Name: Crockpot Orange Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup chicken broth; ½ cup fresh orange juice + 1–2 tbsp orange zest; ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ cup seasoned rice vinegar; ½ cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic (minced); ¼ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp black pepper; 1–3 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste); Thickener: ¼ cup cornstarch; Optional Garnishes: Green onion, cilantro, sesame seeds

Crockpot Orange Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet citrus flavors and savory undertones, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or meal prepping with tender chicken simmering in a rich, zesty orange sauce, slowly absorbing every ounce of flavor over hours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: Dump-and-go simplicity that saves time.
Healthier Than Takeout: No deep frying or added MSG.
Family-Friendly: Sweet, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of what makes this recipe so flavorful:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed or store-bought—just ensure it’s 100% juice.
Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami.
Honey: Natural sweetness to complement the orange.
Garlic and Ginger: Essential aromatics for a bold flavor.
Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce.
Orange Zest: Enhances the citrusy aroma.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer whole pieces, leave them intact for shredding later.
Combine the Sauce: Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and orange zest.
Load the Crockpot: Add the chicken and pour the sauce over it. Stir to coat.
Slow Cook: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Thicken the Sauce: Toward the end of cooking, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes until thickened.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Orange Chicken

Cut Evenly: For consistent cooking, ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size.
Low and Slow: Cooking on the low setting enhances tenderness and flavor absorption.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and zest elevate the dish’s brightness.
Don’t Skip the Zest: It’s packed with essential oils that intensify the citrus flavor.
Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less honey depending on your taste preference.

Variations to Try

Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
Keto-Friendly: Replace honey with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol.
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based twist.
Pineapple Orange Chicken: Add pineapple chunks for a tropical vibe.
Sticky Orange Chicken: Toss the finished dish with extra cornstarch slurry for a thick, sticky glaze.

How to Serve Crockpot Orange Chicken

Over Rice: Jasmine or brown rice pairs beautifully to soak up the sauce.
With Noodles: Toss with lo mein or egg noodles for a hearty meal.
In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce leaves.
On a Salad: Add atop a bed of greens with a drizzle of leftover sauce.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.

Recipe FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: Yes, but thaw it first to ensure even cooking and avoid excess water in the sauce.

Q: Can I make this without cornstarch?

A: Sure! You can use arrowroot powder or simply let the sauce reduce naturally.

Q: Can I prep this the night before?

A: Absolutely. Combine the chicken and sauce in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next morning.

Q: What sides go best with Orange Chicken?

A: Steamed broccoli, snow peas, or roasted carrots make excellent accompaniments.

Q: How can I make this gluten-free?

A: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free.

Yield: 4

Crockpot Orange Chicken

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 hours

Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce:

1 cup chicken broth
½ cup fresh orange juice + 1–2 tbsp orange zest
¼ cup honey, ¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup seasoned rice vinegar
½ cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp black pepper
1–3 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
Thickener: ¼ cup cornstarch
Optional Garnishes: Green onion, cilantro, sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare Your Crockpot: Grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together broth, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, red pepper flakes, ginger, and black pepper.
Layer Ingredients: Pour half the sauce into the crockpot, add chicken, and top with the remaining sauce.
Cook: On LOW: 4 hours or On HIGH: 2 hours
Thicken the Sauce: Remove chicken and whisk cornstarch into the sauce. Return chicken to the pot.
Finish Cooking: On HIGH: 1 hour (if previously on LOW) On HIGH: 30 minutes (if previously on HIGH)
Serve and Enjoy: Cut chicken into chunks, toss back into the sauce, and serve with rice. Top with green onion, cilantro, or sesame seeds for added flavor.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 633Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 194mgSodium 2160mgCarbohydrates 52gFiber 5gSugar 32gProtein 76g

All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Orange Chicken is a game-changer for anyone who loves big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, hosting a dinner party, or just craving comfort food, this dish delivers every time. Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your meal rotation.

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