General Tso’s Chicken Made Easy & Irresistible

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If you’ve ever craved takeout but didn’t want to fork over half your paycheck (or wait for delivery when you’re already hangry), this General Tso’s Chicken recipe is about to be your new best friend. Imagine all that sweet, tangy, slightly spicy flavor you love—without the greasy paper box or guilt. Even better? This version is made in the slow cooker, which means less time in the kitchen and more time doing literally anything else.

This dish is a lifesaver for hectic weeknights, picky eaters who actually will eat chicken when it’s coated in sauce, and anyone who secretly wishes their house could smell like a cozy takeout joint.

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Chicken

Effortless cooking: Thanks to your slow cooker, you can let dinner practically make itself.
Better than takeout: Fresh ingredients, no mystery oils, and you can control the spice level.
Family-friendly: Sweet and savory with just a little kick—the perfect balance for most households.
Budget-friendly: A fraction of the cost of takeout, but still packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (add more if you like it spicy!)
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Cooked white rice (for serving)

How to Make General Tso’s Chicken

Coat the chicken: Toss the cubed chicken breasts in cornstarch until they’re nicely coated. This step gives the chicken that signature light crispness once browned. Don’t skip shaking off the excess—you want a thin layer, not a chalky mess on your hands.
Brown it up: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches (crowding the pan will steam it instead of browning it). Let each piece get a nice golden crust on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked here; you’re just locking in flavor.
Move it to the slow cooker: Once browned, transfer the chicken into your crock pot. This is where the magic really begins, because all that sauce is going to seep into every bite while it cooks low and slow.
Whisk up the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, water, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and glossy. This sauce should smell amazing already—sweet, tangy, garlicky, with just a hint of heat.
Sauce meets chicken: Pour the sauce evenly over the browned chicken in the slow cooker. Give it a little stir to coat every piece. Cover with the lid and let your slow cooker do its thing.
Set it and forget it: Cook on low for 4 hours if you want the flavors to develop slowly, or on high for 2–3 hours if you’re short on time. By the end, the chicken should be tender, juicy, and coated in that delicious sticky sauce.
Finishing touches: When it’s done, spoon the saucy chicken over bowls of fluffy white rice. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for crunch and color. If you’re feeling fancy, a side of steamed broccoli looks gorgeous next to it.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot General Tso’s Chicken

Spice it up: Love heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce.
Veggie boost: Toss in broccoli or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes for a one-pot meal.
Crispier texture: If you prefer crispier chicken, pop the cooked chicken under the broiler for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Sauce too thick? Add a splash of water or chicken broth. Too thin? Whisk in a little cornstarch slurry.

A Little Storytime

This recipe honestly saved me one week when life felt like one never-ending to-do list. Between work, school runs, and trying to remember if I’d actually switched the laundry (spoiler: I hadn’t), dinner could have easily been a bag of chips. But tossing chicken in the crock pot with this sauce made me feel like a rockstar chef—without the effort. And yes, my family practically licked their plates clean.

Bowl of slow cooker General Tso’s Chicken served over rice with broccoli and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions — Flavor-packed General Tso’s Chicken in a slow cooker—tender, saucy, and served over fluffy rice with fresh veggies.

FAQs About General Tso’s Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Thighs stay extra juicy in the crock pot, so go for it if that’s what you have.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! Brown the chicken and whisk the sauce the night before. In the morning, just dump everything in the slow cooker.

Bring Takeout Home

This General Tso’s Chicken is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated—or expensive. With a little prep and your trusty slow cooker, you can skip the takeout menu and still end up with a meal that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Once you try it, I have a feeling this dish will become a regular star in your dinner rotation.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more cozy and flavorful meals to add to your weeknight rotation? Here are some reader favorites that pair perfectly with this dish:

Try a lighter spin with this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken, packed with tangy flavors and just the right amount of sweetness.
Balance out the richness with these crispy and savory Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges—a quick veggie side that’s surprisingly addictive.
For another easy Asian-inspired classic, don’t miss this comforting Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein that rivals your favorite takeout noodles.
And if you’re craving a fun twist on comfort food, these Steakhouse Burger Sloppy Joes will quickly win over the whole family.