Easy Crockpot General Tso Chicken for a Quick Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more vibrant presentation, serve the finished dish over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

The sauce is quite flavorful, so a neutral base like rice helps to balance the intensity of the hoisin and the heat from the red pepper flakes. You may also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli to add a fresh, crisp element that complements the tender chicken.

If you prefer a bit more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you want a milder flavor, start with half the recommended amount and adjust to your preference.

Because the flavors intensify during the slow cooking process, it is always easier to add more spice before serving than to try and mitigate an overly spicy dish after it has finished cooking.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Version: Add two cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of chili paste to the sauce mixture before cooking for a punchier, more aromatic flavor profile that highlights the savory notes of the hoisin.
• Vegetable Medley: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking to add color and crunch to the dish without compromising the tender texture of the chicken.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming hot.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the chicken will maintain its quality in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When ready to eat again, ensure the chicken is heated thoroughly until it is steaming hot throughout, maintaining food safety standards for reheating leftovers.

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking cycle. This method saves time during busy mornings and ensures you have a hot meal ready when you return home at the end of the day.

Serving ideas

Serve the chicken hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a large serving platter. Spoon any excess sauce from the bottom of the insert over the meat to ensure it remains moist and glossy. A simple garnish of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds can provide a nice contrast in texture and color, though these are entirely optional.

This dish pairs exceptionally well with quick-cooking sides. Consider serving it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed bok choy to round out the meal.

Because the chicken is rich and savory, lighter side dishes help to create a balanced plate that satisfies without feeling overly heavy. Ensure each portion includes a generous amount of the sauce for the best experience.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crockpot General Tso Chicken for a Quick Dinner

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce

Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken pieces into the base of the slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out in an even layer to promote consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Drizzle the honey evenly over the chicken, followed by the red pepper flakes and the hoisin sauce. Do not stir at this stage to keep the sauce concentrated on top.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once finished, ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

6.5 g

Fiber

1.2 g

Sugar

24 g

Sodium

780 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.