If you’ve ever craved General Tso’s Chicken, you know it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and just a touch of heat. But what if I told you that you could make this take-out favorite at home with minimal effort? Enter the Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken—a recipe that brings all the irresistible flavors of the classic dish, but with the convenience of your slow cooker. By quickly browning the chicken first and then letting it simmer low and slow, you end up with tender chicken coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite.
This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep. It tastes like restaurant-quality food, yet it’s shockingly easy to make from scratch.
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Ingredients and Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the bold, well-balanced flavor profile that makes this dish unforgettable.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 lbs) – Chicken thighs stay moist and tender after hours in the slow cooker, making them perfect for this dish.
Cornstarch (½ cup, divided) – Coats the chicken before browning for a light crisp and also thickens the sauce at the end.
Vegetable oil (2 tbsp) – Essential for browning the chicken, which locks in flavor.
Low-sodium soy sauce (½ cup) – Provides savory umami depth without overpowering the dish with salt.
Rice vinegar (2 tbsp) – Adds tanginess that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Hoisin sauce (3 tbsp) – Brings a rich, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor to the sauce.
Brown sugar (¼ cup) – Sweetens the sauce and helps create that signature sticky glaze.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
Fresh ginger (1 tbsp, grated) – Lends a warm, zesty bite that pairs perfectly with soy-based sauces.
Sriracha or chili paste (1–2 tbsp) – Adds the perfect amount of heat without overwhelming the dish.
Chicken broth (½ cup) – Keeps the sauce balanced and prevents it from becoming overly thick during cooking.
Sesame oil (1 tsp) – Adds a nutty, toasty finish to the sauce.
Sesame seeds & chopped green onions (for garnish) – Bring freshness, crunch, and visual appeal to the finished dish.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. Toss them in ¼ cup cornstarch until evenly coated. This ensures the sauce clings beautifully later.
Step 2: Brown for flavor
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Quickly brown the chicken pieces in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side. Don’t fully cook them—just sear to lock in flavor. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Make the sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sriracha, chicken broth, and sesame oil until smooth. Pour this sauce over the browned chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Slow cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup cornstarch with ¼ cup water. Stir into the slow cooker and let cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Top with sesame seeds and green onions for the ultimate take-out look and taste.
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Why This Recipe is Loved
Effortless – Minimal prep with the slow cooker doing most of the work.
Authentic flavors – Sweet, tangy, savory, and just spicy enough.
Better than take-out – No deep-frying, no mystery ingredients, just real food.
Family-friendly – Easy to adjust the spice level for kids or spice lovers.
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Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken
Don’t skip the browning step – It’s quick but crucial for sealing in flavor and texture.
Control the heat – Use less sriracha for a milder dish, or add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Add veggies – Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers in the last 30 minutes for a balanced, colorful meal.
Make it crispy – If you prefer extra crisp chicken, broil the cooked chicken on a baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before adding back to the sauce.
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Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with:
Steamed jasmine rice – The fluffy grains soak up all the saucy goodness.
Fried rice – For an extra indulgent take-out style meal.
Stir-fried vegetables – Adds freshness and crunch to balance the richness.
Noodles – Toss the chicken and sauce over lo mein or rice noodles for a fun twist.
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Final Thoughts
With this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken, you can skip the take-out menu and make something even better at home. It’s a time-saving, flavor-packed, and family-approved meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.
Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out. The
sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce combined with tender chicken makes this dish a winner for any night of the week.
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