Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a delightfully sweet and tangy dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a flavorful orange sauce, making it an easy and satisfying meal to enjoy with family or friends.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite size pieces
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups orange marmalade (about a 16 oz jar)
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
• Scallions for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into approximately 1-inch pieces.
2. Step 2: Pour the cornstarch into a shallow dish, add the chicken, and toss to evenly coat.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the coated chicken. Lightly brown the pieces on each side without cooking them through.
4. Step 4: Transfer the browned chicken into the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds.
6. Step 6: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine everything evenly.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking or burning.
8. Step 8: Once cooked, garnish with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
9. Step 9: Serve the orange chicken over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, you can finish the cooked chicken under a broiler for a few minutes before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Try substituting chicken thighs for juicier meat and richer flavor.
• To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken so it cooks evenly in the slow cooker. If using frozen chicken, add extra cooking time and make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be mixed a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before pouring over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 127 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a deliciously easy recipe featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet orange marmalade sauce infused with ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, this dish combines the convenience of a slow cooker with classic Asian-inspired flavors, delivering a rich and flavorful meal ideal to serve over rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite size pieces
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups orange marmalade (about a 16 oz jar)
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, plus more for garnish

Garnish

• Chopped scallions
• Extra sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into approximately 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and bite-sized portions.
2. Coat with Cornstarch: Pour the cornstarch into a shallow dish, add the chicken pieces, and toss to evenly coat all sides, which helps create a light crust when browning.
3. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and lightly brown them on each side, without cooking through—this seals in moisture and adds flavor.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the lightly browned chicken into the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker for the next steps.
5. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, low sodium soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds until fully combined.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, then stir gently to ensure all pieces are well coated with the sauce.
7. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. Remember to check and stir halfway through cooking to prevent burning and evenly distribute flavors.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the dish with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• To save time, the browning step can be skipped but adds extra flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; the sauce might thicken upon standing, so stir in a little water or broth when reheating if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian-American

Keywords: slow cooker orange chicken, orange chicken recipe, slow cooker chicken, easy orange chicken, crockpot chicken, Asian-style chicken, healthy orange chicken