Irresistible Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe To Try Today

My kitchen frequently comes alive with the vibrant and delicious slow cooker orange chicken that promises incredible flavor without complicated preparation.

Tangy citrus notes dance through tender chicken pieces, creating a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Each bite bursts with sweet and zesty goodness that makes dinner feel special.

Colleagues and neighbors constantly ask me about this simple yet remarkable dish that seems to charm everyone who tastes it.

Minimal ingredients combine in a magical way to produce something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners become effortless when you can rely on this foolproof recipe that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal work.

You won’t believe how impressive this meal can be with just a few straightforward steps.

Why Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Is So Bright

• Slow Cooker Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without standing over the stove for hours.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its sweet and tangy flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a versatile meal that works perfectly for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual dinner gatherings.

What’s in Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless pieces perfect for a tasty meal.

• Orange Marmalade: Sweet and citrusy spread.
• Soy Sauce: Salty and rich Asian condiment.
• Rice Vinegar: Tangy liquid for depth of flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty and aromatic cooking oil.

• Ginger, Garlic: Classic flavor-boosting aromatics.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle spicy kick.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy nutty topping.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy chicken coating.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for browning chicken.

• Scallions: Fresh green onion topping.
• Rice: Classic side dish for serving.

How to Make Orange Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Chop Chicken into Bite-Sized Pieces

Slice the chicken into roughly 1-inch cubes, ensuring each piece is uniform for even cooking and perfect texture.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

Spread cornstarch in a shallow container and gently roll chicken pieces until completely covered with a light, powdery layer.

Step 3: Brown Chicken in Skillet

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature.

Carefully place coated chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides.

Do not fully cook the chicken.

Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Move the lightly browned chicken pieces into the slow cooker basin, preparing for the flavor-packed sauce.

Step 5: Prepare Zesty Sauce

• Orange marmalade
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Fresh ginger
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Sesame seeds

Whisk ingredients until well blended and smooth.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour the vibrant sauce over chicken pieces in the slow cooker.

Gently stir to ensure every piece is coated evenly.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker and cook on LOW setting for 3 hours.

Stir midway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure consistent flavor distribution.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped scallions and additional sesame seeds on top.

Serve hot over steamed white or brown rice.

Tips for Juicy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

• Use a shallow dish and gently toss chicken pieces in cornstarch for an even, light coating that creates a crispy exterior when browned.
• Lightly brown chicken in skillet without fully cooking, ensuring tender meat that won't dry out during slow cooking.
• Stir the chicken and sauce mixture halfway through cooking to distribute heat evenly and avoid scorching at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference – reduce for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick.
• Swap chicken with tofu or turkey for different dietary needs while maintaining the delicious orange sauce flavor profile.

Reheating and Saving Orange Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals until thoroughly warmed.
• Revive the chicken's crispy texture by reheating in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep the meat moist and prevent sticking.
• Freeze the cooled chicken in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

Orange Chicken Pairings

• Pair Zesty Orange Chicken with Crisp White Wine: A refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the dish's richness, complementing its citrusy and slightly spicy profile.
• Create Balanced Rice Side Dish: Prepare jasmine or basmati rice with a hint of butter and chopped parsley to absorb the tangy orange sauce and provide a neutral base.
• Boost Meal with Crunchy Asian Slaw: Whip up a quick coleslaw using shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light rice vinegar dressing to add texture and freshness that contrasts the tender chicken.
• Enhance Flavor with Pickled Vegetable Garnish: Add quick-pickled cucumber or radish slices to introduce a bright, acidic element that balances the sweet and savory chicken.

Orange Chicken Flavor Swaps You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free. Use cornstarch from a certified gluten-free brand for coating chicken.
• Spicy Kickback Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for extra heat. Incorporate diced jalapeños into the sauce for a more intense spicy profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or substitute with coconut aminos. Replace orange marmalade with fresh orange juice and a small amount of honey to control salt intake.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use a keto-friendly sweetener instead of marmalade and reduce total carbohydrate content by adjusting sauce ingredients.

FAQs

• Why coat the chicken in cornstarch before cooking?

Cornstarch creates a light, crispy exterior that helps the chicken brown beautifully and allows the sauce to stick better, giving the dish a more appealing texture and flavor.

• Can I use orange juice instead of marmalade?

While orange juice might work, marmalade provides a richer, more concentrated orange flavor and helps create a thicker, stickier sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.

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

Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor and helps seal in moisture, creating a more complex taste profile compared to adding raw chicken directly to the slow cooker.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that provides a subtle kick without overwhelming the orange flavor. You can adjust the amount of pepper flakes to suit your personal spice preference.

Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Orange Chicken brings zesty flavors from Asian cuisine straight to home kitchens with minimal effort. Tangy citrus notes and tender meat create a simple dinner solution you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders
• 1 1/2 cups orange marmalade
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce

Coating and Thickening Agents:

• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Flavor Enhancers and Garnishes:

• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• scallions

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Instructions

1. Transform chicken into bite-sized, roughly 1-inch cubes for optimal texture and even cooking.
2. Create a light, crispy coating by thoroughly tumbling chicken pieces in cornstarch until completely enveloped.
3. Warm a large skillet with oil over medium-high temperature, allowing the surface to become hot and shimmering.
4. Gently sear the cornstarch-coated chicken, developing a delicate golden crust on each side without fully cooking the interior.
5. Carefully transfer the partially browned chicken into the slow cooker basin, arranging pieces evenly.
6. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds in a mixing bowl.
7. Cascade the aromatic sauce over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Mix thoroughly, guaranteeing each chicken piece becomes generously coated with the flavorful mixture.
9. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow chicken to simmer on LOW setting for approximately 3 hours, gently stirring midway to prevent potential scorching.
10. Once cooking completes, garnish with freshly chopped scallions and an additional sprinkle of sesame seeds for enhanced visual appeal and texture.
11. Present the succulent orange chicken atop a bed of fluffy steamed rice, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, easily shreddable meat that absorbs the vibrant orange sauce beautifully.
• Cornstarch Coating Trick: Ensure each chicken piece is evenly and lightly coated with cornstarch to create a delicate, crispy exterior that locks in moisture during slow cooking.
• Sauce Balance: Adjust the red pepper flakes and sesame oil according to your spice tolerance and flavor preference for a personalized taste experience.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats wonderfully and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for make-ahead meals or quick lunches.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg