Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

This Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a delicious and simple meal that combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this recipe brings the taste of your favorite takeout to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Prep: Just a few simple steps, and the slow cooker does the work.
  • Family-Friendly: A kid-approved dish with the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
  • Healthy Alternative: Skip the deep-frying and enjoy a lighter version of orange chicken.
  • Versatile: Pair it with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Orange marmalade
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, minced
  • Cornstarch
  • Water
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
  3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6 servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a hint of heat.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Low-Sugar: Opt for a low-sugar marmalade or reduce the amount used.
  • Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but ensure the chicken is fully thawed before adding it to the slow cooker for even cooking.

2. What can I use instead of orange marmalade?

You can substitute orange marmalade with apricot preserves or a mix of orange juice and a little sugar.

3. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, use the sautรฉ function for the sauce, then pressure cook the chicken and sauce for 8 minutes on high.

4. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Adjust the cornstarch slurry to your desired thickness or add more water if needed.

5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

To make it keto-friendly, use a sugar-free orange marmalade and a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the ingredients and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

7. What side dishes go well with orange chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, lo mein noodles, or sautรฉed vegetables are excellent pairings.

8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce, then refrigerate them separately. Combine and cook in the slow cooker when ready.

9. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but the cooking time may need to be increased. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

10. What can I do if the sauce is too sweet?

Balance the sweetness with a splash of soy sauce or a dash of rice vinegar.

Conclusion

This Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a flavorful and convenient meal thatโ€™s perfect for any occasion. Whether youโ€™re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy the perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors with minimal effortโ€”comfort food has never been easier!

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Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (on high) or 4 hours 15 minutes (on low)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken features tender pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s a hassle-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice with a side of steamed broccoli for a complete dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup orange marmalade
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground ginger, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced thin (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken:ย In a large zip-top bag, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat the chicken evenly.
  • Brown the Chicken:ย In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  • Transfer to Slow Cooker:ย Place the browned chicken pieces into a 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Make the Sauce:ย In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, low-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and garlic until well combined.
  • Cook:ย Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, stirring gently to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • Serve:ย Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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