“Is it just me, or does the aroma of orange chicken bring back memories of cozy family dinners and comforting takeout nights? With this Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken, you’ll discover a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors that creates the ultimate one-pot meal. What I love most is that it requires only five minutes of active prep time, allowing you to enjoy a homemade feast without the fuss. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work, producing tender chicken enrobed in a luscious sauce—perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave that gourmet takeout taste at home. Are you ready to bring some magic into your kitchen and impress your loved ones with this easy recipe?”
Why Will You Love This Orange Chicken?
Simplicity at Its Best: With just five minutes of prep, you can enjoy a delicious dinner without the hassle.
Flavor Explosion: The perfect balance of sweet and tangy from the orange marmalade makes every bite unforgettable.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner with friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.
Versatile Options: Try serving over fluffy rice or swap in tofu for a vegetarian twist—options abound!
For more easy weeknight meals, check out my Buffalo Chicken Cottage or Honey BBQ Chicken recipes!
Crockpot Orange Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenders – This is your main protein; tender cuts ensure juicy results.
For Coating and Browning
• Cornstarch – Essential for creating a light crust, preventing the chicken from becoming soggy.
• Olive Oil – Use this for browning the chicken to add depth of flavor.
For the Sauce
• Orange Marmalade – The star of the dish, giving that delightful sweet and tangy flavor with one 16 oz jar needed.
• Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce – Adds umami depth; adjust salt as needed based on taste.
• White Vinegar – Balances sweetness; substitute with apple cider vinegar for a different twist.
• Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty flavor—use sparingly for a more potent taste.
• Ground Ginger – Enhances the aromatic quality; fresh ginger is a great substitute.
• Garlic (minced) – Adds wonderful flavor complexity; fresh is best for this dish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Add heat; omit if you prefer a milder sauce.
For Garnishing
• Sesame Seeds – Adds visual appeal and texture; optional but adds a sophisticated finish.
• Chopped Scallions – Adds freshness and a pop of color; green onions work as a substitute.
Now you’re equipped with the essential Crockpot Orange Chicken ingredients to whip up a fantastic meal that will surely brighten your weeknight dinners!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Step 1: Prep Chicken
Begin by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is lightly dusted for a perfect texture. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crust when browning, so take your time to coat them well before moving on.
Step 2: Brown Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes. Add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces in a single layer, browning them lightly for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden but not fully cooked. This enhances the flavor and texture, so be sure to achieve a nice golden color before transferring them to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Combine Sauce Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, reduced-sodium soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step creates the flavorful sauce that will envelop the chicken, so mix thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly blended.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Place the browned chicken pieces into the slow cooker, pouring the prepared sauce over them. Use a spatula to gently stir and coat all the chicken with the sauce evenly. Set the slow cooker on LOW heat and let it cook for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the contents halfway through to help integrate the flavors and ensure even cooking, allowing them to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Once the cooking time is up, you will know the Crockpot Orange Chicken is ready when the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Garnish your dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions for freshness and visual appeal. Serve this tantalizing dish over rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Expert Tips for Crockpot Orange Chicken
• Perfectly Browned Chicken: Ensure you brown the chicken well before adding it to the slow cooker. This step builds flavor and prevents a rubbery texture.
• Even Coating is Key: Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in cornstarch to maintain a light, crispy crust when cooked. Skipping this can lead to soggy chicken.
• No High Heat: Always cook on LOW in your slow cooker. High heat can make the chicken stringy, affecting the tenderness of your Crockpot Orange Chicken.
• Adjusting the Sauce: If your sauce seems too thin towards the end, blend cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes for a thicker consistency.
• Add More Veggies: Get creative by adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the slow cooker. This adds flavor and nutrition to your dish.
• Storage Tips: Leftover Crockpot Orange Chicken tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick meal later.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing this Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken in advance is a great time-saver for those busy weeknights! You can cut the chicken and coat it in cornstarch up to 24 hours beforehand; just refrigerate it in a covered container to maintain freshness and prevent browning. You can also mix the sauce ingredients and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully over time. When it’s time to cook, simply brown the chicken, add it to the slow cooker, pour the prepared sauce over, and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. Rest assured, this meal will still be just as delicious and satisfying!
Crockpot Orange Chicken Variations
Customize your dish with these delightful options that will tantalize your taste buds and keep things interesting.
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Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for firm tofu, diced into cubes. This option is perfect for plant-based eaters while still soaking up those amazing flavors.
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Fruit Fiesta: Experiment with different marmalades, like apricot or strawberry, for a unique twist that adds exciting new flavors to your sauce.
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Extra Veggies: Toss in broccoli or snap peas during the last hour of cooking to incorporate more nutritious veggies into the meal. It’s a great way to balance flavors and add color!
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Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, include chopped jalapeños or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra fiery punch. Your taste buds will be dancing!
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Citrus Zing: Add zest from an orange or a splash of fresh orange juice to the sauce just before serving. This brightens up the dish and enhances that citrus flavor.
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Honey Sweetness: Drizzle a bit of honey into the sauce to increase sweetness while adding a lovely floral note—perfect for those sweet-tooth cravings!
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Noodle Swap: Serve the chicken over rice noodles instead of traditional rice for a delightful twist that makes the meal even more exciting.
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Nutty Finish: Top with slivered almonds or toasted cashews before serving for added crunch and richness—perfect for elevating texture!
These variations ensure your Crockpot Orange Chicken remains a family favorite while keeping things fresh and satisfying. For more delightful dinner ideas, check out my Cheesy Garlic Chicken or Chopped Chicken Bacon recipes!
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Orange Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Crockpot Orange Chicken in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water to the skillet for moistness.
Leftovers: Enjoy this dish as a great meal prep option; serving over rice or veggies makes for an effortless weeknight dinner after freezing!
What to Serve with Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken
Bring harmony to your dinner table with delicious pairings that elevate your slow-cooked masterpiece to new heights.
- Fluffy White Rice: Perfect for soaking up the sweet and tangy sauce, enhancing every flavorful bite.
- Steamed Broccoli: The vibrant green veggie adds a crunchy texture and a fresh element that complements the richness of the chicken.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, this light side offers a mild flavor, making it a healthy and trendy substitute.
- Sesame Noodles: The nutty flavor of sesame oil married with chewy noodles creates a delightful balance to your meal.
- Fresh Spring Rolls: Light and refreshing, these rolls serve as a crisp counterpart to the rich orange chicken; dip in peanut sauce for a zing!
- Crispy Wontons: The crunch of fried wontons presents a satisfying textural contrast, inviting everyone to indulge.
- Mango Salad: A colorful mix of fresh mango, cucumber, and mint offers a refreshing sweetness, perfectly brightening the dish.
- Chilled Sake: Pair your meal with a glass of chilled sake to enhance the umami flavors, making dinner an unforgettable experience.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: End the night with a warm, gooey dessert that provides the ultimate sweet contrast to the zesty dish you’ve prepared.
Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders as the main protein. Chicken breasts are budget-friendly, while tenders are naturally more tender and cook faster. If using breasts, cut them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
How should I store leftover Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Absolutely! For longer storage, freeze the dish in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Be sure to label it with the date for easy tracking.
What if my sauce is too thin?
If you find the sauce is too thin towards the end of cooking, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken it up.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
This recipe contains soy sauce, so if you have soy allergies, consider using a soy sauce alternative, such as coconut aminos. It’s also good to note that while this dish is safe for puppies, human food should always be given in moderation to pets.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Orange Chicken?
The more the merrier! You can certainly get creative by adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the slow cooker. This not only adds flavor, but it also boosts the nutritional value of your meal!
Delicious Crockpot Orange Chicken for Effortless Weeknight Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, browning them lightly for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Place the browned chicken into the slow cooker, pour the prepared sauce over them, stir to coat, and set to LOW for 2-3 hours.
- Once cooked, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, and serve over rice.
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