Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Let me share a delightful crockpot orange chicken recipe that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Busy weeknight dinners just became so much easier with this simple method.

Home cooks adore how minimal effort produces such amazing results.

Tender chicken pieces swimming in a tangy, sweet sauce create magic on your plate.

Every bite promises a perfect balance between zesty citrus and savory undertones.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can have dinner ready in no time.

This dish will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation, guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table.

Crockpot Orange Chicken for Weeknight Dinners

• Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, perfect for busy professionals and parents seeking delicious, hands-off dinner solutions.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling red pepper flakes, swap proteins like chicken thighs or turkey, and choose low-carb serving options for personalized meals.
• Combines tangy orange sauce with tender chicken, delivering restaurant-quality taste without complicated cooking techniques or extensive kitchen time.
• Produces generous servings that reheat beautifully, ideal for meal prepping, leftovers, and creating quick lunches throughout the week.

Everything You Need for Crockpot Orange Chicken

• Chicken: Core ingredient that absorbs the delicious orange sauce, best with boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts.

• Cornstarch, Salt, Black Pepper: Helps create a crispy exterior and season the chicken, fine granulated cornstarch works best.

• Orange Juice, Soy Sauce, Honey, Vinegar, Ketchup: Creates a sweet and tangy sauce base, freshly squeezed orange juice provides the best flavor.

• Garlic, Ginger, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds depth and subtle heat to the sauce, fresh minced garlic and ginger recommended.

• Olive Oil: Used for optional browning of chicken, provides a light flavor.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds texture and fresh visual appeal, thinly sliced green onions work best.

• Steamed Rice, Cauliflower Rice, Stir-Fried Vegetables: Complements the chicken and absorbs the sauce, white or brown rice are classic choices.

Cooking Instructions for Crockpot Orange Chicken

Step 1: Dust and Season

Grab your chicken pieces and give them a delightful coating. In a mixing bowl, sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken, then add a dash of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper. Toss everything until each piece gets a lovely, even dusting.

Step 2: Optional Flavor Boost

Warm up a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Gently place chicken pieces into the sizzling pan and let them develop a golden-brown exterior. This step is totally optional but adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

Step 3: Craft the Magical Sauce

• Fresh orange juice
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Vinegar
• Ketchup
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Blend these ingredients until they become a harmonious mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cooking Magic

• Low setting: 4-5 hours
• High setting: 2-3 hours

Cook until chicken becomes meltingly tender.

Step 5: Sauce Transformation

• Mix cornstarch
• Add water

Stir this into the sauce and watch it transform into a luscious, glossy coating.

Step 6: Plate and Celebrate

• Steamed rice
• Cauliflower rice
• Stir-fried vegetables

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips for Better Crockpot Orange Chicken

• Maximize Chicken Coating: Use a resealable bag to shake chicken with cornstarch for even, mess-free coverage and extra crispy texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Quickly browning chicken before slow cooking creates delicious caramelization and enhances overall taste profile.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, glossy sauce thickening.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to create mild or spicy versions that suit different taste preferences.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptation: Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan option or use low-sodium soy sauce for reduced salt content.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Orange Chicken

• Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of orange juice or water to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Dishes That Go with Crockpot Orange Chicken

• Pair the zesty orange chicken with jasmine rice to complement its tangy flavor profile, absorbing the rich sauce perfectly.
• Choose a crisp white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, whose subtle sweetness balances the dish's bright citrus notes and slight spiciness.
• Roast broccoli or bok choy with sesame oil and garlic to echo the Asian-inspired elements of the orange chicken, providing a green counterpoint to the main dish.
• Add a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds, offering a cool, crunchy element that cuts through the chicken's rich sauce.

Twist Ideas for Crockpot Orange Chicken

Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to eliminate gluten, ensuring those with sensitivities can enjoy the dish safely.

Spicy Citrus Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or include diced jalapeños for a more intense heat level, perfect for spice lovers seeking bold flavors.

Low-Carb Alternative: Swap out rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious orange chicken essence.

Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, marinating and preparing them similarly to create a plant-based protein option that captures the original recipe’s tangy profile.

FAQs About Crockpot Orange Chicken

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful, while chicken breasts are leaner. Just adjust cooking time slightly- thighs might need a bit less time to prevent overcooking.

• Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?

Browning is optional but recommended. It helps develop a deeper flavor and creates a nice golden exterior. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step without significantly impacting the final dish.

• How can I make the orange sauce less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, decrease or completely omit the red pepper flakes. If you want a mild version, start with just a pinch of red pepper flakes and adjust to your taste preference. The sauce will still be flavorful without much heat.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before. Mix the sauce, coat the chicken with cornstarch, and store separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply combine everything in the crockpot and start cooking.

Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Crockpot Orange Chicken brings zesty Asian-inspired flavors to weeknight dinners with minimal effort. Juicy chicken pieces bathe in a tangy citrus sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• ¾ cup (177 milliliters) orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• ⅓ cup (113 grams) honey (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper

Coating and Garnish:

• ½ cup (60 grams) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil (for browning, optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper, then thoroughly coat chicken pieces to ensure an even, light dusting that will help create a crispy exterior.
2. Optionally enhance flavor by quickly searing chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a golden-brown crust in approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until ingredients are fully integrated and smoothly combined.
4. Transfer coated chicken into the crockpot, then generously pour the prepared orange sauce over the meat, ensuring each piece is well-covered.
5. Allow chicken to slow cook, selecting either low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, monitoring until meat becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
6. During the final cooking phase, create a cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch with water, then gently incorporate into the sauce to achieve a rich, glossy consistency.
7. Once cooking completes, carefully transfer chicken to a serving platter, drizzling remaining sauce overtop for maximum flavor absorption.
8. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and delicately sliced green onions across the dish.
9. Serve alongside steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or a medley of stir-fried vegetables to complement the tangy, sweet orange chicken.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by browning chicken first, creating a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and adds depth to the dish.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes, making the recipe adaptable for different heat tolerances.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy the meal.
• Maximize sauce thickness by allowing cornstarch mixture to fully incorporate during the final cooking stage, resulting in a glossy, restaurant-quality coating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg