Easy Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken: A Better-Than-Takeout Favorite

If you’re craving that sweet, sticky, slightly spicy flavor of your favorite Chinese takeout dish, but want a healthier, easier, and homemade version—this recipe for Easy Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken is going to be your new go-to.

Not only is this version lighter (no deep frying!), but it’s also hassle-free thanks to the slow cooker. Prep it in the morning and come home to a perfectly sauced dinner with minimal cleanup.

Unlike traditional methods that use intense heat and quick frying, slow cooking allows flavors to develop deeply over time, creating a rich, sticky sauce that clings to each tender piece of chicken. Understanding the right settings is key—check out this guide to slow cooker temperature settings to ensure perfect results every time.

One of the most important steps in this dish is creating a luscious, thick sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. The magic behind that glossy glaze? Cornstarch. Learn more about how cornstarch thickens sauces in Chinese cooking and why it’s essential to the texture of this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No deep frying required—just a quick pan-sear
• Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Slow cooker does most of the work
• Healthier than takeout and less expensive
• Easily customizable for spice or sweetness levels
• Family-friendly and perfect for meal prep

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy crockpot General Tso’s Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• ¾ cup + 2 tbsp cornstarch (divided)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ cup sugar (or reduce for a less sweet version)
• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup unsweetened pineapple juice (orange juice works too)
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar (white vinegar or rice vinegar also okay)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• Chopped green onions for garnish
• Steamed rice & broccoli for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for best results:

1. Coat the Chicken
   • In a shallow bowl, mix ¾ cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
   • Toss chicken pieces until evenly coated.
2. Quick Pan Fry
   • Heat oil over medium-high heat.
   • Lightly brown the chicken for about 2 minutes per side—just enough to seal in flavor.
3. Make the Sauce
   • In your slow cooker, whisk together sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cayenne.
   • Add browned chicken and stir gently to coat.
4. Slow Cook
   • Cook on low for 4 hours.
   • About 20 minutes before serving, check sauce consistency.
   • If needed, mix remaining 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir gently into the sauce to thicken.
5. Serve
   • Spoon chicken over steamed rice or broccoli.
   • Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning chicken. Work in batches for better sear.
• For a better glaze, leave the slow cooker lid slightly ajar in the last 30 minutes.
• If your sauce is too runny, increase the slurry ratio slightly, but stir gently to avoid removing the coating.
• For a spicier version, add a squirt of sriracha or chili flakes.
• Want it more savory? Cut the sugar to ¼ cup.

Substitutions & Modifications

Make it work for your diet or preferences:

• Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• No pineapple juice? Orange juice or even apple juice works.
• No meat? Try tofu or cauliflower—coat and pan-fry the same way.
• Low sugar? Reduce sugar to ¼ cup and balance with extra vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice
• Stir-fried or steamed broccoli
• Snow peas, carrots, or bell peppers
• A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To freeze, cool completely and store in zip bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on stovetop with a splash of water.

Tips From the Pros

Some common themes across food bloggers and slow cooker enthusiasts:

• Crockpot size matters—a 4-quart cooker is ideal for 2 lbs of chicken.
• Too much liquid? Some users transfer sauce to a pan to thicken faster.
• A few have even tried this without the slow cooker, simmering sauce and chicken together on the stovetop.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the pan fry – leads to soggy chicken
• Using too much sugar – overpowering sweetness
• Overcooking – even in a slow cooker, timing matters
• Not thickening the sauce – leads to watery results
• Using regular soy sauce – too salty; always go for low sodium

Variations to Try

• Add veggies to the crockpot (bell peppers, snap peas, carrots)
• Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken
• Use orange zest for citrus punch
• Skip cayenne for a milder version
• Add a splash of hoisin for extra umami

FAQs

Can I make General Tso’s Chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes! That’s what this recipe is all about. Just pan-sear, sauce, and slow cook.

How do you keep the chicken crispy in the crockpot?
It won’t be crispy like deep-fried, but browning the chicken first and thickening the sauce helps keep texture.

What’s the best substitute for pineapple juice?
Orange juice is the most common and gives a similar sweet-tart balance.

Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
Mildly, depending on cayenne. Feel free to adjust heat to your liking.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Not recommended—frozen chicken won’t brown well and may release too much water.

Can I use store-bought General Tso’s sauce?
Yes, though this homemade sauce is fresher and allows you to control sugar and sodium.

How long do I cook chicken in a crockpot?
For this dish, 4 hours on low is ideal.

What cut of chicken is best?
Chicken thighs stay moist and tender, but breasts work just as well if not overcooked.

Healthier Than Takeout

If you’re watching sodium intake, make sure to use low sodium soy sauce and be mindful of added sugars. For more health-conscious tips, visit the American Heart Association’s guide to reducing sodium.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or impressing friends with your takeout-style skills—without the delivery bill. The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy is irresistible, and with a little prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

Ready to skip takeout? Your Easy Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken is calling.