Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving all the comfort and excitement of takeout without ever leaving the house, you’ll fall in love with this Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe. Imagine juicy, golden bites of chicken swirled in a sticky-sweet, zesty glaze that’s tangy, bright, and so incredibly flavorful. With just a quick pan-sear, everything nestles into your slow cooker and dinner basically makes itself. Trust me, this is a low-effort, high-reward recipe perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to capture the magic of your favorite restaurant-style orange chicken at home. Each ingredient pulls its weight, building layers of flavor and creating that beloved sticky coating. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Chicken breasts or tenders: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these turn meltingly tender after slow cooking and soak up every bit of the sweet-savory sauce.
• Cornstarch: Essential for creating a light crust on the chicken and ensuring a glossy, thick sauce at the end.
• Olive oil: A quick browning in olive oil seals in moisture and gives the chicken a deliciously golden color.
• Orange marmalade: The unmistakable star of this dish, bringing vibrant, citrusy sweetness in every spoonful.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Adds depth, umami, and balances out the sweetness perfectly.
• White vinegar: Lifts and brightens the sauce with a gentle tang—rice vinegar works wonderfully, too!
• Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon adds a nutty, toasted note that tastes like pure comfort.
• Ground ginger: Warms up the sauce with an aromatic, spicy kick.
• Garlic: Minced fresh for that irresistible, savory punch.
• Red pepper flakes: Wakens things up with a whisper of heat—add more if you love a sassier sauce.
• Sesame seeds: Stirred into the sauce and sprinkled on top, they add a subtle crunch and a toasty aroma.
• Scallions: A fresh, peppery topping that adds color and brightness when serving.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces—about one inch each is just right. This helps every chunk cook not only quickly but also evenly, making for juicy, tender bites in every forkful. It’s one of those tasks that set you up for total weeknight dinner success!

Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch

Pour the cornstarch into a shallow dish, add your chicken pieces, and toss them gently until they’re evenly coated. This creates a delicate crust that keeps each morsel moist and gives the finished orange chicken its signature texture. No need to obsess—just make sure each piece gets a light dusting.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and quickly brown it on each side. This step isn’t about cooking the chicken through; it’s simply to create color and flavor. Just a few minutes per side is all it takes to work that magic.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. This sauce is the true soul of the Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe—zippy, sweet, a hint spicy, and so fragrant.

Step 5: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned chicken into the basin of your 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the luminous, aromatic sauce over the top, stirring to coat every morsel. This is where the flavors all start to build and blend.

Step 6: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it on LOW for 2-3 hours. Peek and give things a stir about halfway through, making sure everything’s cozy and nothing’s sticking. The sauce will thicken and glaze the chicken beautifully as it cooks.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once everything’s gorgeously glazed and tender, garnish with chopped scallions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. The Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe is now ready to be piled high over steamy rice—dinner dreams do come true!

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of chopped scallions and a scattering of sesame seeds elevate every plate, adding just the right fresh bite and subtle crunch. A few slivers of orange zest or even some finely chopped cilantro can take things up yet another notch, making each bowl look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

This orange chicken absolutely loves a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, where every last morsel of sauce can be savored. Add a simple side of steamed broccoli to brighten up the meal, or toss together a quick cucumber salad for a cooling counterpart. If you’re feeling adventurous, a scoop of pineapple fried rice or some garlicky sautéed green beans are also wonderful partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Go classic and serve it family-style in a big bowl with bowls of toppings for everyone to help themselves. Or, spoon the orange chicken into lettuce cups for a lighter, fresh take. For a fun twist, try serving it as a party appetizer over crispy wonton chips or even as a taco filling—unexpected, but so satisfying!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a lifesaver with the Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe! Simply let the chicken cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Tucked into the fridge, the orange chicken will stay delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. The chicken will keep its flavor and texture for up to two months—just label with the date so you can enjoy a fuss-free dinner down the road!

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is a bit thick. You can also microwave individual portions; just heat in bursts and stir in between to avoid drying out the chicken. It’ll taste just as vibrant and satisfying, as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly richer and stay incredibly moist after slow cooking. They’re a great swap if you prefer darker meat, and they’ll work perfectly in this Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe.

What can I use instead of orange marmalade?

If you don’t have orange marmalade, try using apricot preserves with a splash of fresh orange juice and a bit of zest for that citrus kick. While the flavor will change slightly, you’ll still get that delicious sweet-tangy essence.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The recipe offers just a touch of warmth from red pepper flakes, but it stays family friendly. Want more heat? Simply bump up the red pepper flakes to your taste or serve extra on the side for those who crave a little more fire.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You can easily double the Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe for a party or potluck—just be sure your slow cooker can handle the volume and give everything a good stir or two as it cooks to ensure even saucing.

What’s the best rice to serve with orange chicken?

White jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the sticky, flavorful sauce best, but brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice are all fantastic choices if you’re looking for something lighter or gluten free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give the Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe a try and share it with family or friends—it’s truly one of those “why-didn’t-I-make-this-sooner?” dishes. Every bite is packed with sweet, tangy happiness, and the slow cooker makes it an absolute breeze. Your new favorite takeout-at-home dish awaits!

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