Introduction

If you’re craving a takeout favorite with all the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors you love — but made effortlessly at home — this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken will win your heart. Each tender piece of chicken is coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that perfectly balances sweet brown sugar, tangy rice vinegar, and the umami depth of black bean and hoisin sauces.

The best part? You can enjoy this restaurant-style dish without standing over a hot stove. Just toss everything in your slow cooker, let it simmer, and come back to a warm, aromatic meal ready to serve. It’s the definition of set it and forget it comfort food.

This easy dinner recipe is ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves rich Asian-inspired flavors. Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies, and you’ve got a full, satisfying meal that tastes better than takeout — for a fraction of the cost.

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you.
• Restaurant Flavor at Home: Sweet, savory, and spicy in perfect balance.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: A dish both kids and adults adore.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Prep in minutes, then relax.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients for big flavor.

 

 

What You Need

Main Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts, sliced into small pieces – 4
• Cornstarch – ½ cup
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Vegetable oil – 2 teaspoons

For the Sauce

• Chicken broth – ½ cup
• Black bean sauce – ¼ cup
• Rice vinegar – ¼ cup
• Hoisin sauce – 2 teaspoons
• Dark brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
• Minced garlic – 2 tablespoons
• Minced ginger – 1 teaspoon
• Red pepper flakes – 1 ½ teaspoons

For Garnish (Optional)

• Sliced green onions – for garnish
• Sesame seeds – for garnish

 

How to Make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2 – Brown the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3–5 minutes, just until golden on the outside. Transfer to your slow cooker.

Step 3 – Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, black bean sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, dark brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth.

Step 4 – Cook It Low & Slow:
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thickened.

Step 5 – Serve & Garnish:
Serve hot over steamed white rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.

 

 

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip Browning: It adds flavor and helps the sauce stick better.
• Adjust the Heat: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on spice preference.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier result, substitute boneless thighs.
• Thicker Sauce: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in before the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Cooks beautifully and reheats without drying out.

 

Variations

• Honey Garlic Twist: Replace brown sugar with honey for a milder sweetness.
• Vegetable Boost: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last 30 minutes.
• Tofu Version: Use firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
• Spicy Lover’s Edition: Add chili paste or extra red pepper flakes.
• Crispy Oven Finish: After slow cooking, broil the chicken for 3 minutes to crisp the edges.

 

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely before cooking for even results.

2. What can I use instead of black bean sauce?
You can substitute oyster sauce or soy sauce with a bit of molasses.

3. Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes — simmer everything in a covered skillet for 20–25 minutes on medium-low heat.

4. How spicy is this dish?
Moderately spicy. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — just ensure your slow cooker isn’t overfilled.

6. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

7. Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

8. What sides pair well with it?
Steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables.

9. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work perfectly.

10. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free hoisin and black bean sauces.

 

How to Serve

• Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a full meal. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a cucumber salad for freshness and color.

Make Ahead & Storage

• To Make Ahead: Prepare sauce and chicken the night before. Store separately and combine before cooking.
• To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

 

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken combines the ease of modern cooking with the flavor of your favorite takeout dish. Sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll make again and again. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep lunches, this recipe turns a restaurant favorite into an effortless home-cooked comfort.