Easiest Orange Chicken
A simple and flavorful dish that combines zesty orange juice with tender chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner using a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks Your choice of chicken cut
- 1 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed is best for a bright flavor
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Adds salty depth to the dish
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Balances the acidity of the orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses flavor into the chicken
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced Adds a warm, spicy note
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch Used for thickening the sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning
Garnishes (Optional)
- sliced green onions For garnish
- sesame seeds For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- In your slow cooker, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs or breasts into the slow cooker and ensure they are well-coated with the marinade.
Cooking
- Set your slow cooker to the low setting and let the chicken cook for 4 to 6 hours.
- After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Optionally shred the chicken if desired.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir this into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker.
- Return the chicken to the cooker, toss it with the thickened sauce, and ensure it is evenly coated.
Serving
- Serve your Easiest Orange Chicken over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
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Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the sweetness based on your taste preferences. Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat. Consider adding vegetables to the slow cooker for extra nutrition.