Slow Cooker Orange Chicken: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken: Craving that sweet and tangy takeout flavor without the takeout price or the guilt? Then you’ve landed in the right place! Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of citrus and spice, knowing that a delicious and satisfying meal is ready and waiting. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl.

While the exact origins of orange chicken are debated, it’s widely believed to be an Americanized adaptation of traditional Chinese cuisine, designed to appeal to Western palates. The bright, bold flavors and crispy texture quickly made it a staple on Chinese-American restaurant menus, and its popularity has only grown over the years. But let’s be honest, sometimes we want that comforting taste without the deep-frying and complicated steps.

That’s where this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken recipe shines! People adore this dish for its incredible flavor profile – the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy as it simmers in the flavorful sauce, and the slow cooker makes it unbelievably convenient. Simply toss the ingredients in, set it, and forget it! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade orange chicken, made easy!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Orange Sauce:
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• For Serving (Optional):
• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Orange slices

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This coating helps the chicken to thicken the sauce later on and gives it a nice texture.

Making the Orange Sauce:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the brown sugar is well dissolved. This is the heart of our orange chicken, so take your time to get the flavors just right!

Slow Cooking the Chicken:

1. Place the coated chicken pieces into the slow cooker. Try to spread them out in a single layer as much as possible. This will help them cook evenly.
2. Pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are submerged.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork when it’s done. I usually prefer the low setting for a more tender result.

Thickening the Sauce:

1. About 30 minutes before serving, in a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This is what will thicken our sauce to that perfect, glossy consistency.
2. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
3. Replace the lid and continue to cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it, as the sauce can thicken quickly. If it gets too thick, add a little more orange juice or water.

Serving the Orange Chicken:

1. Serve the orange chicken over cooked white rice or brown rice. I personally love it with brown rice for a bit more fiber and a nutty flavor.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. A few orange slices on the side can also brighten up the dish.
3. Enjoy your delicious, homemade slow cooker orange chicken!

Tips and Variations:

Spice it Up!

If you like your orange chicken with a bit more kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. A little sriracha goes a long way!

Add Some Veggies!

Feel free to add some vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Broccoli florets, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), or snap peas would all be great additions. Add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

Make it Gluten-Free!

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that tastes very similar.

Sweetness Adjustment

Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar by a tablespoon or two. You can also use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.

Ginger and Garlic Power

Don’t be shy with the ginger and garlic! These ingredients add a lot of flavor to the dish. If you’re a big fan of either, feel free to add a little more than the recipe calls for.

Chicken Alternatives

While this recipe is designed for chicken thighs, you can also use chicken breasts. However, chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker, so be sure to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You might also consider adding a little extra liquid to the slow cooker if using chicken breasts.

Serving Suggestions

Besides rice, you can also serve this orange chicken with noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It’s also delicious served as lettuce wraps!

Storage Instructions

Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Slow Cooker Size

This recipe is designed for a standard 6-quart slow cooker. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the ingredients accordingly.

Cornstarch Slurry Tips

Make sure to whisk the cornstarch and water together thoroughly to avoid any lumps in the slurry. Add the slurry slowly to the slow cooker while stirring to ensure it’s evenly distributed.

Fresh vs. Bottled Orange Juice

While bottled orange juice will work in a pinch, freshly squeezed orange juice will give you the best flavor. If you have the time, I highly recommend squeezing your own juice!

Sesame Oil Importance

Don’t skip the sesame oil! It adds a distinct nutty flavor that really elevates the dish. A little goes a long way, so be sure to measure it carefully.

Rice Vinegar Substitute

If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. However, rice vinegar has a milder flavor, so you may want to use a little less of the substitute.

Brown Sugar Options

Light or dark brown sugar can be used in this recipe. Dark brown sugar will give the sauce a slightly richer flavor.

Ginger Preparation

Peeling ginger can be a bit tricky. A spoon works well for scraping off the skin. You can also use a vegetable peeler, but be careful not to remove too much of the ginger flesh.

Garlic Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Mince the garlic finely or use a garlic press.

Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breast: A Deeper Dive

I strongly recommend using chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken thighs have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, which means they stay much more tender and juicy during the long cooking process in the slow cooker. Chicken breasts, on the other hand, can easily become dry and stringy if overcooked. If you absolutely prefer chicken breasts, be sure to monitor them closely and reduce the cooking time if necessary. You can also try adding a little extra chicken broth to the slow cooker to help keep them moist.

The Importance of Low Sodium Soy Sauce

Using low sodium soy sauce is crucial for controlling the saltiness of the dish. Regular soy sauce can be quite salty, and the flavors will concentrate as the sauce reduces in the slow cooker. Low sodium soy sauce allows you to add the right amount of salt without overpowering the other flavors. If you only have regular soy sauce, you can reduce the amount used and add a little water to compensate.

Why Cornstarch is Key

The cornstarch plays two important roles in this recipe. First, it coats the chicken, helping it to brown slightly and create a nice texture. Second, it’s used to thicken the sauce at the end of the cooking process. Without the cornstarch, the sauce would be thin and watery. Make sure to use cornstarch and not another type of starch, as other starches may not work as well.

Slow Cooker Placement Matters

When placing the chicken in the slow cooker, try to arrange it in a single layer as much as possible. This will help the chicken cook more evenly. If

Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor you achieve with minimal effort. Imagine coming home after a long day to the tantalizing aroma of sweet and tangy orange chicken, ready to be devoured. That’s the magic this slow cooker brings to your kitchen.

But why is it a must-try? First, the chicken comes out incredibly tender and juicy, practically falling apart at the touch of a fork. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a sauce that’s both vibrant and comforting. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of citrus that will have your taste buds singing. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof. The ingredients are readily available, and the instructions are straightforward. You can easily adapt it to your liking, adding more spice, adjusting the sweetness, or even incorporating other vegetables.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to serve this delectable dish. My personal favorite is serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice, allowing the sauce to soak in and create a truly satisfying meal. But don’t stop there! You can also serve it with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier option. For a complete meal, add some steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad.

Looking for variations? Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Or, if you’re a fan of ginger, grate a little fresh ginger into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of citrus, such as mandarin oranges or blood oranges, to create unique flavor profiles. For a thicker sauce, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.

Don’t Just Take My Word For It!

I’ve made this slow cooker orange chicken countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it, my friends rave about it, and I’m confident that you will too. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a casual dinner party. The best part is that you can prepare it in the morning and come home to a delicious and satisfying meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this recipe. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your feedback in the comments below. Let’s create a community of orange chicken lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how much you love this recipe!

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