Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken Wings Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If a crispier texture is desired, transfer the cooked wings to a baking sheet after they have finished in the slow cooker. Broil them in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning the sugar in the sauce. This adds a charred, sticky exterior that mimics fried wings.

Balance the heat levels by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes according to personal preference. If a milder flavor is preferred, reduce the amount of flakes.

Conversely, for a bolder spice, add an extra pinch of flakes or a small amount of chili garlic sauce to the crockpot before starting the cooking cycle.

Variations

• Honey Garlic Wings: Replace the sweet and spicy Asian sauce with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and plenty of minced garlic. This variation offers a sweeter, more savory profile that is equally delicious and crowd-pleasing for family dinners.
• Extra Spicy Wings: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or diced fresh Thai chili peppers to the sauce mixture before cooking. This will significantly increase the heat level for those who enjoy a more intense, spicy experience in their chicken wings.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave on medium power.

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container to keep them from drying out. They should be cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking before being placed in the refrigerator.

Proper storage helps maintain the texture of the glaze and the succulence of the chicken meat for up to three days after the initial preparation.

These wings can be prepared ahead of time by assembling the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerating it overnight.

When ready to cook, simply remove the insert from the refrigerator and place it directly into the slow cooker base. Note that the cooking time may need to be increased slightly to account for the cold starting temperature of the ingredients.

Serving ideas

Serve the wings on a large platter, garnished generously with fresh scallions and sesame seeds to provide a contrast in color and texture. They pair exceptionally well with a side of steamed rice or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness of the sweet and spicy glaze during your meal.

For a casual party setting, place the wings in a bowl with plenty of napkins nearby. The sticky nature of the sauce makes them a hands-on experience, so ensure guests have a way to easily enjoy them without worry.

Providing small appetizer plates can also help manage the serving process for larger groups.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken Wings

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

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken wings, split and tips removed
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup sweet and spicy Asian sauce, store-bought or made ahead
• Sesame seeds, for serving
• Scallions, sliced, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken wings into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are arranged in an even layer to promote consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the minced ginger and crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the chicken wings. Pour the sweet and spicy Asian sauce over the top, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving warm.

Contains: gluten, soy, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

750 mg

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