Orange Chicken in Crockpot is a mouthwatering, effortless dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. The tender chicken simmers in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, creating a flavorful meal that will leave your family or guests asking for seconds.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Orange Chicken recipe will quickly become a family favorite for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare a flavorful dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant. Cooking it in the Crockpot means no fussing over the stove, allowing you to go about your day and come home to a delicious, fully cooked meal.

The orange sauce in this recipe is the star of the show. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, thanks to the combination of fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and a touch of garlic and ginger. The sauce infuses the chicken with flavor as it slowly cooks, making it incredibly juicy and tender. Additionally, this dish is versatile and can be paired with many side dishes, from steamed rice to sautéed vegetables or even noodles, making it adaptable to different preferences and dietary needs.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Orange Chicken in the Crockpot

Choose the Right Chicken: While chicken breasts work great in this recipe, using chicken thighs will yield even juicier results. Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs can also add extra flavor but will require more time to cook.

Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is key to getting that bright, citrusy flavor. Bottled juices often lack the same level of freshness and can taste more acidic, which may throw off the balance of your sauce.

Avoid Overcooking: Crockpots are known for making meat tender, but it’s important to avoid overcooking the chicken. Set your Crockpot on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours to ensure the chicken is moist and flavorful without becoming dry or stringy.

Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the Crockpot about 30 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken to a nice consistency.

Flavor Boosters: For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in a little hoisin sauce for a deeper savory taste.

Searing the Chicken (Optional): Before placing the chicken in the Crockpot, you can sear it in a pan for 2-3 minutes on each side in sesame oil to create a golden, crispy exterior. This step is optional but adds a nice layer of flavor.

Variations of Orange Chicken in Crockpot

While this Orange Chicken recipe is absolutely delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before adding it to the Crockpot, and you may want to sauté it for a crispy texture.
• Spicy Orange Chicken: If you like your dishes with a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce. The heat pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the orange.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if necessary, especially for condiments like rice vinegar.
• Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking to make the dish even more vibrant and nutritious.

How to Serve Orange Chicken in Crockpot

Orange Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for creating a complete meal:

• Steamed Rice: Serve the Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying base for the dish.
• Noodles: For a twist on the classic, serve the chicken with noodles like lo mein or rice noodles. The noodles will take on the orange sauce, making each bite flavorful.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Pair the chicken with sautéed vegetables such as snap peas, green beans, or broccoli for a balanced meal. The vegetables add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender chicken.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the Orange Chicken with cauliflower rice. This is a great alternative for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

How to Store Orange Chicken in Crockpot

Orange Chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. To store, simply allow the chicken and sauce to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. The dish can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: If you want to freeze the Orange Chicken for later, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. However, make sure to add extra cooking time if you’re using frozen chicken. You’ll also want to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Can I use bottled orange juice? While fresh orange juice is preferred for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% pure orange juice without any added sugars or preservatives.

How can I make the sauce thicker? To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and add it to the Crockpot 30 minutes before the cooking time is up. This will create a rich, velvety sauce.

What can I use if I don’t have rice vinegar? If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. While the flavor might differ slightly, it will still add the necessary acidity to balance the sauce.

Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low? Yes, you can cook this recipe on high for 2-3 hours, but cooking on low for 4-6 hours yields the most tender chicken. Adjust the cooking time based on your schedule.

Final Thoughts

Orange Chicken in the Crockpot is a delicious, flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the vibrant flavors of the orange sauce, resulting in a dish that’s juicy, tender, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to serve to guests, this Crockpot recipe is a winner every time. With plenty of options for customization and easy storage for leftovers, this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal planning rotation.

Try other easy chicken dinner recipes:

• Huli Huli Chicken
• Lemon Pepper Chicken
• Asian Chicken – With Sticky Sauce