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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Transform chicken into bite-sized, roughly 1-inch cubes for optimal texture and even cooking.
- Create a light, crispy coating by thoroughly tumbling chicken pieces in cornstarch until completely enveloped.
- Warm a large skillet with oil over medium-high temperature, allowing the surface to become hot and shimmering.
- Gently sear the cornstarch-coated chicken, developing a delicate golden crust on each side without fully cooking the interior.
- Carefully transfer the partially browned chicken into the slow cooker basin, arranging pieces evenly.
- 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.
- Cascade the aromatic sauce over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Mix thoroughly, guaranteeing each chicken piece becomes generously coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow chicken to simmer on LOW setting for approximately 3 hours, gently stirring midway to prevent potential scorching.
- Once cooking completes, garnish with freshly chopped scallions and an additional sprinkle of sesame seeds for enhanced visual appeal and texture.
- 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