Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just a few steps and your slow cooker does the rest.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, making it a great family dinner.

• Healthier Than Takeout: No deep frying and full control over the ingredients.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prep and storing for later.

• Versatile: Serve with rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for variety.

Ingredients

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

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces

• ⅓ cup cornstarch

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• 1½ cups orange marmalade

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

• Chopped scallions for garnish

Directions

1. Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch until well coated.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden, but not fully cooked.

3. In a bowl, mix orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds.

4. Place seared chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat.

5. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring once halfway through.

6. Serve over rice or noodles, topped with chopped scallions and extra sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 3 hours on low

Variations

• Spicier Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Vegetable Add-In: Toss in chopped bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.

• Citrus Twist: Swap orange marmalade for fresh orange juice and a little honey.

• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and less salt overall.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include a spoonful of chili paste for extra heat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work great and tend to be juicier.

Do I have to sear the chicken first?

Searing adds flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of marmalade?

Yes, but you’ll need to add some sweetener like honey or sugar to balance the acidity.

What’s the best side dish for orange chicken?

Steamed white rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles are all excellent choices.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook on high for about 1.5 to 2 hours, but keep an eye on it.

Will the sauce thicken on its own?

It will thicken slightly. For a thicker sauce, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in near the end.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It stores and reheats well, perfect for meal prep.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?

You can skip it or use a neutral oil, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I add veggies to the slow cooker?

Yes, add hearty vegetables like bell peppers or carrots during the last hour to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a homemade meal that tastes better than takeout. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation.