Slow Cooker Spicy Orange General Tso’s Chicken brings restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Sweet, tangy, and packed with a spicy kick, this dish features tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky orange sauce that clings to every bite. With slow cooker convenience, you can enjoy a bold, flavorful meal without standing over the stove.
One weeknight, I tossed cubed chicken with cornstarch and seared it quickly, then let the slow cooker handle the magic. Hours later, the sauce was glossy, the chicken perfectly tender, and the house filled with a citrusy, savory aroma. Served over steamed rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it tasted better than takeout and disappeared in minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
Tender Chicken with Sticky Sauce
Browning the chicken before slow cooking locks in flavor, while the cornstarch helps the sauce thicken naturally. The long, slow cooking ensures each bite is juicy and tender.
Bold, Balanced Flavors
Sweet brown sugar, tangy orange juice, savory soy sauce, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes create a perfectly balanced sauce that’s sticky, flavorful, and crave-worthy.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Brown in oil 5–7 minutes, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, orange juice, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour sauce over chicken in slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
- Serve over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Brown Chicken
Toss cubed chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown chicken 5–7 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Mix Sauce
Whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, orange juice, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook
Pour sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until chicken is tender and sauce is thickened.
4. Serve
Spoon chicken and sauce over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Flavor Variations & Tips
- Extra Citrus: Add 1 tsp orange zest for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari for soy sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in broccoli or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
- Adjust Heat: Reduce red pepper flakes for milder spice.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
- Pair with sautéed or roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for extra freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and remain juicy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare sauce and chicken in advance. Refrigerate and cook on the day of serving.
How thick is the sauce?
The sauce thickens during slow cooking. For extra thickness, stir in 1–2 tsp cornstarch mixed with water at the end.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Spicy Orange General Tso’s Chicken is sweet, tangy, and irresistibly sticky. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, it delivers bold, restaurant-style flavors with minimal effort. Served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a homemade takeout favorite that’s sure to impress every time.
