Easy Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken
A quick and easy crockpot recipe that delivers tender shredded chicken in a savory-sweet sauce, reminiscent of takeout, with minimal effort.
I’ve been making this Easy Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken on repeat for hectic weeknights — it’s the kind of comfort food that tastes like takeout but requires almost no babysitting. Tender shredded chicken soaks up a sweet-savory sauce, and the slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you finish homework, set the table, or breathe. If you like set-and-forget dinners that still feel special, try pairing it with a creamy rice bake like Easy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice for an indulgent combo.
What makes this recipe special
This recipe hits the sweet spot between convenience and flavor. Using boneless skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy after hours in the crockpot, while the simple sauce—soy, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil—gives a classic General Tso’s profile without a long ingredient list. It’s perfect for weeknight family dinners, meal prep, or any time you want comforting Asian-inspired flavors with minimal fuss.
Step-by-step overview
Before you dig in, here’s what you’ll do: whisk the sauce, nestle chicken in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over, and cook until tender. After cooking you’ll shred the thighs right in the crockpot so they soak up the sauce. Serve over rice and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Total active time: about 10–15 minutes. Cook time: 2–6 hours depending on heat setting.
What you’ll need
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (see notes on using breasts below)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced (about 1 tsp grated)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional; for quick sear)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Ingredient notes/substitutions:
- Swap tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free (use gluten-free cornstarch).
- If you only have chicken breasts, reduce high heat cooking and check frequently—breasts can dry faster than thighs.
- For a spicier version, add 1–2 teaspoons chili sauce (gochujang or sambal oelek).
Directions to follow
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and very tender (the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded meat into the sauce so it soaks up the glaze. If the sauce seems thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the hot sauce; let the crockpot cook on high for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
- Serve the shredded General Tso’s chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Crockpot General Tso's Chicken
- Prep
- 15 MIN
- Cook
- 5 HRS
- Total
- 5 HRS 15 MIN
- Serves
- 4
01Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Garnishes
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking
- Serving
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0 OF 8 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01For a spicier version, add chili sauce. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for 2-3 months.
04Nutrition
Per serving- Calories
- 395
- Protein
- 47G
- Net carbs
- 19G
- Fat
- 13G
- Fiber
- 0G
Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber. Numbers are estimates from the ingredients listed.
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Best ways to enjoy it
Serve over jasmine or brown rice, steamed cauliflower rice for a lighter option, or tuck into lettuce cups for a low-carb meal. For vegetables, quick-steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or roasted snap peas keep the plate bright. For an easy Asian-style night, add scallion pancakes or a cucumber salad on the side—if you want another set-and-forget main, contrast flavors with Easy Dump-and-Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken.
Storage and reheating tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to heat evenly. If frozen, thaw fully before reheating to ensure safe, even warming.
Food safety: Always check that reheated chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Creative twists
- Spicy General Tso’s: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mix.
- Vegetarian version: Swap shredded tempeh or firm tofu (pressed and lightly pan-fried) and reduce cook time; finish with the same sauce on the stovetop.
- Orange General Tso’s: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice to the sauce for citrus notes.
- Noodle bowl: Serve over lo mein or udon noodles and toss with blanched broccoli and carrots.
Your questions answered
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily in a slow cooker. Cook on low and check earlier (about 3–4 hours), or use breasts but shred them as soon as they’re tender.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
A: No — browning is optional. It adds flavor but the crockpot will produce very tender, flavorful results without searing.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: If the sauce is thin after cooking, stir a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) into the crockpot and cook on high for 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, remove some sauce to a saucepan and simmer to reduce.
Is this safe to freeze?
A: Yes. Cool completely, freeze in airtight containers, and use within 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How spicy is this by default?
A: This base recipe is not spicy. Add chili sauce or fresh chiles to increase heat to your taste.
Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken is a weeknight lifesaver: minimal prep, maximum comfort, and easy to scale for meal prep or family dinners. For more ideas, check out Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken – Creme De La Crumb and my Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken.
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
