Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a deliciously easy takeout-style meal made at home with minimal effort. Tender pieces of chicken are slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that’s rich, sticky, and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish brings the bold taste of Chinese-American cuisine straight to your kitchen without the need for deep frying.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighscornstarchsalt and peppervegetable oilorange juicesoy saucesugarbrown sugarrice vinegarminced garlicminced gingerorange zestorange marmalade (optional)red pepper flakes (optional)green onions (for garnish)sesame seeds (for garnish)

directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

Toss the chicken in cornstarch until fully coated.

In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until lightly browned (they don’t need to be cooked through).

Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest. Add orange marmalade and red pepper flakes if using.

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly.

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.

Serve over steamed rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 4 hours on low or 2–3 hours on highTotal time: 4 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours 15 minutes (high)

Variations

Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.

Use pineapple juice in place of orange juice for a tropical twist.

Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for extra veggies and color.

Serve with noodles instead of rice for a fun variation.

Make it spicy by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding sriracha.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, but if using frozen, extend cooking time and ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Is orange marmalade necessary?

No, but it adds depth and sweetness to the sauce. You can omit it or replace it with extra orange zest and sugar.

Can I skip searing the chicken?

Yes, but searing adds flavor and helps the coating stick better.

What type of orange juice is best?

Use fresh or 100% pure orange juice without pulp for the best results.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and refrigerate overnight before slow cooking the next day.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely, chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay tender during slow cooking.

Does this freeze well?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags and reheat when needed.

What sides go well with this?

Steamed rice, fried rice, lo mein noodles, or stir-fried veggies are all great options.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Cooker Orange Chicken is the perfect blend of convenience and crave-worthy flavor. With just a few ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home with little fuss. Sweet, tangy, and packed with citrusy goodness, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite for your family meals.