If you’re searching for a dish that captures all the flavors of classic Chinese cuisine while being effortless to prepare, look no further than the Orange Chicken Crockpot recipe. This delightful dish combines tender chicken breasts bathed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings. The best part? You can simply set it up in your slow cooker and let the magic happen!
Why We Love This Orange Chicken Crockpot Recipe
This Orange Chicken Crockpot recipe quickly becomes a family favorite because it strikes the ideal balance between hearty and flavorful. The convenience of a slow cooker allows you to throw in your ingredients and carry on with your day, freeing you up for other tasks. Plus, the rich flavor profile comes from simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to treat yourself, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients about Orange Chicken Crockpot
To make your Orange Chicken in the crockpot, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
How to Make Orange Chicken Crockpot Directions
Making Orange Chicken in your crockpot is straightforward and truly hassle-free. Here’s how you whip it up:
- Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This ensures a better sear and helps achieve the perfect texture. Next, season both sides with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. You want to ensure even cooking, so spread them out as much as possible.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Make sure to stir everything until you have a smooth, consistent mixture.
- Pour It Over: Now, pour the orange sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cook Time: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours. It’s essential to check the chicken near the end of the cooking time to ensure it’s done. The chicken should be cooked through and tender when you fork it.
- Thickening the Sauce: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix the cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the crockpot, stirring it into the sauce and chicken. This will help thicken the sauce, so it clings to your chicken beautifully.
- Final Touches: If desired, add in the sesame oil at this point for an extra layer of flavor. It will elevate your dish to new heights.
- Shred and Serve: Once the sauce is thickened, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This step allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve your orange chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, making a complete meal that everyone will love.
How to Serve Orange Chicken Crockpot
Serving Orange Chicken is an opportunity to create a vibrant and delightful meal experience. As you dish it out, consider the following serving ideas:
- Serve with Rice: A steaming bowl of white or brown rice is a classic pairing. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, making each bite a delight.
- Add Noodles: For a change, serve your Orange Chicken over cooked noodles. Whether you choose egg noodles or rice noodles, they’ll complement the dish perfectly.
- Garnish Creatively: Don’t forget to add your garnishes! Chopped green onions and sesame seeds not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a nice crunch and a pop of flavor.
- Accompany with Vegetables: Fresh vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers, can add nutritional value and balance to the meal.
- Family Style: For a family dinner, consider placing the crockpot right on the table. Let everyone help themselves, creating a relaxed communal dining experience.
Expert Tips: Orange Chicken Crockpot
To ensure your Orange Chicken Crockpot recipe turns out perfectly, consider these expert tips:
- Ensure Even Cooking: Cut your chicken breasts into smaller pieces if you want them to cook more evenly and quickly. This is especially useful if you’re short on time.
- Use Low Sodium Soy Sauce: For a healthier option, use low sodium soy sauce. This mitigates excess salt while still providing that umami flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you find the orange marmalade too sweet, feel free to adjust the amount or add a splash of vinegar to balance it out.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers, consider doubling the recipe. The crockpot can handle it, and you’ll have tasty meals ready for days.
- Experiment with Flavors: Mix in additional spices or marinade your chicken in advance for varied flavors. Consider adding chili flakes for a bit of spice or fresh ginger for brightness.
How to Store Orange Chicken Crockpot
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), storing your Orange Chicken is simple and effective:
- Cool Down: Allow the orange chicken to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your dish soggy.
- Use Air-tight Containers: Transfer your orange chicken to airtight containers. This keeps the flavors intact and helps it last longer.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, consume within this time frame.
- Freezing: You can also freeze your orange chicken for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it is in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variation of Orange Chicken Crockpot
While the traditional orange chicken is wonderful, changing it up can keep things exciting. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Crispy Orange Chicken: For a crispy texture, consider giving your chicken a light breading before adding it to the crockpot. Use cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Other Proteins: Swap out chicken for other proteins like tofu or shrimp. Both of these options will absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to your crockpot for added nutrition and color. These ingredients can be added in during the last hour of cooking.
- Spicy Variation: If you’re a fan of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Sour Twist: Mix in ingredients to give a sweet and sour flavor, incorporating pineapple or vinegar for tang and pineapple juice for sweetness.
FAQ
What is the best way to enjoy Orange Chicken from the crockpot?
The best way to enjoy Orange Chicken is to serve it hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds also elevates the dish.
How do I make sure my Orange Chicken is tender?
To ensure your Orange Chicken is tender, cook it on low heat for the recommended time. Shredding the chicken once it’s cooked allows it to absorb the sauce fully.
Can I use frozen chicken for the crockpot orange chicken recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; however, it may require a little longer to cook. Always ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the Orange Chicken?
Absolutely! If the orange marmalade is too sweet for your taste, consider using a little less or adding more soy sauce or vinegar to balance the flavor.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or chicken broth to thin it. If it’s too thin, make a cornstarch slurry and stir it in during the last cooking phase to thicken.
Orange Chicken in a Crockpot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Approximately 1 1/2 pounds
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce Low sodium preferred
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and black pepper To taste
Garnishes (Optional)
- chopped green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Layer the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, combine orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, and ground ginger, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Check the chicken near the end of the cooking time to ensure it's cooked through and tender.
- In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Add sesame oil if desired for extra flavor.
Serving
- Once the sauce is thickened, use two forks to shred the chicken in the crockpot.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
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