You know those nights when you’re craving your favorite Chinese takeout but also want to stay in your slippers? That’s where this Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken swoops in like a dinner-time superhero. With just a few minutes of prep and your slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, you can have tender, saucy, perfectly seasoned chicken that rivals your go-to restaurant—without stepping foot outside.
This recipe is the definition of comfort meets convenience. You toss in your ingredients, go about your day, and come back to rich, savory, slightly sweet Asian chicken perfection. Pair it with fluffy jasmine rice, and you’ve got a cozy, fuss-free meal that hits all the right notes.
The best part? No mystery ingredients or deep frying required—just wholesome, pantry-friendly staples. This slow cooker chicken is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you want to impress your family with a “better-than-takeout” dinner they’ll beg for again.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken
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Set it and forget it—just a few minutes of prep, then let your crockpot work its magic.
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All the takeout flavor you love with fewer additives.
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Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
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Customizable spice level to please every palate.
Ingredients
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1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
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¼ cup hoisin sauce
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¼ cup soy sauce
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¼ cup rice vinegar
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3 tbsp granulated sugar
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp red pepper flakes
How to Make It
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Load the crockpot – Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat evenly.
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Cook low and slow – Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until chicken is tender.
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Thicken the sauce – In the last 30 minutes, whisk cornstarch with ¼ cup water until smooth. Stir into the crockpot to thicken.
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Serve and enjoy – Once thickened, serve over white or jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if you like.
Cooking Tips
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Make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
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Lighten it up by using chicken breasts instead of thighs.
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Double the sauce if you love extra over your rice or veggies.
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Add veggies—broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers can be tossed in during the last hour of cooking for a more balanced meal.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made this, I was skeptical—could a slow cooker really capture that irresistible glossy sauce and rich flavor of restaurant-style takeout chicken? But when my husband walked in from work, sniffed the air, and said, “Whoa, did you order from that place downtown?”—I knew we had a winner. Now, it’s a staple in our rotation, especially on nights when I want a low-effort, high-reward dinner that makes the whole house smell amazing.
What to Serve With It
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Steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up all that sauce.
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Lightly sautéed bok choy or broccoli for a fresh crunch.
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Egg rolls or potstickers for a fun takeout-at-home night.
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A cold glass of iced tea or crisp white wine to balance the spice.
How to Store Leftovers
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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes—just be aware they may cook faster and be slightly less juicy.
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely—bump up the red pepper flakes or stir in chili paste.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
Nope! The slow cooker tenderizes it beautifully without pre-browning.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin.
Bring Takeout Magic to Your Table
This Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken is proof that you don’t need a wok, a deep fryer, or even a trip to the restaurant to enjoy bold, crave-worthy flavors. It’s sweet, savory, a little spicy, and ridiculously easy—your slow cooker handles the hard work while you go live your life.
So go ahead, pull out that crockpot, and let’s bring the takeout experience straight to your kitchen (and your PJs).
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Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken brings all the bold, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen—without deep frying or mystery ingredients. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a savory hoisin-soy sauce mixture, thickened to glossy perfection. With just minutes of prep and your slow cooker doing the rest, this is the ultimate fuss-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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680 g (1½ lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
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60 ml (¼ cup) hoisin sauce
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60 ml (¼ cup) soy sauce
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60 ml (¼ cup) rice vinegar
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38 g (3 tbsp) granulated sugar
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16 g (2 tbsp) cornstarch
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat evenly.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours until chicken is tender.
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In the last 30 minutes, whisk cornstarch with 60 ml (¼ cup) water until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
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Once thickened, serve over white or jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
For more spice, increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha.
Use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Double the sauce for extra to drizzle over rice or vegetables.
Add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired / American Chinese