Transform your dinner time with this delightful Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe. It’s an easy and flavorful dish that combines the sweet and tangy taste of orange marmalade with tender chicken. You’ll love how simple it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work while you focus on enjoying the moment with your family or friends.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it allows you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender, while the orange sauce coats every bite with a zesty flavor. The combination of sesame and ginger adds depth that elevates this dish beyond typical weeknight fare. Plus, your whole kitchen will smell amazing as it simmers away! Not to mention, serving this over rice makes it a complete, satisfying meal. It’s a family favorite for a reason!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
Start by cutting your chicken into small, bite-sized pieces, approximately one inch in size. You want them to be easy to eat and cook evenly.
In a shallow dish, add the cornstarch. This will help create a crispy texture when you cook the chicken. Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch until they’re evenly coated. This step ensures that the sauce clings nicely to the chicken later on.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is warm, add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces. You’re looking to lightly brown them on all sides—avoid cooking them through at this stage. This step adds a nice texture and flavor.
Once your chicken is browned, transfer it into the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Now it’s time to create the zesty sauce! In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. Mix until everything is well combined; this sauce will become the star of the show.
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. This step is crucial as it guarantees that every piece of chicken is infused with that delicious orange flavor.
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for about three hours. To ensure even cooking, give it a gentle stir once halfway through the cooking time. The result? Tender, flavorful chicken that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Once your slow cooker orange chicken is done cooking, it’s time to plate up. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an additional touch of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
The best way to serve your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is over a steaming bowl of rice. The fluffy rice complements the savory orange sauce perfectly, soaking up all the flavors. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables or steamed broccoli, making it a well-rounded meal that’s not just filling but also nutritious.
Feel free to get creative with your presentation! Serve in a large platter or individual bowls, topped with extra garnish like sesame seeds and scallions. You might also want to add some crispy wontons on the side for an enjoyable crunch.
This dish can easily be the centerpiece of a casual family dinner or even a fun gathering with friends. Everyone will appreciate the deliciousness, and they’ll be asking you for the recipe!
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your orange chicken depends heavily on the quality of the ingredients. Opt for fresh chicken and high-quality orange marmalade for the best results.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding more.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix in a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Cooking Time May Vary: Depending on your slow cooker and the size of your chicken pieces, cooking times may vary. Always check the chicken to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.
- Don’t Skimp on the Garnish: Sesame seeds and scallions add an extra layer of flavor and make your dish look visually appealing.
How to Store Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
Leftover Slow Cooker Orange Chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can add a splash of orange juice or soy sauce to enhance the flavors if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
For longer storage, consider freezing it. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations of Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
While this traditional recipe is outstanding, there are numerous ways to switch things up!
- Add Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in along with the chicken.
- Make it Orange Ginger Chicken: For an extra zing, add slices of fresh ginger along with the ground ginger. The flavor will be more pronounced, making for a refreshing twist.
- Switch the Protein: Feel free to use shrimp or tofu alternatives for a different protein option. Both will absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully!
- Fruit Twist: Adding pineapple chunks can enhance the sweetness and give you a tropical twist on your orange chicken.
- Serve with a Twist: Instead of rice, try serving with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that’s just as satisfying!
FAQ about Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
How does the slow cooker work for this orange chicken recipe?
The slow cooker uses moist heat to cook the chicken slowly and evenly, which helps to keep it tender and juicy. This technique is perfect for integrating flavors while ensuring your chicken does not dry out.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can. If you’re using frozen chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so. Just make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Orange Chicken?
Serving it over rice is classic, but you can also try it with noodles, quinoa, or an assortment of vegetables. It’s versatile and pairs well with many sides.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium?
Absolutely! Just be cautious with the quantity, as regular soy sauce is much saltier than low-sodium. You might want to adjust the salt content in the rest of your dish accordingly.
How do I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking for more heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes. You can always adjust ingredients to suit your spice tolerance!
With this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe, you’ll enjoy a flavorful meal that’s easy to make and hard to resist. The pour-and-go style of cooking means you’ll have more time to relax while your slow cooker takes care of dinner. Enjoy every bite!
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust for spice preference
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces, approximately one inch in size.
- In a shallow dish, add the cornstarch and toss the chicken pieces until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces on all sides.
- Transfer the browned chicken into the bowl of a slow cooker.
Sauce Preparation
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds until well combined.
Cooking
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, stirring gently to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low heat for about three hours, stirring gently halfway through.
- Once cooked, garnish each serving with freshly chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
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