Crockpot Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the sweet and zesty flavors of orange juice, honey, and soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience that will have your taste buds dancing. This recipe allows you to enjoy a fresh take on a classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The magic of the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Why We Love This Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
You’re going to love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. The combination of juicy, tender chicken and a flavorful sauce is hands-down irresistible. The slow cooking process intensifies the flavors, ensuring that every bite is bursting with goodness. Not to mention, this dish is perfect for family meals or gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with rice and can be garnished with green onions for an added touch of freshness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will surely find a special place in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients for Crockpot Orange Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
- Chopped green onions for garnish
These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and you’ll appreciate how well they work together to create a delicious meal.
How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken Directions
Making Crockpot Orange Chicken is straightforward and requires minimal prep. Start by gathering all your ingredients so you can move efficiently through the steps.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything until well combined, ensuring that honey is fully dissolved into the liquid.
- Add Chicken to the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts directly into the crockpot. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking. Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and tender enough to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use a hand mixer to make this easier.
- Thicken the Sauce: Take a small bowl and mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture back into the sauce in the slow cooker. Let it cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens nicely to your liking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious orange chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for an added crunch and burst of flavor. Your family or guests will be delighted by this vibrant dish that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
How to Serve Crockpot Orange Chicken
Serving your Crockpot Orange Chicken can be a fun and creative part of the meal. Begin by ladling a generous portion of the shredded orange chicken over a mound of cooked rice. The rice acts as a perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce, making sure each bite is packed with taste.
You can take it further by adding some sides that complement the dish, such as steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add a nice touch, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal. Encourage your guests to garnish their servings with extra green onions or even a little extra sauce to keep the flavor explosion going. Don’t forget to prepare some crusty bread or rolls on the side for those who love to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Orange Chicken
For the perfect Crockpot Orange Chicken every time, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Chicken Type: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and juicier texture, but chicken breasts work well too if you prefer them leaner.
- Marinating: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a couple of hours before cooking. This enhances the flavor even more.
- Sauce Thickness: Adjust the cornstarch according to your preference for sauce thickness. You can always add more if you like it thicker.
- Balanced Sweetness: Taste the sauce before cooking. Depending on the acidity of your orange juice, you might want to reduce the amount of honey for a balanced flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding green bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots into the crockpot for additional nutrients and color.
How to Store Crockpot Orange Chicken
Storing leftover Crockpot Orange Chicken is simple and allows you to enjoy the delicious flavors later. Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you’d like to enjoy it later than that, freeze the orange chicken in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy tracking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Variation of Crockpot Orange Chicken
While the original recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily customize your Crockpot Orange Chicken with these variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Citrus Twist: Incorporate additional citrus flavors by adding lemon or lime juice alongside the orange juice.
- Honey Garlic: For a different flavor profile, replace honey with maple syrup for a sweeter depth, or adjust the garlic for your taste preferences.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
- Pineapple Addition: Toss in some pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the orange flavor.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Crockpot Orange Chicken is a slow-cooked dish made with chicken breasts, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and spices, resulting in a tender and flavorful chicken that is often served over rice.
Is Crockpot Orange Chicken easy to make?
Yes! This recipe is incredibly easy, requiring minimal preparation, so you can enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so, and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
You can thicken the sauce by mixing cornstarch with a bit of water and stirring it into the sauce during the last stages of cooking.
What can I serve with Crockpot Orange Chicken?
It pairs beautifully with cooked rice, but you can also serve it with steamed vegetables, salad, and crusty bread for a complete meal.
By following these tips, you’ll create a delicious and comforting Crockpot Orange Chicken that your family and friends will rave about. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Crockpot Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast Boneless and skinless
- 1 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed preferred
- 1/2 cup soy sauce Can substitute with tamari for gluten-free
- 1/4 cup honey Or maple syrup for a different flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice cooked rice for serving
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Cooking
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer into the crockpot.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it's well coated.
- Cover the crockpot and set to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- When the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred with forks.
- Mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Serving
- Serve the shredded orange chicken over fluffy cooked rice.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions.
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