Slow Cooker General Tso's Chicken
This easy slow cooker General Tso's Chicken is a sweet, salty, and slightly spicy dish that offers convenience and the flavors of takeout without the hassle of frying. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers tender chicken in a sticky soy-brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce use low-sodium if watching salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar light or dark; coconut sugar is a lower-GI swap
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger in a pinch)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil for nuttiness; can use toasted sesame oil for a stronger flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Trim and cut the chicken thighs into 1–1.5 inch pieces and place them in the slow cooker in an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and chili flakes until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken. Toss gently with a spoon so every piece is coated.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, until chicken is tender and flakes easily, or on high for 2–3 hours, until cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, whisk the cornstarch with 2–3 tablespoons of cold water to make a smooth slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cover. Let it cook the remaining 30 minutes so the sauce thickens to a glossy, clingy glaze.
- Stir once more to coat the chicken evenly, taste, and adjust chili flakes or a splash of soy if needed.
Serving
- Serve immediately with your chosen sides.
Notes
For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat.