serve: Pair with steamed white rice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and sprinkle additional red pepper flakes if you love heat.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

• Don’t skip browning: Browning the chicken first locks in flavor and gives you a better texture, even after hours in the slow cooker.
• Double the sauce: Love extra sauce for your rice? Double the sauce ingredients and thank me later.
• Prep ahead: Mix your sauce the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pour it over your chicken and go.
• Make it healthier: Use low-sodium soy sauce and cut back on the brown sugar for a lighter version.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through.

Easy Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Variations

• Swap the protein: Try boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even pork tenderloin for equally delicious results.
• Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
• Spice it up: Use Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce in place of or in addition to the crushed red pepper.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your hoisin sauce label for gluten-free certifications.

Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to thaw the chicken first to ensure even cooking in the slow cooker. Frozen chicken can release extra moisture, which might dilute the sauce.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

No hoisin? No problem. Try substituting it with a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of honey to mimic the sweet-salty balance.

Can I make this spicier?

Absolutely! Add an extra teaspoon of crushed red pepper or a swirl of Sriracha sauce to amp up the heat.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Be sure not to overcook. Slow cookers vary, so check for doneness after 3 hours to avoid dry chicken.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes! Simply reduce or omit the red pepper for a mild, sweet sauce kids will love.

If you’re ready to save time and still get rave reviews at the dinner table, give this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken a try. What’s your favorite kitchen shortcut? Let me know in the comments below!