This Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken is a healthier, homemade version of the popular takeout dish. Tender chicken is slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. It’s incredibly easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning, optional)
For the sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- ¼ cup water
For thickening:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Coat the chicken:
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss them in cornstarch to coat. (This helps create a crispier texture but is optional.)
- Brown the chicken (optional):
- If desired, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side to give them some color. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook the chicken:
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1½-2 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Thicken the sauce:
- About 20 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker, cover, and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve:
- Serve the General Tso’s Chicken over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Enjoy this Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving takeout-style food at home!
