The tantalizing aroma of sweet orange and savory garlic wafting through my kitchen can only mean one thing: it’s time for my irresistible crockpot orange chicken! This dish is a game-changer for busy weeknights, transforming hectic meal prep into a delightful experience. With just five minutes of hands-on time, you can set your slow cooker to work its magic, turning humble chicken into a tender, flavorful masterpiece coated in a luscious, tangy sauce.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to impress during a cozy family dinner, this meal is both satisfying and wonderfully family-friendly. Pair it with fluffy rice, and you’ve got a comforting dinner that rivals your favorite takeout—minus the extra calories and delivery costs! Trust me, once you try this easy, flavorful orange chicken, your weeknight stress will melt away, and it might just become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Why is Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken a Must-Try?
Effortless Preparation: With just five minutes of prep time, you can make an easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Family-Friendly Delight: This dish features a sweet and tangy sauce that appeals to even the pickiest eaters, making it perfect for any family meal.
Versatile Ingredients: Its adaptable nature means you can switch out chicken for tofu or shrimp, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like boneless chicken breasts and orange marmalade, this recipe is great for your pocketbook without sacrificing taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Serve this over rice to impress guests at your next gathering or cozy family dinner! For even more delicious comfort food, check out our easy weeknight dinner ideas.
Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenders – Either option works well; tenders cook faster while breasts are more budget-friendly.
For the Sauce
• Cornstarch – Coats the chicken for a tender texture; ensure all pieces are evenly coated to prevent rubberiness.
• Olive Oil – Brown chicken for enhanced flavor and to prevent mushiness before slow cooking.
• Orange Marmalade – The star of the sauce, providing sweetness and tang; try using different fruit preserves if desired.
• Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce – Adds umami without excess sodium; switch to regular soy sauce but adjust the salt elsewhere.
• White Vinegar – Balances sweetness and adds tang; apple cider vinegar can be a good alternative.
• Sesame Oil – Brings an authentic Asian flair; can be substituted with sunflower or canola oil, though it changes the flavor.
• Ground Ginger – Provides warmth and spice; fresh ginger can be an even better option for vibrant flavor.
• Minced Garlic – Enhances the savory notes; using fresh garlic delivers superior taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a hint of heat; feel free to omit if you prefer a milder sauce.
For Garnishing
• Sesame Seeds – Optional yet recommended for an appealing restaurant-style presentation; adds texture.
• Chopped Scallions – Brings freshness and color to the dish; substitute with green onions if needed.
This Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken is sure to elevate your dinner game with its delightful flavors and simple ingredient list!
How to Make Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken
-
Prepare the Chicken: Cut your boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders into 1-inch pieces. Coat these pieces evenly with cornstarch in a shallow dish to ensure they stay tender during cooking.
-
Brown the Chicken: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Lightly brown the chicken pieces for about 3-4 minutes, being careful not to cook them through. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor!
-
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Once browned, place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker, making sure to spread them out evenly for even cooking.
-
Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, reduced-sodium soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until it’s all nicely combined and smooth.
-
Combine Everything: Pour the delicious sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
-
Cook to Perfection: Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. Stir halfway through to ensure the chicken absorbs all those fantastic flavors.
-
Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish your irresistible orange chicken with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve it hot over fluffy rice for a wonderful meal!
Optional: Drizzle extra sesame oil just before serving for an enhanced flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Whether you’re looking to create a special family dinner or just a cozy night in, these delightful pairings will elevate your orange chicken experience.
-
Fluffy White Rice: Serves as the perfect canvas for soaking up the glossy orange sauce, enhancing every bite of chicken with comforting creaminess.
-
Steamed Broccoli: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that balances the tangy flavors of the chicken while also boosting the nutrition.
-
Garlic Noodles: These buttery and garlicky noodles are perfect for soaking up the sauce, bringing an indulgent twist to your dinner table that everyone will love.
-
Cauliflower Rice: A fantastic low-carb alternative, it provides a light and fluffy backdrop to the savory dish while offering a healthy option for those watching their carbs.
-
Sesame Green Beans: Tossed with a hint of soy sauce and sesame oil, these crisp and savory veggies bring an Asian twist while complementing the orange chicken beautifully.
-
Crispy Egg Rolls: Perfect as an appetizer, these fried delights filled with savory vegetables or meat pair wonderfully with the sweet and tangy chicken, offering a delightful crunch.
-
Coconut Milk Thai Iced Tea: A lovely drink to complement the meal, this creamy, sweet tea balances the savory flavors and adds a exotic touch to your dining experience.
Explore these options and craft a memorable dinner that your family will talk about for weeks!
Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken Variations
Mix up the flavors and textures of your crockpot orange chicken with these delightful twists!
-
Vegetarian Tofu: Swap the chicken for cubed tofu, marinating it in soy sauce for deeper flavor before slow cooking.
Tofu absorbs the delicious sauce while providing a hearty plant-based option, perfect for the veggie lovers at your table! -
Seafood Surprise: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a quick-cooking seafood dish. Add the shrimp in the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
The sweet and tangy sauce pairs beautifully with tender, juicy shrimp, transforming your dinner into a beachy delight. -
Fruit Fusion: Swap orange marmalade with apricot or pineapple preserves for a unique flavor profile.
This fruity twist adds a different kind of sweetness which elevates the dish into a refreshing experience, making it a fun surprise for the dinner table! -
Veggie-Rich: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a colorful, healthful boost.
Adding veggies not only enhances the meal’s nutrition but also adds vibrant tones and textures to each bite. -
Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, add sliced fresh jalapeños or an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Spicing it up can turn this gentle dish into a fiery sensation, creating layers of flavor to keep your palate dancing! -
Citrus Burst: Enhance the orange flavor by adding the zest of an orange or lemon.
Zesting brings out bright and aromatic notes, brightening the sauce and making the dish sing with freshness. -
Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted almonds or cashews before serving for added texture and richness.
These crunchy toppings elevate the dish, offering a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and glossy sauce, making every bite exciting!
Make Ahead Options
These Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can chop the chicken and coat it with cornstarch up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. For the sauce, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger, then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, transfer the coated chicken to the slow cooker, pour in the chilled sauce, and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours as usual. By prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality orange chicken with minimal effort on hectic weeknights!
Storage Tips for Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken
-
Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors of this flavorful orange chicken will intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious!
-
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your crockpot orange chicken in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
-
Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of water to retain moisture and ensure a perfect texture.
-
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy over fresh rice or steamed vegetables to create a quick, satisfying meal that will delight the whole family!
Expert Tips for Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken
-
Cornstarch Coat: Always coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch before browning to ensure they come out tender, avoiding a rubbery texture that can occur if skipped.
-
Browning Matters: Don’t skip browning the chicken; this crucial step enhances the flavor and prevents toughness when cooking in the slow cooker.
-
Low and Slow: To keep the chicken moist and tender, always use LOW heat for cooking. High heat can dry out the chicken and intensify toughness.
-
Thickening the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, mix extra cornstarch with water during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reach a desired consistency.
-
Add Freshness: For a vibrant flavor boost, consider adding fresh ginger and garlic instead of dried. It truly elevates the dish!
Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely, boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders both work wonderfully. I often prefer tenders because they cook faster and get really tender in the slow cooker. However, chicken breasts are a great budget-friendly option too!
How should I store leftovers?
For optimal storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making each meal even more delightful!
Can I freeze the crockpot orange chicken?
Yes, indeed! You can freeze the orange chicken in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply move the container to the fridge the night before you plan to serve it, allowing it to defrost gradually. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
If you find that your sauce is too thin, you can mix together a tablespoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir this mixture back into the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving to thicken it up. Conversely, if it’s too thick for your liking, adding a little low-sodium chicken broth or water can bring it back to your desired consistency!
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
While this recipe is generally family-friendly, it’s essential to consider allergies. The main allergens here would be soy (from the soy sauce) and sesame (from the sesame oil and seeds). If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, you can use gluten-free soy sauce alternatives and omit the sesame ingredients. Always make sure to check ingredient labels and adjust as needed for safety!
How can I enhance the flavor of this dish further?
For a flavor boost, experimenting with fresh ginger and garlic instead of dried can elevate the dish significantly. Additionally, adding a splash of fresh orange juice right before serving can accentuate the citrus flavor beautifully—just a little goes a long way to brighten the dish!
Delicious Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken for Easy Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut your boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch pieces and coat them evenly with cornstarch.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and lightly brown the chicken pieces for about 3-4 minutes.
- Place the browned chicken pieces into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat evenly.
- Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving hot over rice.