Crock Pot Orange Chicken is a delightful, hands-off meal that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a sweet and tangy orange glaze. This easy recipe features juicy chicken simmered in a flavorful sauce made with orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and a hint of ginger for an irresistible blend of savory and citrusy goodness.
Why Crock Pot Orange Chicken?
Orange Chicken is a beloved takeout classic, but making it at home can be even more rewarding. When you prepare it in a crock pot, it’s:
- Effortless: Toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it.
- Healthy: Control the sugar and sodium levels to suit your dietary needs.
- Budget-Friendly: Use pantry staples and affordable chicken cuts.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors are loved by kids and adults alike.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Orange Chicken
- Use Dark Meat: Chicken thighs remain tender and juicy during slow cooking.
- Don’t Skip Browning: While optional, searing adds depth of flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey or marmalade if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or use less for a tangier profile.
- Prevent Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour for a complete one-pot meal.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or Sriracha for heat.
- Low-Carb Version: Use a sugar-free marmalade and soy sauce alternative.
- Citrus Blend: Swap half the orange juice for pineapple or lemon juice for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How to Serve Crock Pot Orange Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with:
- Rice: Jasmine or brown rice are classics.
- Noodles: Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or stir-fried veggies complement the flavors.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a restaurant-quality presentation.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or orange juice to refresh the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking. Placing frozen chicken in the crock pot can lead to uneven cooking and a potential food safety risk.
What’s the Best Cut of Chicken for This Recipe?
Chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking because they stay moist and flavorful. Breasts work well too but can dry out if overcooked.
Can I Make This Dish Without a Crock Pot?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken in a skillet, simmer the sauce separately, and combine. Let it cook together on low heat for 20–30 minutes.
How Do I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for added flavor.
Crock Pot Orange Chicken
Crock Pot Orange Chicken is a delightful, hands-off meal that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a sweet and tangy orange glaze.
Ingredients
- 1½–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- ½–1 tsp ground ginger (to taste)
- 2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
- Orange slices for garnish (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker with a liner for easy cleanup (optional).
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the bottom.
- Coat the Chicken: Add chicken, cornstarch, salt, and pepper to a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Shake to coat evenly, then add the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce:In a medium bowl, mix together orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
Cover and cook:
- On high: 90 minutes–2 hours.
- On low: 3–4 hours. Check for doneness (165°F internal temperature).
- Serve: Transfer chicken to a plate, spoon over extra sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and orange slices if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 535Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 996mgCarbohydrates: 67gFiber: 2gSugar: 49gProtein: 38g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Orange Chicken is a meal that brings comfort, flavor, and ease to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a foolproof way to create a delicious dinner with minimal effort. Try it tonight and let the delightful aroma of orange and soy fill your home—you might never go back to takeout again!
Try these other crockpot recipes:
I made this two days ago. Everyone loved it.