Get ready for the easiest and tastiest dinner you will ever have. This slow cooker chicken is a mix of tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of heat.
Perfect for rice and it’s so incredibly flavor packed. If you prefer a meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort, then this is the recipe for you.
Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken
Crave a delicious meal, but don’t have time to prepare it? Try out this irresistible Slow Cooker Chicken recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into one 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 rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (more or less to liking)
- optional garnish green onions, sesame seeds, additional red pepper flakes
Substitute Ingredients
No hoisin sauce? Mix soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of honey for a quick alternative.
Swap rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with a pinch of sugar. Out of cornstarch?
Use flour or arrowroot powder to coat the chicken. For a soy-free option, try coconut aminos. No chicken?
Shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower make great substitutes in this delicious dish!
Instructions
1. Coat the Chicken in Cornstarch: Start by prepping the star of the show—the chicken!
Place your bite-sized chicken pieces in a large bowl or a resealable bag and sprinkle them generously with cornstarch.
Toss or shake everything until each piece is evenly coated. This coating not only locks in moisture but also ensures the chicken gets that irresistible golden crust later on.
2. Brown the Chicken Lightly: Next, heat a drizzle of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sauté them for a few minutes, just until the edges begin to brown.
Don’t worry about cooking them through—this step is all about sealing in flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken straight into your slow cooker for its long, flavorful journey.
3. Mix the Sauce: Now for the magic—the sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Stir until smooth and glossy. This blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors is the heart of General Tso’s chicken, making each bite absolutely addictive.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in your slow cooker.
4. Let It Slow Cook: Here’s where the slow cooker works its magic! Set it to low and let the chicken bathe in that rich, delicious sauce for 3-4 hours.
The sauce will thicken and coat each piece of chicken beautifully while the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
By the end, your kitchen will smell incredible, and the chicken will be ready to impress with its bold, savory-sweet flavor.
5. Serve It Up: It’s time to dig in! Serve your slow-cooked General Tso’s chicken over a fluffy bed of steamed rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce.
Sprinkle generously with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a spicy kick.
The combination of tender chicken, sticky sauce, and fresh toppings will leave you savoring every bite—enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Serve General Tso’s Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, fried rice, or even noodles to soak up the rich sauce.
Pair it with steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy for a fresh, crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, add spring rolls or dumplings on the side.
Want extra flair? Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy finishing touch!
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. For longer storage, freeze leftovers for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
And that is it. Dinner is ready to be served. You can serve this delicious chicken over rice and add a few garnishes if you prefer. Once you are done, dig in and enjoy.