This Crockpot Orange Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of spice. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant orange marmalade, and aromatic spices creates a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to make. Whether served over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, this meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Orange Chicken :
- Set It and Forget It: Let the crockpot do the work for a hassle-free dinner.
- Sweet and Tangy Flavor: Orange marmalade and soy sauce balance perfectly for a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients For Crockpot Orange Chicken :
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1½ cups orange marmalade
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
- Fresh scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions :
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches and lightly brown them on all sides. Do not cook the chicken through—this step is for flavor and texture.
- Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Orange marmalade
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Ground ginger
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2½–3 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and to prevent the sauce from burning.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Once cooked, garnish the orange chicken with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or with a side of vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
Tips for Success :
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken before slow cooking locks in flavor and improves the texture of the final dish.
- Monitor Your Slow Cooker: Check and stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure the sauce isn’t burning, as slow cookers can vary in temperature.
- Fully Cook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha for more heat.
Variations :
- Add Vegetables: Toss in chopped red bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
- Citrus Twist: Add fresh orange zest or slices of orange for an extra pop of citrus flavor.
- Protein Swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even pork tenderloin for a different take on the dish.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
Crockpot Orange Chicken FAQs :
1. Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw the chicken first to ensure even cooking and proper sauce absorption.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
3. Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! Let the cooked orange chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. Can I Use Homemade Marmalade?
Absolutely! Homemade orange marmalade adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions :
- Classic Pairing: Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
- Noodles: Pair with lo mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
- Vegetables: Add a side of steamed or stir-fried veggies like green beans, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Garnish: Top with sliced scallions, extra sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flair.
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Crockpot Orange Chicken
This Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, all made with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
- 1½ cups orange marmalade
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
- Fresh scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch. Sear in oil over medium-high heat until browned but not fully cooked. Transfer to slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. Pour over chicken.
- Cook on LOW for 2½–3 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 320 | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 35g