Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to share one of my absolute favorite weeknight dinner heroes: my ridiculously easy slow cooker orange chicken! Seriously, if you’re looking for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, this is your jam. Life gets crazy, right? Between work, school activities, and just trying to keep the house from becoming a disaster zone, sometimes the idea of cooking a whole meal feels overwhelming. That’s where my slow cooker comes in, and this orange chicken recipe is one of its shining stars.
This dish has become a total staple in our house. My kids cheer when they know it’s on the menu, and even my picky eater devours it. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the chicken just gets so incredibly tender simmering away all day. Plus, the smell that fills your kitchen as it cooks? Pure comfort! Trust me, this slow cooker orange chicken is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Okay, so why *this* slow cooker orange chicken recipe? Let me tell you!
- It’s ridiculously easy. Seriously, a few minutes of prep and your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Perfect for busy days!
- Minimal cleanup. One pot means way less washing up afterwards. Hallelujah!
- Sweet and savory perfection. That sauce is just the right mix of tangy orange and sweet brown sugar with a little kick. Addictive!
- Total crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike seem to inhale this stuff. It’s become a go-to for family dinners.
Basically, it’s a win-win-win situation in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this magic happen. Most of these are probably already hanging out in your pantry or fridge, which is another reason why this recipe is so awesome!
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (Thighs are my go-to for tenderness, but you can use breast too!)
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup rice vinegar (Adds that perfect tang!)
- 0.75 cup orange juice (Freshly squeezed is great if you have it, but honestly, bottled works too)
- 0.5 cup brown sugar (Dark brown sugar gives it a deeper flavor, but light is fine)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (Don’t skip this, it makes a big difference!)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional – for a little heat!)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Equipment Needed for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
You don’t need anything fancy for this slow cooker orange chicken, which is part of its charm! Just grab a few basics:
- Your trusty slow cooker (obviously!)
- A couple of mixing bowls
- A whisk to get that sauce perfectly combined
- Your standard measuring cups and spoons
See? Super simple! You’re pretty much ready to go with what you already have in your kitchen.
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Okay, let’s get down to the fun part – actually making this amazing slow cooker orange chicken! It’s seriously straightforward, promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a delicious dinner with minimal effort.
Coating the Chicken
First things first, we need to get the chicken ready. Grab your chicken pieces and pop them into a medium-sized bowl. Now, sprinkle that cornstarch all over them. Give it a good toss, making sure every single piece of chicken gets a nice, even coating. This is important because it helps thicken our sauce later and gives the chicken a lovely texture.
Crafting the Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Sauce
While the chicken is chilling, let’s mix up that incredible sauce! In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, sesame oil, and those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling brave (or skip them if you prefer). Whisk it really well until the brown sugar is dissolved and everything is nicely combined. You want a smooth, uniform sauce ready to work its magic.
Slow Cooking the Orange Chicken
Now for the easiest part! Carefully place all your cornstarch-coated chicken pieces into the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re in a relatively even layer. Next, pour that glorious orange sauce right over the top of the chicken. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all the chicken is coated in the sauce.
Pop the lid on your slow cooker. You can cook this slow cooker orange chicken on LOW for 3-4 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, set it to HIGH for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and super tender – it should practically fall apart when you touch it with a fork. That’s it! How simple is that?
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way to make your slow cooker orange chicken absolutely perfect:
- Want it spicier? Easy! Just add a little extra red pepper flakes to the sauce when you mix it up. Start with a pinch and add more until it’s just right for you.
- Sauce not thick enough? Sometimes, depending on your slow cooker, the sauce might be a little thinner than you like. No worries! Just take the chicken out, whisk together about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl, and stir that slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Turn it up to high for about 15-20 minutes, and it’ll thicken right up.
- Don’t peek too much! I know it’s tempting because it smells so good, but lifting the lid lets out all the heat and moisture, which means it’ll take longer to cook. Try to resist the urge until it’s closer to the end time.
These little tips will help you nail this slow cooker orange chicken every single time!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Once your slow cooker orange chicken is done and smelling amazing, it’s time to serve it up! My absolute favorite way to enjoy this is piled high over fluffy white rice – it just soaks up all that delicious sauce. Then, don’t forget those finishing touches! A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a lovely fresh bite, and a few sesame seeds give it that classic Asian look and a little nutty crunch. So simple, yet so good!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Got questions about this slow cooker orange chicken? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Here are a few things people often ask:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Chicken breasts work too, but they can dry out a little faster. Keep an eye on the cooking time and maybe reduce it slightly if using breasts to make sure your slow cooker orange chicken stays nice and juicy.
- How do I make the sauce less sweet? If you prefer your orange chicken less sweet, just start with a little less brown sugar. You can always add a touch more towards the end of cooking if you decide you want it sweeter.
- What about frozen chicken? I always recommend using fresh or thawed chicken for the best texture. Frozen chicken can release a lot of extra water as it cooks, which might make your sauce watery and affect the final dish. Thawing it first is definitely the way to go for perfect slow cooker orange chicken.
- Can I add vegetables? Yes! You could toss in some broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
Hope these answers help you feel confident making this delicious slow cooker orange chicken!
Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Okay, so by some miracle, you might actually have leftovers of this slow cooker orange chicken (it rarely happens in my house!). To store it safely, just let it cool completely and then transfer everything – chicken and sauce – to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over medium heat. This helps the sauce coat the chicken nicely again. You can also microwave individual portions, but sometimes the chicken can dry out a tiny bit that way. Either way, it’s still super tasty the next day!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a quick note on nutrition for this slow cooker orange chicken – the values you see are just estimates! They can totally change depending on the specific ingredients you use, like the brand of soy sauce or the exact cut of chicken. But generally speaking, per serving, you’re looking at around 450 calories, with about 15g of fat, 35g of protein, and 40g of carbs. It’s just a ballpark figure to give you an idea!
Share Your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Experience
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for amazing slow cooker orange chicken! I really hope you give it a try. If you do, please come back and let me know how it turned out! Did you add extra spice? Find a fun new way to serve it? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below. And if you snap a picture, tag me on social media – I love seeing your kitchen creations!
Print
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is 2x Easier
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Easy slow cooker orange chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup rice vinegar
- 0.75 cup orange juice
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until coated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place the coated chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve over cooked rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove chicken from slow cooker and whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water into the sauce. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but cooking time may vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker, orange chicken, chicken, asian, chinese, easy