General Tso’S Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe for a Sticky, Easy Dinner

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

June 9, 2026

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Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Slow Cooker Chicken

If you love the sticky, sweet, and spicy kick of takeout General Tso’s chicken but dread the deep frying and last minute stir frying, this slow cooker version is about to change your weeknight dinners. This General Tso’s chicken slow cooker recipe lets you enjoy that same bold flavor without standing over the stove. The magic happens as the sweet and savory sauce slowly soaks into tender chicken pieces, creating that succulent, fall apart texture you crave.

It’s the ultimate set, it and forget, it dinner. Just toss everything in the crockpot, go about your day, and come back to a meal that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant. Pair it with steamed rice or your favorite veggies, and you have a family friendly dish that pleases everyone. And the best part? Minimal cleanup. No splattering oil, no messy stovetop. This really is an easy crockpot dinner for busy nights.

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Ingredients for Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade General Tso’s chicken. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you likely already have them on hand.

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite sized pieces)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Chili flakes to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon for mild heat)
2 tablespoons sesame oil

You’ll also need a little water to make the cornstarch slurry later. The chicken thighs stay tender during the long cooking, making them ideal for this slow cooker General Tso’s chicken recipe. If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute chicken breast, but watch the cooking time as breast meat cooks faster.

How to Make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner with almost no effort.

Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite sized pieces and place them in the slow cooker.
Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chili flakes until the sugar dissolves. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 5 hours or on high for 2 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Thicken the sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Let it cook uncovered for the remaining 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
Serve: Stir the chicken to coat evenly with the thickened sauce. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Pro tip: For an extra caramelized finish, spread the cooked chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 2 3 minutes before serving. This adds a lovely sticky char that mimics the deep fried version.

Slow Cooker Tips

Getting the best results from your crockpot General Tso’s chicken is easy with these tips.

Chicken thighs are best: They stay moist and tender even after hours in the slow cooker. Chicken breasts can be used but tend to dry out; if you use them, reduce the cooking time and check for doneness at 2 hours on low.
Add veggies: During the last 30 minutes, toss in broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, or snap peas. They’ll steam perfectly and absorb some of that delicious sauce.
Adjust the heat: Taste the sauce before serving. If you want more sweetness, stir in a tablespoon of honey. For extra heat, add more chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Don’t skip the slurry: The cornstarch slurry is essential to get that thick, glossy sauce that clings to every piece of chicken. Without it, the sauce will be too thin.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles so the sauce soaks in beautifully. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh finish. Pair it with a simple steamed vegetable like broccoli or a crunchy cucumber salad to balance the richness. For a complete Asian inspired spread, serve this chicken alongside my Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken for a party style dinner that will wow your guests.

Best Dishes to Pair With

Beyond rice and veggies, this chicken works well in many settings. Try it over a bed of steamed bok choy or sautéed green beans. For a fun twist, serve it with cauliflower rice for a lighter meal. You can also dish it up with egg rolls or spring rolls for a full takeout experience at home.

Creative Leftover Ideas

Leftovers are a gift. Use the leftover chicken to make quick rice bowls with roasted vegetables. Tuck it into lettuce wraps for a low carb lunch, or add it to a stir fried noodle dish. It also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or sandwiches with a crunchy cabbage slaw. If you want a different spin, try pairing leftovers with my Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad for a fresh meal the next day.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth while reheating to restore its silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make General Tso's chicken in a crockpot?

Yes, you can make General Tso's chicken in a slow cooker. Simply combine chicken pieces with the sauce ingredients and cook on low for 3 4 hours or on high for hours. For best results, add a cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce.

How do you thicken General Tso's sauce in a slow cooker?

To thicken the sauce, mix 1 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 20 30 minutes of cooking and let it simmer until thickened.

What goes well with General Tso's chicken?

Serve General Tso's chicken over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad also pair well. For a complete meal, add a side of egg rolls or spring rolls.

How long to cook General Tso's chicken in a slow cooker?

Cook on low for 3 4 hours or on high for hours. Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model and the size of chicken pieces. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Is General Tso's chicken healthy in a slow cooker?

It can be healthier than fried takeout versions. Using lean chicken breast or thighs, reduced sugar, and low sodium soy sauce lowers calories and sodium. Skip the deep frying and add extra vegetables for a more nutritious meal.

Can I use chicken breast for slow cooker General Tso's chicken?

Yes, chicken breast works well. Boneless skinless chicken breasts should be cut into even chunks. Because breast meat cooks faster, check for doneness earlier. For more moisture and flavor, chicken thighs are often preferred.

General Tso’S Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe for a Sticky, Easy Dinner

Why You’ll Love This General Tso’s Slow Cooker Chicken

Ingredients for Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

How to Make Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

Slow Cooker Tips