Comforting Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe for Lazy Days

My culinary adventures with slow cooker orange chicken have transformed weeknight dinners from mundane to magical.

This delightful dish combines tangy citrus notes with tender chicken in a remarkably simple method.

Home cooks appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Fragrant orange zest and a perfectly balanced sauce create an irresistible meal that everyone will devour.

Sweet and savory elements merge seamlessly, producing a restaurant-quality dinner without complex techniques.

Simple ingredients from your pantry make this recipe accessible and deliciously foolproof.

You’ll want to keep this recipe handy for those nights when comfort and convenience matter most.

Helpful Tricks for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

• Maximize Flavor Coating: Dust chicken with cornstarch before cooking to create a deliciously crispy exterior that traps moisture and enhances overall taste.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and prevent ingredient clumping during slow cooking.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat intensity, making the dish mild for kids or spicier for adventurous eaters.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice to add extra fiber and nutrients while keeping the meal light and healthy.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a larger batch and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, allowing quick and convenient reheating for busy weeknights.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

• Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or orange juice to maintain sauce moisture.
• Gently reheat chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and preserve tenderness. Splash a little liquid to revive the sauce's consistency.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

What Goes Well With Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

• A zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the orange chicken's bright flavors, cutting through the sauce's richness with its refreshing acidity.
• Soft, aromatic jasmine rice provides the perfect neutral base that soaks up the tangy orange sauce, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
• Toss a light salad with mandarin orange segments, cucumber, and a light citrus vinaigrette to echo the dish's orange notes and add a crisp, refreshing element to the meal.
• Prepare a quick cabbage slaw with shredded carrots, green onions, and a sesame-ginger dressing to add textural contrast and complement the Asian-inspired flavor profile of the orange chicken.

Ways to Change Up Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

• Low-Sodium Delight: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos and reduce honey for a heart-friendly version. Use low-sodium orange juice to control salt intake while maintaining rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free. Select certified gluten-free chicken and verify all ingredients meet dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for extra heat. Include diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to elevate the spice level for heat lovers.
• Tropical Fusion: Replace orange juice with pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut milk. Incorporate fresh mango chunks during the last hour of cooking for a sweet, tropical transformation.

What Makes Slow Cooker Orange Chicken a Favorite

• Effortlessly prepare a delicious dinner with minimal prep work and maximum flavor using this slow cooker method.
• Simply toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, freeing up time for other activities while a mouthwatering meal develops.
• Suitable for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike, this orange chicken recipe adapts easily to different serving styles and can feed a hungry family or group of friends.
• Minimal kitchen time means less cleanup, with a total active preparation of just 15-20 minutes before letting the slow cooker handle the rest of the cooking process.

All the Ingredients for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the tangy orange sauce, best when using boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts for even cooking.

• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Provides bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness, fresh oranges work best for maximum zestiness.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the tangy sauce, local honey recommended for richer flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Brings deep umami and saltiness to the sauce, low-sodium version can be used for healthier option.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds subtle tang and helps tenderize the chicken, balanced flavor complements the orange.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provides warm, sharp flavor base for the sauce, fresh versions offer more intense taste compared to dried.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty undertone and authentic Asian-inspired essence, small amount goes a long way.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces mild heat and complexity to the sauce, adjust quantity for personal spice preference.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth sauce consistency and helps coating chicken, helps create glossy finish.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle just before serving for best texture.

Simple Steps to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Grab your chicken and dust it with cornstarch. For extra flavor, quickly sear the chicken in a hot skillet until it develops a light golden crust that seals in all the juicy goodness.

Step 2: Craft Vibrant Sauce

• Fresh orange juice
• Orange zest
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Sesame oil
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Marry Chicken and Sauce

Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker. Pour the bright orange sauce over the chicken, gently tossing to ensure every piece gets coated. Cover and let the magic happen on low heat for 4 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours.

Step 4: Transform Sauce

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, create a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Stir this into the slow cooker to transform the sauce into a luscious, clingy glaze.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Scoop the tender orange chicken over fluffy rice or steamed vegetables. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and a handful of sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Flavor-packed orange chicken dazzles taste buds with its perfect balance of tangy and sweet Asian-inspired goodness. Slow cooker magic ensures tender meat and rich sauce while delivering restaurant-quality comfort you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) orange juice
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) honey
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by delicately coating each piece with a thin layer of cornstarch, ensuring even coverage for optimal texture and sauce absorption.
2. Create a vibrant sauce by combining zesty orange juice, fragrant zest, sweet honey, umami-rich soy sauce, tangy vinegar, aromatic garlic, spicy ginger, nutty sesame oil, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
3. Gently transfer the cornstarch-coated chicken into the slow cooker, then cascade the prepared sauce over the pieces, carefully intermingling to ensure complete coating.
4. Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the chicken to simmer and absorb flavors for approximately 4 hours, or alternatively use high heat for 2-3 hours until the meat becomes fork-tenderly soft.
5. During the final half-hour of cooking, craft a quick cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch with water, then gently incorporate into the slow cooker to transform the sauce into a luxuriously thick glaze.
6. Plate the succulent orange-infused chicken atop a bed of fluffy rice or steamed vegetables, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added visual appeal and textural contrast.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are evenly coated with cornstarch for a crispy exterior that helps seal in moisture and flavor.
• Browning chicken beforehand adds depth to the dish, creating a richer caramelized taste and more appealing golden color.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making the recipe adaptable for heat-sensitive palates or kids.
• For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the savory umami profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (low) / 2-3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg