Slow Cooker Spicy Orange General Tso’s Chicken

This Slow Cooker Orange General Tso’s Chicken delivers all the sticky, sweet, and tangy flavours you crave without the fuss! Tender chicken pieces swimming in a glossy orange-infused sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Just a quick sear, toss everything in the slow cooker, and dinner practically makes itself!

Perfect for those nights when you want something special but don’t have the energy for complicated cooking. This has become our go-to Asian-inspired dinner that never fails to impress!

Love flavour-packed slow cooker meals? You’ll also adore my Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken and Creamy Chicken Korma Curry – both bursting with delicious flavours!

“My husband can’t get enough of this homemade recipe—better than the restaurant!” – Morgan

Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

Better Than Takeout! All the sticky, glossy goodness you expect, but made with fresh ingredients in your own kitchen.

Effortless Cooking! Brown the chicken, mix the sauce, dump it all in – your slow cooker handles the magic from there.

Family Approved. Sweet with just a gentle kick – easily customizable for different spice preferences around the table.

Wallet-Friendly. Costs a fraction of ordering out and feeds the whole family with leftovers to spare!

Fresh Orange Zing. Real orange juice brightens every bite and makes this version truly special.

Meal Prep Winner. Makes fantastic leftovers and freezes beautifully for future busy nights!

What You Need

Everything you need for this incredible orange chicken is probably sitting in your pantry right now!

Note: Full measurements and detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

Chicken Breast – chopped into chunky bite-sized pieces. Thighs work wonderfully too for extra juiciness.

Cornflour – creates that lovely light coating that helps the sauce cling perfectly.

Cooking Oil – just a splash for getting those gorgeous golden edges on the chicken.

Light Soy Sauce – the salty base that brings everything together.

Fresh Orange Juice – this is where the magic happens! Fresh squeezed makes all the difference.

Hoisin Sauce – adds that authentic sweet and savoury depth.

Brown Sugar – helps create that beautiful glossy finish.

Fresh Garlic and Ginger – absolutely essential for that aromatic punch.

Chilli Flakes – start small and adjust to your family’s taste buds.

Step-by-Step Method

This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeaway!

Note: Complete ingredient amounts and timing details are in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Toss chicken pieces with cornflour and seasonings until every piece is nicely coated.

Step 2: Heat oil in a pan and brown the chicken until golden and gorgeous on all sides.

Step 3: Pop the golden chicken into your slow cooker.

Step 4: Whisk up the sauce ingredients until smooth and pour over the chicken.

Step 5: Let it bubble away on low heat until the chicken is fall-apart tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.

Step 6: Pile over fluffy rice and sprinkle with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.

Expert Tips

Golden Browning Matters: Those caramelised edges from browning first add incredible depth – don’t skip this step!

Fresh Juice Only: Bottled orange juice just doesn’t compare to fresh squeezed for flavour.

Heat to Taste: Everyone’s spice tolerance is different – start conservative with the chilli flakes.

Sauce Too Thin? Mix cornflour with cold water and stir through during the last half hour for perfect thickness.

Chicken Choice: Thighs stay incredibly moist during slow cooking if you prefer them over breast meat.

Make It a Feast: Add snap peas or broccoli in the final hour for a complete one-pot wonder.

Batch Cooking: This recipe doubles beautifully and freezes perfectly for up to three months.

Day-After Magic: The flavours actually intensify overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

Serving Ideas: Fantastic over rice, noodles, or even mashed cauliflower for a lighter option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best cut of chicken to use? Both breast and thigh meat work brilliantly. Thighs stay a bit more tender during the long cooking, but breasts are fantastic too when cut into proper chunks.

How do I control the spice level? Start with just a pinch of chilli flakes and taste at the end. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back!

Can I make this dairy-free? Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it perfect for various dietary needs.

What vegetables can I add? Bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli all work wonderfully. Add them in the last hour so they don’t get mushy.

How do I store leftovers? Keep covered in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze in portions for quick future meals.

Can I use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce? Yes! It’ll give a slightly different flavour profile but works perfectly for those avoiding soy.

More Asian-Inspired Favourites

Craving more delicious Asian flavours? These family-tested recipes are absolute winners:

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Slow Cooker Orange General Tso’s Chicken

Tender chicken in a sticky, sweet orange sauce that’s even better than your favourite restaurant! This slow cooker version makes dinner effortless.

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories: 380kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1.5kg chicken breast, cut into chunks
60g cornflour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

125ml chicken stock
60ml light soy sauce
60ml fresh orange juice
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 tsp red chilli flakes

To Serve:

Fresh spring onions, sliced
Sesame seeds
Cooked rice

Instructions

Combine cornflour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and toss until completely coated.
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces thoroughly on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Transfer to slow cooker.
Whisk together stock, soy sauce, orange juice, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chilli flakes until smooth.
Pour sauce mixture over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
Serve immediately over rice, topped with spring onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

RECIPE NOTES & TIPS

Browning Boost: The initial browning creates amazing flavour depth – well worth the extra step.
Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed orange juice and grated ginger for maximum impact.
Spice Control: Adjust chilli flakes to suit your family’s preferences.
Thickening Trick: If sauce needs thickening, mix 1 tbsp cornflour with 2 tbsp water and stir through.
Chicken Alternatives: Boneless thighs work beautifully and stay extra tender.
Veggie Additions: Add quick-cooking vegetables in the final hour of cooking.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari and check your hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Gentle warming in microwave or stovetop works perfectly.