Healthy Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken: Easy Takeout at Home

Craving takeout but want a healthier option? This Healthy Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken brings all the flavor of your favorite Chinese dish right into your kitchen, without the guilt. Tender chicken breast chunks are lightly pan-seared and slow-cooked in a rich, savory-sweet sauce made with Hoisin, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or for meal prep for the week. Serve it with rice, cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

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What You’ll Need for Healthy Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

This recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breast – use whole breast, not thin slices, for the best texture.
• Cornstarch – coats the chicken and helps form a light crust.
• Low sodium soy sauce – helps control the sodium while keeping the sauce flavorful.
• Hoisin sauce – thick, sweet, and slightly salty; a key element in this dish.
• Brown sugar – adds natural sweetness and caramelization.
• Rice wine vinegar – mild flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Sesame oil – just a small amount for depth of flavor.
• Sriracha – optional, for a gentle kick of heat.
• Unsweetened applesauce – stretches the sweetness naturally, reducing sugar and calories.
• Garlic and ginger – essential aromatics for that classic flavor.
• Garnishes – sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

Why This Recipe is Healthy

This slow cooker version of General Tso’s Chicken is lighter than takeout but just as flavorful. Key points include:

• Chicken is pan-seared and slow-cooked, not deep-fried.
• Uses only white meat chicken for lean protein.
• The sauce is naturally sweetened with a combination of brown sugar and unsweetened applesauce.
• Minimal oil is used—just cooking spray.
• Low sodium soy sauce keeps salt in check.
• Pair with cauliflower rice or vegetables for a lower-carb, high-protein meal.

How to Make Healthy Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss in cornstarch until all pieces are lightly coated. This step helps the chicken develop a slight crust when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray with cooking oil. Sear the chicken in batches just until golden brown on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking it through—the slow cooker will finish the job. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine low sodium soy sauce, Hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, unsweetened applesauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Whisk thoroughly to create a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce in Slow Cooker

Add the seared chicken to the slow cooker, then pour the sauce over the top. Stir gently to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated evenly with the sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cook on LOW for 3 hours. By the end of the cooking time, the chicken should be tender, juicy, and infused with the sweet-savory sauce.

How to Serve Healthy Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

This chicken pairs beautifully with rice, cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables. The sauce is flavorful enough to coat your side dish, making every bite satisfying. For a complete meal, serve it with green beans, broccoli, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.

This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. Portion the chicken into containers with your choice of sides, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

If you want a full “takeout night” experience at home, consider pairing it with:

• Healthy Vegetable Fried Rice
• Air-Fried Egg Rolls

These sides keep the meal lighter than traditional takeout while still delivering that comforting flavor.

Tips for the Best Healthy General Tso’s Chicken

1. Do not skip the searing step. It adds texture and flavor to the chicken that the slow cooker alone can’t achieve.
2. Adjust sweetness and spice to your taste. Add more brown sugar or sriracha depending on your preference.
3. Use unsweetened applesauce to keep the sauce naturally sweet without excess sugar.
4. Serve immediately for best texture. The chicken can be reheated, but the sauce thickens and coats better when fresh.

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