Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken is a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic takeout favorite. This easy slow-cooker recipe delivers tender chicken in a savory, tangy sauce with just the right amount of heat. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the cubed chicken thighs into the crockpot.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
4. Step 4: Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Step 5: For a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, briefly sear the chicken cubes before adding them to the crockpot.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
• Serve over steamed rice or with sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs will stay more tender and flavorful.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and food safety. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that the hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free, or make your own homemade version to avoid gluten.

Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 123 reviews

This Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and easy way to enjoy a popular Chinese-American dish with minimal effort. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a savory and slightly sweet sauce made with soy, hoisin, rice vinegar, and a hint of honey, all cooked slowly in a crockpot to develop deep flavors. Perfect for a hands-off weeknight dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed

Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Optional Thickening

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
• Water (for dissolving cornstarch)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cube the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and tender results.
2. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes thoroughly.
3. Combine in Crockpot: Place the cubed chicken into the crockpot, then pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken.
4. Cook: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours, or set it to high and cook for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
5. Optional Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, if you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of water until dissolved, then stir it into the crockpot and continue cooking to thicken.
6. Serve: Once cooked and the sauce reaches desired thickness, serve the General Tso’s Chicken hot over steamed rice or your favorite side.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results compared to breast meat.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
• Adding cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended for a thicker sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
• For gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.

Keywords: General Tso’s Chicken, crockpot recipe, slow cooker chicken, easy Chinese recipe, comfort food