Slow Cooker Orange Chicken: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken: Craving that tangy, sweet, and savory takeout favorite but want a healthier, homemade version? Look no further! Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of citrus and spice, knowing that a delicious and satisfying meal is ready and waiting. This recipe delivers all the vibrant flavors of classic orange chicken without the extra grease and fuss.

While the exact origins of orange chicken are debated, it’s widely believed to be an American Chinese invention, evolving from traditional sweet and sour dishes to cater to Western palates. The dish gained immense popularity in the latter half of the 20th century and has since become a staple on Chinese restaurant menus across the United States. Its appeal lies in the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

What makes this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken so beloved? It’s the tender, juicy chicken coated in a luscious, flavorful sauce. The slow cooker method ensures that the chicken remains incredibly moist and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the orange-infused sauce. Plus, the convenience factor is unbeatable! Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Orange Sauce:
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• For Serving (Optional):
• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Orange slices

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This coating will help the chicken get a little crispy and thicken the sauce later.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it.
3. Sear the chicken on all sides until lightly browned. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely browned. This step adds a lot of flavor to the final dish. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Orange Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This is the base of our delicious orange sauce!
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will be used to thicken the sauce in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooking the Orange Chicken:

1. Pour the orange sauce mixture into the slow cooker.
2. Add the seared chicken to the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is submerged in the sauce.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork when it’s done. Cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the cornstarch slurry.
5. Cover and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it, as the sauce can thicken quickly. If it gets too thick, you can add a little more orange juice or water to thin it out.

Serving the Slow Cooker Orange Chicken:

1. Serve the orange chicken over cooked white rice or brown rice.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and orange slices, if desired. These garnishes add a nice visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor.
3. Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker orange chicken!

Tips and Variations:

Spice Level:

If you like your orange chicken with a little more kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Vegetables:

Feel free to add some vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Broccoli florets, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), and snap peas are all great additions. Add them during the last hour of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.

Pineapple:

For a tropical twist, add some pineapple chunks to the slow cooker. The pineapple will add sweetness and a nice texture to the dish. Add it during the last hour of cooking.

Chicken Breast:

While I prefer chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Thickening the Sauce:

If you want a thicker sauce, you can use more cornstarch. Just make sure to mix it with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps.

Fresh Orange Zest:

Adding a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to the sauce will enhance the orange flavor even more. Add it along with the other sauce ingredients.

Storage:

Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Freezing:

Orange chicken can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

Besides serving it over rice, you can also serve orange chicken with noodles, quinoa, or even as a filling for lettuce wraps.

Gluten-Free Option:

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Sweetness Adjustment:

Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. If you like it sweeter, add a little more.

Ginger and Garlic:

Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for the best flavor. Don’t substitute with powdered versions if possible.

Sesame Oil:

Sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the sauce. Don’t skip it!

Rice Vinegar:

Rice vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Slow Cooker Size:

This recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the ingredients accordingly.

Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:

When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Sear the chicken in batches if necessary.

Check for Doneness:

The chicken is done when it is very tender and easily shredded with a fork. Cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time.

Adjusting the Sauce Consistency:

If the sauce is too thick, add a little more orange juice or water to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, cook it for a longer period of time with the lid off to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice:

Using freshly squeezed orange juice will result in a brighter and more flavorful sauce. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use store-bought orange juice, but try to find a high-quality brand.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This slow cooker orange chicken recipe is truly a game-changer, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers that craveable, sweet and tangy orange chicken flavor we all adore, but with minimal effort and maximum convenience. Forget takeout – this is healthier, tastier, and significantly more budget-friendly. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking is simply divine!

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a weeknight win! The beauty of using a slow cooker is that you can literally set it and forget it. Imagine coming home after a long day to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. No slaving over a hot stove, no complicated steps, just pure, unadulterated orange chicken goodness.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. While I personally love serving it over fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce, the possibilities are endless. Consider pairing it with brown rice for a healthier option, or quinoa for a protein-packed meal. For a low-carb alternative, try serving it over cauliflower rice or even zucchini noodles.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Combo: Serve over steamed white rice with a side of steamed broccoli.
* Healthy Twist: Opt for brown rice or quinoa and add some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots.
* Low-Carb Delight: Enjoy it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
* Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a little extra heat.
* Sweeten the Deal: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
* Make it a Bowl: Create a vibrant orange chicken bowl with rice, edamame, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
* Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the orange chicken into crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing appetizer or meal.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That’s the fun of cooking, right? I encourage you to try different variations and find what works best for your taste buds. Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite way to enjoy this amazing slow cooker orange chicken.

I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, easy-to-make meals. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a casual weekend gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade orange chicken. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Sharing your feedback helps me improve the recipe and inspires other readers to give it a try. Happy cooking!