Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a flavorful and convenient alternative to takeout. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce, all made with minimal effort in your slow cooker.

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate (frozen, thawed)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (for serving)
• Orange zest (from 1 orange, for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken:

Prepare for a culinary triumph with this unbelievably easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken. In just about 15 minutes of active prep, you’ll have a comforting, deeply flavorful meal simmering to perfection. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a glistening, sticky orange sauce – it’s a weeknight dream come true, and far more satisfying than waiting for delivery. The richness of the sauce, balanced with the zesty citrus notes, makes every bite a delight.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully later if you choose to sear them, though it’s optional for this slow cooker method. Place the chicken pieces into your slow cooker insert.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, orange juice concentrate, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). This creates the luscious, tangy-sweet sauce that will coat your chicken.
3. Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated evenly.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your chicken pieces.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set aside in a bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This slurry will thicken the sauce.
6. Finish the Sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Stir well. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH (if it wasn’t already) and cook, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps.
7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the thickened sauce in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the chicken completely.
8. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker Orange Chicken hot. Spoon it over steamed rice (jasmine or basmati are excellent choices). Garnish generously with fresh orange zest, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions for a burst of flavor and visual appeal. You can also stir in about 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice for extra brightness just before serving if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken:

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a culinary hug in a bowl, designed for ultimate comfort and flavor with minimal fuss. The star of the show is undeniably the perfectly tender chicken bathed in that irresistible, glossy orange sauce – a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that will have you licking your plate. Beyond its incredible taste, making this dish at home is a budget-friendly secret weapon against expensive takeout, saving you money without compromising on deliciousness. Think of it as a healthier, more flavorful cousin to your favorite Chinese restaurant staple, but with the added bonus of customizable heat from the red pepper flakes and vibrant freshness from the zesty orange garnish.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is your ticket to effortless weeknight wins. The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to enjoy with loved ones. Don’t let another busy evening mean settling for bland meals; give this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken a try and discover your new go-to comfort food. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying to make as it is to devour.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

To store leftover Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and it should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

For reheating, you have a few excellent options to ensure optimal taste and texture:

• Stovetop: The best method for retaining moisture and flavor. Gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You might need to add a tablespoon or two of water or orange juice if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Microwave: Place the stored chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and reheat on medium power (50%) in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly heated.
• Oven: For a more even reheating, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Transfer the chicken and sauce to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

If you wish to freeze portions for future meals, allow the cooked Slow Cooker Orange Chicken to cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the methods above.

Final Thoughts:

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a true weeknight warrior, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a satisfying and delicious meal right in your own kitchen.

try also : 

• Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
• Cranberry Brie Bites
• Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
• Matcha Cake Recipe
• find more in Pinterest

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a flavorful and convenient alternative to takeout. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce, all made with minimal effort in your slow cooker.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Active Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate (frozen, thawed)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (for serving)
• 1 orange zest (from 1 orange, for garnish)
• sesame seeds (for garnish)
• chopped green onions (for garnish)

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Medium Bowl
• Small Bowl

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Place the chicken pieces into your slow cooker insert.
   1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, orange juice concentrate, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred), 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate (frozen, thawed), 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated evenly.
   1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set aside in a bowl.
   1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This slurry will thicken the sauce.
   2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water
7. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Stir well. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH (if it wasn’t already) and cook, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps.
8. Return the cooked chicken to the thickened sauce in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the chicken completely.
   1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
9. Serve the Slow Cooker Orange Chicken hot. Spoon it over steamed rice. Garnish generously with fresh orange zest, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions for a burst of flavor and visual appeal. You can also stir in about 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice for extra brightness just before serving if desired.
   1/2 cup fresh orange juice (for serving), 1 orange zest (from 1 orange, for garnish), sesame seeds (for garnish), chopped green onions (for garnish)

Notes

This recipe is great for busy weeknights. Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop, microwave, or oven.