Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy, sweet orange sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses a slow cooker to develop rich flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups orange marmalade (one 16 oz jar)
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• Additional sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped scallions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into bite-sized, approximately 1-inch pieces. Pour the cornstarch into a shallow dish and toss the chicken pieces thoroughly to coat evenly.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces and brown lightly on each side, turning as needed. Do not cook through. Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds until smooth. Taste and adjust ginger if desired.
4. Step 4: Pour the orange sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir gently to coat. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Step 5: When the chicken is cooked through and sauce thickened, garnish with additional sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve hot, ideally over steamed rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, brown the chicken pieces individually in batches for more even crust development.
• Add more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Use fresh orange zest in the sauce to enhance bright citrus notes.

Storage

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when chilled—add a splash of water when reheating if needed.

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 fresh or fully thawed chicken. Using frozen chicken may increase cooking time and can affect the texture and even cooking in the slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the sauce and browned chicken in a covered skillet on low heat for about 20-30 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.

Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 136 reviews

This Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe combines tender, lightly browned chicken pieces with a flavorful and tangy orange sauce made from orange marmalade, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy, delicious meal perfect for serving over steamed rice and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American-Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 4 tbsp olive oil

Orange Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups orange marmalade (one 16 oz jar)
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

For Serving

• Additional sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped scallions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders into bite-sized, approximately 1-inch pieces. Pour the cornstarch into a shallow dish and toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This coating helps create a light crust during browning.
2. Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces and brown lightly on each side, turning as needed. Do not cook fully through, just develop a golden exterior. Transfer the browned chicken to the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker.
3. Mix the orange sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, reduced-sodium soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds. Taste the sauce and adjust ginger if desired for extra zing.
4. Combine and cook: Pour the orange sauce over the browned chicken in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, stirring halfway to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Finish and serve: When the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, garnish with additional sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Do not fully cook the chicken during browning; this allows the chicken to stay tender when slow-cooked.
• Stir the slow cooker halfway through cooking to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
• Adjust the amount of ground ginger or red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
• This recipe works well with chicken tenders or breasts cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Keywords: orange chicken, crockpot orange chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, orange sauce chicken, Chinese-inspired chicken