Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken: Zero Deep Frying Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces before adding them to the slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and allows the sauce to penetrate every bite.

If you prefer larger chunks, that's fine, but adjust the cooking time slightly. Also, whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding the chicken so the sugar is fully dissolved and won't clump.

The dried chilies are meant to infuse the sauce with a subtle, warming heat. If you want a spicier dish, slice the chilies in half before adding them.

For a milder version, leave them whole and remove them before serving. Toasting the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes brings out their nutty flavor and makes them more aromatic.

Variations

• Spicy Peanut General Tso's: Add 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty richness and a slightly thicker glaze. The peanut butter melts into the hoisin and soy, creating a deeper, more savory flavor that pairs well with the chilies.
• Vegetable-Packed Version: Stir in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots along with the broccoli in the last 20 minutes of cooking. The extra vegetables add color and crunch, making the dish more substantial and colorful.
• Orange General Tso's: Replace the rice vinegar with orange juice and add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the sauce. The citrus brightens the glaze and gives it a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that mimics orange chicken.
• Mild and Kid-Friendly: Omit the dried chilies entirely and reduce the garlic to 2 cloves. The sauce will still be sweet and savory but without any heat, making it a hit with kids or anyone who prefers a milder taste.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken; add a splash of water when reheating.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, until piping hot.

Store leftover General Tso's chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools; when reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot. The broccoli will soften but still taste great.

You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 hours. This saves prep time on busy days. The broccoli should still be added at the end for the best texture.

Serving ideas

Serve this General Tso's chicken over steamed white rice, which soaks up the glossy sauce perfectly. For a more substantial meal, add a side of steamed bok choy or a simple cucumber salad. The dish is also delicious with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter base.

Garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like, though the video only shows sesame seeds. For a family-style dinner, set the slow cooker on the table and let everyone serve themselves. The leftovers make an excellent lunch the next day, served cold or reheated.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot General Tso's Chicken: Zero Deep Frying

Prep 15 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 whole dried red chilies
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups cooked white rice, for serving
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. In the slow cooker insert, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves. Add the bite-size chicken thighs and toss to coat every piece in the sauce. Scatter the whole dried red chilies over the top.
2. Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours, without opening the lid during the first 2 hours to keep the heat steady. The chicken will become tender and the sauce will thicken into a sticky glaze.
3. Uncover the slow cooker and gently stir in the broccoli florets. Replace the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the broccoli is crisp-tender and bright green. The sauce should cling to the chicken and broccoli.
4. Spoon the hot rice into bowls. Top with the General Tso's chicken and broccoli, spooning extra sauce from the slow cooker over each serving. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Contains: gluten, soy, sesame, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

38 g

Carbohydrates

48 g

Fat

18 g

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