Bold & Easy Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken : Slow Cooker Chinese Takeout Made Healthy

Craving takeout but want something healthier and more affordable? This Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken recipe delivers all the bold, sticky-sweet flavor of your favorite Chinese dish—without the deep frying or heavy oils. Toss everything in your slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a satisfying, protein-packed meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a crowd.

Perfect for fans of Crockpot Chinese Food, Great Crockpot Meals, and Healthy Recipes Crockpot, this dish hits that sweet-umami spot while keeping things easy, wholesome, and totally weeknight-approved. If you love slow-cooked takeout-style dinners, you’ll also want to try Crockpot Fajitas or the comforting Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken.

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What Makes This Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken Recipe So Amazing?

This isn’t your average slow cooker chicken recipe. Here’s what makes this dish a standout:

• Healthier than takeout: Less sugar, no deep-frying, and clean ingredients.
• Low-effort: Just a few simple steps and the slow cooker does the rest.
• Meal-prep friendly: Keeps well for leftovers, great for batch cooking.
• Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for serving a large group or picky eaters.
• Customizable: Easily adapt to gluten-free or low-carb diets.

Want more meals that impress without the stress? You’ll love our savory Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir Fry or this cozy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chicken Chili.

Who Will Love This Chinese Chicken in Crockpot Recipe?

This recipe is designed for:

• Families needing easy, weeknight-friendly dinners.
• Anyone craving slow cooker best recipes with global flavors.
• Health-conscious eaters avoiding fried foods.
• Hosts looking for a dinner-for-a-crowd crockpot solution.
• Busy individuals wanting to prep meals while working or parenting.

If you love simple, global-inspired dishes, also check out the 20-Minute Chorizo Tacos for a quick weeknight win.

Ingredients for Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for paleo)
• ½ cup hoisin sauce
• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Looking to pair this with a side? Try it over cauliflower rice or next to Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon for a balanced plate.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

Make sure you have these tools ready:

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Whisk

If you’re into meal prepping, pair this recipe with the Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches for a week of easy eating.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making General Tso’s Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Toss the chicken chunks in cornstarch until fully coated. This helps thicken the sauce and gives that signature takeout texture.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on all sides until just golden (no need to fully cook). Transfer to the crockpot.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, water, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Pour & Cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir to coat evenly. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

Step 5: Thicken (If Needed)
If the sauce is too thin near the end, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce. Let cook 15 more minutes.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

This pairs beautifully with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs if you’re craving something comforting and creative on the side.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Brown the chicken first to improve texture and flavor.
• Want it extra sticky? Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry at the end.
• Customize the spice: Add more red pepper flakes if you like heat.
• Double the recipe for batch cooking—perfect for storing and freezing.

For another prep-friendly dish, try the Keto Peanut Butter Chocolate Fat Bombs as a sweet post-meal treat.

Serving Suggestions: Sides & Garnish Ideas

Serve your General Tso’s Chicken with:

• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas
• Topped with extra green onions and sesame seeds

Or make it a complete Chinese takeout night by adding a side of Vegetable Casserole or Garlic Parmesan Shrimp as a surf-and-turf combo.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave or reheat on stovetop with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.

This dish makes a great addition to your 8hr slow cooker recipes rotation and is just as handy as the Zero Point Chicken Salad when planning a clean week of meals.

Swaps, Variations & Dietary Adaptations

• Make it paleo: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and arrowroot instead of cornstarch.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free hoisin and tamari.
• Add veggies: Stir in bell peppers or snap peas in the last hour of cooking.
• Spicy lovers: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mix.

For other globally inspired healthy meals, try the Vegetarian Pasta Primavera or Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crockpot Chinese Food

• Skipping the sear: Browning adds better texture and richer flavor.
• Using too much cornstarch: A little goes a long way.
• Not tasting the sauce: Adjust sweetness, spice, or salt to your preference.
• Overcooking: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but don’t go over 5–6 hours.
• Forgetting the garnish: Sesame seeds and green onions bring the flavor home.

Avoid these, and you’ll get restaurant-quality results at home every time.

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FAQs About Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but they may be slightly less juicy. Cut them into even cubes for consistent cooking.

Is this dish spicy?
It has mild heat. Adjust the red pepper flakes to make it more or less spicy.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep everything the night before and store in the fridge. Start the slow cooker in the morning.

What can I serve this with besides rice?
Try it with Cottage Cheese Flatbread or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.

How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the sauce during the last 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts + Share & Subscribe Call-To-Action

This Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken recipe gives you all the rich flavor and sticky-sweet goodness of your favorite takeout, but made healthier, easier, and slow-cooked to perfection. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, healthy meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your family and friends, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more slow cooker meals, healthy dinners, and easy weeknight favorites.

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