Looking for simple crock pot recipes to add to your weekly dinner rotation? This Easy Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe is quick to prep, cooks while you're doing other things, and delivers a tasty, satisfying dish your entire family will love.
This delicious orange chicken recipe can be made at home and will rival your favorite takeout place!
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Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Our Crockpot Orange Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. The combination of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and garlic creates a tangy, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with tender chicken.
I love how versatile this recipe is. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding red pepper flakes, making it suitable for kids and adults. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, giving you time to focus on other tasks.
Crockpot Chicken Recipes
Crockpot chicken recipes are perfect for anyone looking to whip up delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a bit of prep, you can toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Here are some of our favorites:
- Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- BBQ Chicken Crockpot Recipe
- Olive Garden Crock Pot Chicken
- Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
Ingredients For Easy Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
- Black Pepper – Adds a touch of spice.
- Ginger Powder: Adds warmth and a touch of exotic flavor.
- Orange Juice – Gives the chicken a natural sweetness.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce – Balances the sweetness of the orange juice.
- White Vinegar - Adds a tangy kick to boost the flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the orange juice.
- Minced Garlic – Adds that yummy, savory flavor punch!
- Orange Zest – Intensifies the orange flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For those who like a little heat.
- Corn Starch and Water – To thicken the sauce.
- Skinless & Boneless Chicken Breasts – Provides protein.
How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Start by preparing the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine low sodium soy sauce, fresh orange juice, white vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, ginger powder, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce reaches a boil, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the boiling sauce to thicken it. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure it's well-coated. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
After 4 hours, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Return the chicken to the orange sauce and allow it to marinate for an additional 15 to 30 minutes. If desired, serve the orange chicken over rice and garnish with chopped green onions or scallions if desired.
Tips for Making Crock Pot Orange Chicken
Tip 1: You can prepare the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just pour it over the chicken in the morning and set the slow cooker.
Tip 2: For even cooking, try to cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces before returning it to the slow cooker.
Tip 3: Serve the orange chicken over white rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
Tip 4: Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
FAQs For Easy Orange Chicken
How do I store leftover Orange Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are generally juicier and can add more flavor. Just be sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick. Adjust based on the heat level you prefer.
Rice Recipes
Rice is the perfect addition to this yummy orange chicken. Not only does it add a good source of carbs, but it helps to balance out the flavors in this dish. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce and provides a fluffy base for the tangy chicken.
Amazon Essentials
For this recipe, you'll need a few essential kitchen tools: a medium saucepan for preparing the sauce, a slow cooker (crockpot) for cooking the chicken, a whisk for mixing, and a good chef's knife for slicing the chicken. All these tools can be easily found on Amazon.
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Creating a delicious, home-cooked meal doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. This easy Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe is perfect for busy parents and home cooks.
Crockpot Recipes
📖 Recipe
Easy Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- ¾ cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1-2 oranges for zest
- Chili flakes optional for added heat
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- ¼ cup water
- 2 large chicken breasts skinless & boneless
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, spices, oil, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, mix cornstarch with water and whisk it into the sauce to thicken. After achieving the desired consistency, remove from heat and set aside.
- Place the chicken breast in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top.
- Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the chicken to the sauce and let it marinate for an additional 15 to 30 minutes.
- Serve the orange chicken over rice, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can whip up the sauce the night before and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, just pour it over the chicken and fire up the slow cooker.
- For even cooking, try cutting the chicken into similar-sized pieces before putting it back in the slow cooker.
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