Easy Crockpot General Tso's Chicken Recipe
Featured in Chicken.
This easy crockpot General Tso's chicken recipe delivers rich, sweet, and savory Chinese flavors with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
I remember those hectic weeknights, rushing home, tired, and just wanting something delicious without the fuss. My kids would always ask for takeout, and honestly, the thought of cooking something elaborate after a long day just felt... overwhelming. That's when I had my 'aha!' moment: General Tso's, but *easy*. The idea of tossing everything into the crockpot in the morning and coming home to that incredible aroma? Oh, it was pure genius, if I do say so myself. This recipe became our little secret to delicious, comforting dinners that tasted like I'd spent hours in the kitchen, when really, the slow cooker did all the heavy lifting. It's funny how the simplest solutions often bring the most joy, isn't it?
Why You'll Love It
- •**Effortless Elegance** - Seriously, it's mostly hands-off. Just toss, set, and forget!
- •**Better than Takeout** - Fresher ingredients, customizable spice, and that homemade goodness you can taste.
- •**Family Favorite** - Even picky eaters can't resist this sweet and savory sauce over tender chicken.
- •**Weeknight Winner** - Prep it in the morning, and dinner is practically made by the time you're ready to eat.
My neighbor, bless her heart, struggles with weeknight dinners. I shared this recipe with her, and the next day she texted me, 'No way! My husband said this was better than our usual takeout! And my kids ate all their chicken!' She was over the moon. It's moments like those, seeing how a simple, flavorful meal can make someone's life a little easier and a lot more delicious, that truly warm my heart.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They stay incredibly tender in the slow cooker and soak up all that wonderful sauce. Chicken breasts work too, but might be a little less forgiving.
- Soy sauce: Go for low-sodium if you can, so you can control the saltiness. A good base for all those savory notes.
- Sweet chili sauce: This is where a lot of the 'Tso' flavor comes from! It adds that perfect balance of sweet and a gentle kick.
- Rice vinegar: A touch of acidity brightens up the whole dish. Don't skip it!
Complete Cooking Process
- •**Don't open the lid!** Every peek adds 15-20 minutes to your cooking time. Resist the urge, hon.
- •**Pat chicken dry** before adding it to the crockpot; it helps the sauce cling better.
- •**Adjust spice to taste** with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
- •**A quick cornstarch slurry** at the end ensures a perfectly thick sauce.
- •**Serve with freshness** like steamed broccoli or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they can really absorb all the flavor. A little salt and pepper here goes a long way, too.
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. Oh, and don't forget the cornstarch – that's our thickening secret for a luscious, glossy sauce!
Place the chicken in your slow cooker. Pour that incredible sauce over everything, making sure each piece of chicken gets a good coating. This is where the magic begins, truly.
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be super tender, practically falling apart. The aroma, I tell you, will fill your entire home – in the best way!
Once cooked, if the sauce needs a little extra thickening, you can quickly make a cornstarch slurry and stir it in. Ladle that glorious chicken and sauce over fluffy rice and garnish with green onions. A sprinkle of sesame seeds? Chef's kiss!
You Must Know
See? Making your favorite takeout at home doesn't have to be complicated. This Crockpot General Tso's Chicken is a testament to that. It's a little bit of culinary self-care, yielding big, comforting flavors with barely any fuss. My kitchen always smells so inviting when this is simmering away. It's a hug in a bowl, truly.
The Magic of Slow Cooking Chicken
One of my favorite things about using a slow cooker for chicken, especially thighs, is how incredibly tender it gets. It's almost impossible to dry it out! The low, slow heat really breaks down the fibers, allowing the chicken to soak up all those amazing sweet, savory, and tangy flavors of the General Tso's sauce. It's a forgiving process, which is perfect for busy days or when you just want a little culinary peace.
Sauce Secrets for Success
The sauce is truly the heart of this dish. The combination of soy sauce for umami, sweet chili for that classic sweet-and-heat, rice vinegar for brightness, and a touch of brown sugar (or honey!) for depth creates a harmonious balance. Don't be shy with the fresh ginger and garlic, either – they elevate everything! And that cornstarch? It's our secret weapon for a beautifully glossy, thick sauce that coats every single piece of chicken like a dream.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
While this General Tso's chicken is amazing on its own, it really shines when served with some good accompaniments. Fluffy white rice is a classic, soaking up all that extra sauce. Brown rice for a healthier twist, or even some simple noodles, would be lovely too. For veggies, I love serving it with steamed broccoli (so good tossed in the leftover sauce!), or maybe some crisp snap peas. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions adds that final flourish, both visually and texturally. It's all about making it feel like a special meal, even if it was super easy to make!
You Must Know
- •**Don't open the lid!** Every peek adds 15-20 minutes to your cooking time. Resist the urge, hon.
- •**Pat chicken dry** before adding it to the crockpot; it helps the sauce cling better.
- •**Adjust spice to taste** with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
This Easy Crockpot General Tso's Chicken recipe proves that you don't need to sacrifice flavor for convenience. It's a truly comforting dish, full of those familiar, delightful Chinese takeout flavors, made effortlessly in your own kitchen. It's perfect for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Give it a try; your taste buds (and your schedule!) will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work wonderfully, just be mindful that they might cook a little faster and can dry out if overcooked. Keep them in bite-sized pieces for best results.
→How do I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce isn't thick enough at the end, simply remove about 1/4 cup of the sauce, whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch until smooth, then stir it back into the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
→Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
You can! Heartier vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can go in for the last hour of cooking. For softer veggies like broccoli, I recommend steaming them separately and adding them in during the last 15-20 minutes, or stirring them in right before serving.
→Is this dish spicy?
The sweet chili sauce provides a mild, pleasant heat. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. For less heat, you can reduce the sweet chili sauce slightly or opt for a mild version.
Easy Crockpot General Tso's Chicken Recipe
Enjoy Easy Crockpot General Tso's Chicken, perfect for easy dinners! This recipe brings delicious Chinese flavors with minimal effort.
Timing
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
3 Hours
Total Time
3 Hours 15 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 012 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1.5-2 inch pieces
- 021/2 tsp salt
- 031/4 tsp black pepper
For the General Tso's Sauce:
- 011/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 021/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 031/4 cup brown sugar, packed (or honey)
- 042 tbsp rice vinegar
- 051 tbsp sesame oil
- 061 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 072 cloves garlic, minced
- 081 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 092 tbsp cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening later)
For Serving (Optional):
- 01Cooked white or brown rice
- 02Steamed broccoli or snap peas
- 03Sliced green onions, for garnish
- 04Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Lightly season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place them evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This little step makes a difference, trust me.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). This is going to smell divine!
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure all the chicken pieces are coated. Give it a gentle stir if needed. You want every bit of that flavor soaked in.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and super tender. Resist the urge to peek; every time you lift the lid, heat escapes and prolongs cooking time!
Once the chicken is cooked, if you desire a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water). Stir well, cover, and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. It'll get beautifully glossy, I promise!
Serve the Easy Crockpot General Tso's Chicken hot over fluffy rice, with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious, effortless feast!
Notes & Tips
- 1For an extra layer of flavor, a tiny splash of rice wine (non-alcoholic) can be added to the sauce mixture.
- 2The brown sugar can be substituted with an equal amount of pure maple syrup or honey for a slightly different sweetness profile.
- 3Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like snow peas or sliced bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or steam them separately.
- 4To make this gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your sweet chili sauce is also gluten-free.
Tools You'll Need
- •**Don't overcrowd the slow cooker**; leave some room for the heat to circulate evenly.
- •**For a richer flavor**, let the chicken marinate in the sauce for 30 minutes before slow cooking.
- •**Adjust sweetness/heat** by adding more brown sugar or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
- •**If using chicken breasts**, keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking to prevent drying out.