Crockpot Orange Chicken

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken
4. How To Serve this Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
5. Why You'll Love This Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. Chinese Dinner Recipes
10. JUMP TO RECIPE
11. More Recipes 

Crockpot orange chicken is a sweet, sticky, and savory meal that’s better than takeout. Tender chicken simmers in a tangy orange sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe perfect for busy nights. Serve it over rice with a side of steamed veggies for an easy, restaurant-style dinner at home.

This recipe is simple to make, and you can follow the step-by-step guide below. We’ve included photos and clear directions to make sure everything turns out just right. Check out the pro tips and tricks to get the best results. Plus, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions so you can make this crockpot favorite with confidence.

Crockpot orange chicken is the easiest way to get that sweet and tangy takeout flavor without leaving home. The slow cooker does all the work, giving you tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky orange glaze.

This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a casual family dinner. Serve it over rice with a side of broccoli for a complete, restaurant-style meal at home.

What you'll need to make this slow cooker orange chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless skinkless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup orange marmalade
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon dried
• ¼-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For garnish (optional)

• White sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

For serving (optional)

• 4 cups white, brown, or fried rice 

Make your crockpot orange chicken uniquely yours by switching up ingredients and adding in tasty extras! These easy swaps add big flavor and fun twists:

• Substitute Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful bite.
• Add Red Pepper Flakes: For extra heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while the sauce simmers.
• Substitute Fresh Orange Juice: Swap bottled orange juice for freshly squeezed juice to brighten up the flavor.
• Add Bell Peppers: Toss in sliced red or green bell peppers for a colorful, crunchy addition.
• Substitute Honey for Brown Sugar: Use honey instead of brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness with a rich, golden finish.
• Add Pineapple Chunks: Stir in pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a tropical twist.
• Substitute Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a lighter, less salty taste.

These simple swaps let you customize this easy slow cooker meal while keeping the same sweet and tangy orange sauce!

Get ready to make this recipe for easy orange chicken at home! Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips below. Let’s get started and turn simple ingredients into a sweet and tangy takeout-style meal!

FIRST STEP: Place chicken into the crockpot.

SECOND STEP: In a large bowl, stir together the orange marmalade, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper until sauce ingredients are combined.

THIRD STEP: Pour the orange sauce over the chicken pieces in the crockpot, coating it evenly.

FOURTH STEP: Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. The chicken should be cooked through.

FIFTH STEP: Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together the water and cornstarch. Pour mixture into the crockpot during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Replace the lid so that the sauce comes up to a slight boil and starts to thicken. If your crockpot is set to low, turn it to high for these 10 minutes.

SIXTH STEP: Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onion (optional). The flavors taste best when served immediately. If needed, you can keep the chicken in your crockpot on the ‘warm’ setting for up to 1 to 2 hours until ready to serve.

Serve this orange chicken recipe in fun and tasty ways for any occasion! This sweet and tangy dish works for weeknights, parties, and meal prep. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:

• Easy Family Dinner: Kids and adults love this sticky, flavorful chicken, making it a go-to meal for busy nights. Serve it over white rice with roasted smothered green beans for a complete dinner. Leftovers reheat well, so make extra for the next day!
• Game Day or Party Food: Turn this slow cooker favorite into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by serving it in slider buns or lettuce wraps. Pair it with crispy loaded fries and sweet and sour meatballs for a fun party spread. Guests will love the sweet and savory combo!
• Meal Prep for the Week: Make a big batch and portion it into meal prep containers for easy lunches. Serve it with fried rice and Chinese chicken salad for a quick and tasty meal. It stays fresh in the fridge, so you’ll have a delicious lunch all week!

This crockpot healthy chicken recipe is a reader favorite for good reason. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and way better than takeout. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, so dinner is stress-free.

• Easy to Make: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it cook while you handle your day.
• Takeout Taste at Home: Get that sweet, sticky, and tangy orange chicken flavor without leaving your kitchen.
• Minimal Prep Time: It only takes ten minutes to get this recipe started, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Great for Leftovers: The sauce gets even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults love this sweet and savory combo, so it’s a guaranteed hit at dinner.

If you love easy, delicious meals, this crockpot orange chicken will be a go-to in your kitchen!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy in the slow cooker.

Do I need to sear the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?
No, you don’t need to sear the chicken before adding it. The slow cooker makes it tender without extra steps.

Can I make crockpot orange chicken spicier?
Yes, you can make crockpot orange chicken spicier. Add red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce.

What kind of orange juice works best for this recipe?
Freshly squeezed orange juice works best for this recipe. It gives a natural sweetness and bright citrus flavor to the sauce.

Can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Yes, you can thicken the sauce if it’s too thin. Stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last thirty minutes.

How long does it take to cook crockpot orange chicken?
Crockpot orange chicken takes three to four hours on high or six to seven hours on low for the best texture.

What’s the best way to serve crockpot orange chicken for a family dinner?
Spoon the chicken and sauce over fluffy white rice or noodles. Add a side of steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Can I serve crockpot orange chicken at a party?
Yes, serve it in small bowls or on slider buns for an easy, crowd-pleasing option. Guests will love the sweet and tangy sauce.

Should I serve crockpot orange chicken with the sauce or strain it?
Always serve crockpot orange chicken with the sauce. The rich, sticky glaze makes every bite better and keeps the chicken juicy.

Can I add a garnish when serving crockpot orange chicken?
Yes, sprinkle sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top for extra crunch and a pop of color.

What type of bowl or plate works best for serving crockpot orange chicken?
A shallow bowl or plate with raised edges works best. It keeps the sauce from spilling and makes scooping easier.

Can I serve crockpot orange chicken over something other than rice?
Yes, serve it over lo mein noodles, cauliflower rice, or even mashed potatoes for a different take on this dish.

Keep your crockpot orange chicken fresh with the right storage steps. Follow the tips below for making it ahead, refrigerating leftovers, or freezing for later. These simple tricks help maintain the best taste and texture.

Can I prepare crockpot orange chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat before serving.

What’s the best way to store leftover crockpot orange chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days.

Can I freeze crockpot orange chicken?
Yes, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

How do I reheat crockpot orange chicken without drying it out?
Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or orange juice to keep it moist.

Can I reheat crockpot orange chicken in the microwave?
Yes, microwave in thirty-second bursts, stirring between each, until warmed through. Cover to prevent splattering.

Should I store the chicken with the sauce or separately?
Always store the chicken with the sauce to keep it juicy and flavorful when reheated.

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