Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Slow Cooker Orange Chicken: tender bites of juicy chicken glazed with a sticky, sweet, and zesty sauce that tastes just like your favorite takeout—only fresher and even more satisfying from your own kitchen. Every spoonful is sheer comfort, with orange marmalade and ginger infusing each bite with bright, irresistible flavor. This dish is a breeze to make thanks to the slow cooker, turning minimal prep into a major weeknight win. Trust me, you’ll be looking for excuses to make this one again (and again)!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a Slow Cooker Orange Chicken that’s bursting with color and full of bold flavors. Each ingredient in this lineup plays a key role in making the sauce shine, while keeping the chicken succulent and perfectly coated. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Chicken breasts or tenders: These provide juicy, protein-packed bites that soak up the luscious orange sauce beautifully.
• Cornstarch: Gives each piece of chicken a crisp coat before slow cooking, helping the sauce thicken to a glossy finish.
• Olive oil: Used for browning, it locks in moisture and flavor for the chicken.
• Orange marmalade: The secret star of the sauce, packing every bite with bold citrus sweetness and sticky texture.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Adds savory depth and balance without overwhelming with salt.
• Vinegar: Just a splash brightens and sharpens the flavors in the sauce.
• Sesame oil: A tiny drizzle brings a distinct, toasty aroma to the dish.
• Ground ginger: Adds a warm, subtle kick and a bit of spice.
• Garlic: Deepens the flavor, giving the sauce its signature savory backbone.
• Red pepper flakes: For just a hint of heat—but feel free to add more if you like things spicy!
• Sesame seeds: They add crunch and a nutty finish, perfect for garnishing.
• Scallions: Sprinkle on top at the end for fresh color and a mild onion bite.

How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Cut the Chicken

Start by chopping your chicken breasts or tenders into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. Keeping them all about the same size ensures they cook evenly and each piece gets a generous coating of sauce.

Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch

Pour the cornstarch into a shallow dish, then add the chicken pieces. Toss them around until every nook and cranny is dusted—this is what gives your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken that crave-worthy, lightly crisp texture.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, browning each side lightly. The goal here isn’t to cook them through—just sear them for extra flavor and texture before they head to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Once you’ve given the chicken a golden touch, move it all into your trusty 6-quart slow cooker. Every piece should be snuggled in but not crowded, so the sauce can flow all around.

Step 5: Make the Sweet & Savory Sauce

Whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds in a medium bowl until completely combined. It’ll look glossy and smell irresistible—no one will believe this simple sauce packs so much flavor!

Step 6: Pour, Stir, and Cook

Pour that glorious sauce right on top of the chicken in your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to coat. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, giving it a quick check and stir halfway through. Your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken will emerge perfectly glazed, never dry.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s done, shower the top with sliced scallions and an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds for a burst of freshness and crunch. Serve piping hot—preferably over fluffy rice or with your favorite sides.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with a snowfall of sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These bright, simple garnishes add a pop of color and an extra layer of texture, making each scoop even more exciting. If you’re feeling fancy, try a few curls of orange zest for extra zing!

Side Dishes

Serve this dish over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every last drop of that orange glaze. It also pairs perfectly with lightly steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or even a cucumber salad for crunch and freshness. For an extra-special touch, crisp up some egg rolls or potstickers on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

There are so many ways to let Slow Cooker Orange Chicken shine at the table! Stuff it into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on appetizer, or spoon it into steamed bao buns for a crowd-pleasing party snack. For a takeout-inspired dinner, present it in colorful bowls with pickled veggies and sesame noodles. No matter the setting, this dish steals the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck: Slow Cooker Orange Chicken tastes fantastic even the next day. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and become even richer, making those easy weekday lunches a real treat.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Orange Chicken! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your orange chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each round until heated through. Either way, it’ll return to its original saucy, tender glory!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are rich and juicy, making them a great swap for breasts or tenders. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and proceed with the recipe—they soak up the sauce wonderfully.

Can I make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken spicier?

If you love a bit of heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes, or even add a squirt of sriracha to the sauce mix. Taste as you go to find your perfect level of spice!

What can I use if I don’t have orange marmalade?

If you’re out of orange marmalade, try a mix of orange juice concentrate and a bit of honey or apricot jam. While the flavor will change slightly, it will still produce a deliciously sticky and citrusy sauce.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?

While you can skip this step if you’re short on time, browning helps develop extra flavor and keep the chicken’s texture just right. It’s worth the extra few minutes, but your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken will still be tasty either way.

Can I make this dish gluten free?

Yes! Just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and double-check that your cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten free. The result will be just as mouthwatering and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a meal that’s both effortless and impressive, you absolutely have to try Slow Cooker Orange Chicken. It checks every box: easy, full of bold flavor, and perfect for sharing with the people you love most. Go ahead—give it a spot in your meal rotation and see why this comfort food favorite wins hearts every single time!

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