If you love the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors of Chinese takeout but want something effortless and homemade, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that simmers gently all day while you go about your day, and when it’s ready, it’s tender, flavorful, and just downright addictive. I absolutely love how this turns out every time and the best part? You don’t have to stand over the stove babysitting it. Keep reading — I promise you’re going to want to make this soon!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and forget it until dinnertime.
Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweet, savory, tangy, and just the right amount of heat every single time.
Tender Chicken: The slow cooker keeps the chicken super juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Family Favorite: My kids and friends all go crazy for this dish, and yours will too!

Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe all come together beautifully to create that signature sauce and tender chicken that you expect from this classic dish. I recommend using fresh garlic and good-quality soy sauce since these really make the flavors pop in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken Recipe - Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for even cooking – chicken thighs work too if you want extra juiciness.
Cornstarch: Coats the chicken and helps thicken the sauce perfectly during cooking.
Vegetable oil: For searing the chicken briefly to lock in moisture.
Hoisin sauce: Adds that deep, sweet-savory flavor that’s essential to General Tso’s.
Soy sauce: The salty backbone that balances the sweetness.
Brown sugar: Provides richness and a lovely caramelized sweetness.
Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic punch.
Rice wine vinegar: Brings brightness and tang to the sauce.
Sesame oil: Just a small amount adds toasted, nutty depth.
Dry ginger: Warm spice notes that elevate the dish.
Crushed red pepper: Adds heat – adjust depending on your spice tolerance.
Optional garnishes: Green onions, sesame seeds, and extra red pepper flakes for freshness and crunch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want a milder version, swap the protein, or sneak in extra veggies, there’s plenty of room for personalization. Here are some of my favorite tweaks:

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: They stay juicy and tender even more so, and my family actually prefers the richer taste.
Add bell peppers or broccoli: Toss these in during the last hour for an easy veggie boost without overcooking.
Cut the sugar or honey: I’ve made this less sweet for those who like it more savory, and it still works beautifully.
Make it spicy: Amp up the crushed red pepper or add a splash of sriracha for a fiery kick.
Try tofu for a vegetarian twist: Use extra-firm tofu pressed and lightly browned before slow cooking in the sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat and Sear the Chicken

Start by tossing the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch until they’re evenly coated – this helps thicken that luscious sauce later. Heat your vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then quickly brown the chicken. You’re not cooking it all the way through here, just giving it a bit of color and sealing in the juices. This step really ups the final texture! Once browned, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, dry ginger, and crushed red pepper. This combo hits every flavor note – sweet, salty, tangy, spicy – that makes General Tso’s so crave-worthy. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring every piece gets coated nicely.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Serve

Set your slow cooker on low and let everything bubble away for 3 to 4 hours. This long, gentle heat melts the chicken into tender perfection and thickens the sauce just right. About 10 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Then, serve over fluffy rice, and sprinkle those green onions, sesame seeds, and extra red pepper flakes on top — because that finish really makes the dish pop!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Quick Sear for Texture: Browning the chicken first might seem like an extra step but it really seals in moisture and adds flavor.
Adjust Spice Gradually: Start with less crushed red pepper and add more near the end if you want more heat – that way you avoid over-spicing.
Don’t Skip Cornstarch: It’s key for thickening the sauce naturally without having to add extra thickeners later.
Low and Slow is the Way: Cooking on low heat gives you tender chicken and a well-developed sauce, so resist the urge to turn it on high.

How to Serve Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I never skip the garnishes — they bring color and freshness to the dish! I usually go with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch. Sometimes I toss on a pinch of extra crushed red pepper flakes if my family wants a bit more heat. Honestly, these simple touches turn the dish from good to restaurant-quality right on your plate.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up all that saucy goodness. I also love serving it alongside quick stir-fried veggies like snap peas or broccoli for a bright, wholesome meal. For an extra cozy touch, some simple egg fried rice is always a winner too!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe in individual bowls topped with a fried egg and a handful of chopped peanuts for crunch. Another fun idea I tried was wrapping the chicken and sauce inside lettuce cups with shredded carrots and fresh cilantro — it makes for a fabulous, hands-on appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, so some days I find the leftovers taste even better than fresh! Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the sauce nice and thick.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works great if you want to prep ahead. I recommend freezing the cooked chicken and sauce in portioned freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge — it reheats really well without losing moisture or flavor. Just be mindful that garnish like green onions should be fresh, so add those after reheating.

Reheating

For leftover Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken, I usually reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This keeps the sauce from becoming too thick or drying out. Alternatively, reheating in the microwave works fine—just cover it loosely to keep moisture in and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually great for slow cooking because they stay extra juicy and tender. I love using thighs when I want a richer flavor and a bit more forgiving texture, but the breasts work well too if you prefer a leaner option.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?

While you can skip browning to save time, I highly recommend searing the chicken first. It adds another layer of flavor and helps lock in juices, resulting in a much more satisfying texture and taste in the final dish.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the crushed red pepper, but it’s easy to control — just adjust the amount to your family’s taste. You can even add extra spice at the table with some fresh red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Can I add vegetables directly into the slow cooker?

Yes, but adding delicate vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli early can make them soggy. I recommend adding them during the last hour of cooking so they stay crisp and fresh.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken?

Steamed jasmine or brown rice is classic and perfect to soak up all that sauce. I also enjoy stir-fried or steamed veggies like snap peas, broccoli, or even a simple cucumber salad. For a fun twist, try lettuce wraps or fried rice on the side.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s both effortless and incredibly satisfying. Every time I make it, friends ask for seconds, and it fills the house with the most inviting aromas. If you’ve been on the fence about trying slow cooker Chinese food at home, this dish is the perfect place to start — it’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and delicious every bite is!