As I stirred the pot, the tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked goodness wafted through my kitchen, instantly transforming my home into a cozy restaurant. This Easy Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken is my go-to for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce that’s simply irresistible. The best part? You can set it and forget it, allowing you to enjoy quality time with loved ones while dinner simmers away. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create this Asian-inspired dish that not only satisfies cravings but also makes meal prep a breeze. Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners and impress everyone at the table?

Why Is This General Tso’s Chicken So Special?

Ease of Preparation: This Easy Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken requires minimal hands-on time, making it a stress-free option for busy evenings.

Flavor Explosion: The balancing act of sweet and savory flavors will take your taste buds on a delightful journey, capturing the essence of your favorite takeout dish.

Versatile Ingredient Options: Feel free to switch up the chicken thighs for tofu or low-carb cauliflower rice, making this recipe fit your dietary needs perfectly.

Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a savory, satisfying dinner, and this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your table.

Time-Saving Convenience: With the slow cooker handling all the work, you can spend more time savoring dinner (or preparing a cute cucumber salad) and less time worrying about what to serve!

Expert Tips: Want an extra burst of flavor? Don’t forget to check out other easy dinner ideas to complement your meal!

General Tso’s Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken
• 2 pounds of chicken thighs – Juicy and tender, these are perfect for slow cooking without drying out.

For the Sauce
• 1/2 cup of soy sauce – This adds that savory umami flavor; low-sodium options are great for a lighter sauce.
• 1/3 cup of brown sugar – Sweetens to balance out the savory tones; coconut sugar or maple syrup also work well.
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced) – Infuses the dish with wonderful aroma; feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!
• 1 tablespoon of ginger (minced) – Offers a warm, zesty kick; ground ginger can substitute in a pinch.
• Chili flakes to taste – For your desired heat level, adjust according to your taste preferences.
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil – Adds depth and richness; feel free to replace with a neutral oil if needed.

For Thickening
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch – Mix with water to thicken the sauce; arrowroot starch is a gluten-free alternative.

Let the delightful journey of flavor bloom with this mouthwatering General Tso’s Chicken!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken
Start by cutting the 2 pounds of chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and placing them into your slow cooker. Ensure each piece is roughly the same size for even cooking. This yields juicy, tender chicken perfect for absorbing the sweet and savory sauce as it cooks, setting the stage for this flavorful General Tso’s Chicken.

Step 2: Mix Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, and chili flakes to taste. Continue mixing until the sugar dissolves completely and the ingredients are well combined, creating a rich and aromatic base for the sauce that will envelop your chicken.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken pieces in the slow cooker, ensuring every piece is coated. Gently stir to combine, but be careful not to break the chicken. This step is crucial for a consistent flavor throughout the dish, as the sauce will soak into the chicken as it cooks, transforming it into a delicious General Tso’s Chicken.

Step 4: Cook
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Once it’s done, the chicken should be fork-tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the rich, savory goodness of the sauce, making every bite a delightful experience.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring it is evenly distributed. The sauce will thicken while it finishes cooking, creating that glossy, clingy texture that’s characteristic of great General Tso’s Chicken.

Step 6: Finish
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is tender, give everything a final stir in the slow cooker. It’s now ready to be served! Scoop the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, then garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra splash of flavor and visual appeal, making your General Tso’s Chicken first-class!

Expert Tips for General Tso’s Chicken

Choose the Right Chicken: Using chicken thighs is essential; they stay juicy during long cooking times, ensuring a tender final dish.

Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce to drizzle over your rice or noodles, simply double the liquid ingredients for a more flavor-packed meal.

Crispy Option: For an added texture contrast, broil the cooked chicken on a baking sheet for a few minutes to create a crispy glaze before serving.

Spice It Up: Adjust the chili flakes based on your heat preference; if you love spice, don’t hesitate to add more for that fiery kick!

Add Veggies: Incorporate nutrient-rich vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers in the last 30 minutes of cooking to make this dish both hearty and healthy.

Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy this General Tso’s Chicken later!

General Tso’s Chicken Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful twists that make your General Tso’s chicken experience even more personal.

Dairy-Free: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos to keep it dairy-free and add a hint of sweetness to your sauce.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken thighs with tofu as a hearty, protein-rich alternative that’s sure to soak up those savory flavors.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without compromising on taste.
Extra Veggies: Add vibrant veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy Kick: If you crave heat, toss in some diced Thai bird chilies or drizzle sriracha into the sauce for an extra punch.
Pineapple Twist: Include fresh pineapple chunks in the slow cooker for a fruity sweet note that beautifully contrasts with the savory sauce.
Noodle Upgrade: Substitute regular noodles for rice noodles or even zucchini noodles to add a fun, refreshing texture.
Asian-Inspired Sauce: Experiment with adding hoisin sauce or sesame paste for a different flavor profile that works wonders with the chicken.

By mixing and matching these ideas, you can personalize your dish while exciting your family with new flavors. For some delightful side options, check out these easy dinner ideas to enhance your meal!

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the chicken thighs and mix the sauce up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating both separately to maintain freshness. Simply combine the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker when ready to cook; this way, you’ll only need to wait for 4-5 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high) for a delightful meal that tastes just as delicious as if made fresh. To keep the chicken juicy, avoid thawing it fully before cooking as it will lose moisture. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish for an impressive yet effortless dinner that fits seamlessly into your busy week!

Storage Tips for General Tso’s Chicken

Fridge: Seal leftover General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful for your next meal.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a resealable bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

What to Serve with Easy Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

Create a complete Asian-inspired feast with these delightful side dishes that will elevate your comforting chicken dinner.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, jasmine rice perfectly absorbs the sweet-savory sauce, making every bite heavenly.
Crispy Sesame Noodles: A satisfying crunch meets rich flavor; these noodles bring texture and a fun twist, delighting your palate.
Garlic Broccoli: Bright green and tender, this dish adds freshness and a burst of color, balancing the richness of the General Tso’s Chicken beautifully.
Cucumber Salad: A cool, crunchy salad with a splash of vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory chicken while cleansing the palate.
Egg Drop Soup: Silky and warm, this classic soup complements the bold flavors of the chicken, creating an inviting, homey dining experience.
Green Tea: Sip on this soothing beverage; its mild bitterness enhances the dish’s sweetness, leaving your palate perfectly refreshed.
Chocolate Fortune Cookies: End on a sweet note with chocolate-covered fortune cookies; the surprise inside adds a fun twist to your meal and makes for a delightful treat!

General Tso’s Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken should I use for General Tso’s Chicken?
For the best results, I highly recommend using chicken thighs. They have enough fat to keep the meat juicy and tender throughout the slow cooking process. Chicken breasts can dry out, especially with prolonged cooking.

How should I store leftover General Tso’s Chicken?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to retain moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just gently reheat it.

Can I freeze General Tso’s Chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze General Tso’s Chicken in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container for up to 3 months. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What if my sauce is too thin?
If you find that your sauce is thinner than you’d like, don’t worry! Create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and it will thicken to the perfect consistency.

Can I add vegetables to the General Tso’s Chicken?
Definitely! Incorporating vegetables not only adds nutrition but also color and flavor. I often suggest adding broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Just toss them into the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they stay vibrant and slightly crisp.

Is General Tso’s Chicken safe for pets?
While your furry friends might find it tempting, it’s best not to share this dish with them. Ingredients like soy sauce and garlic can be harmful to pets in larger amounts. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure about particular ingredients!