Crockpot Orange Chicken is a dish that will make your taste buds dance like no one’s watching and your kitchen smell like a citrusy paradise. Imagine tender chicken simmering in a sweet and tangy orange glaze, blending the freshness of zesty oranges with the savory depth of soy sauce. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience—a culinary hug from the inside out that whispers, “You deserve this!” For more inspiration, check out this Easy Rotel Sausage Crescents recipe.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just need a comforting weeknight meal, Crockpot Orange Chicken can be your shining star. Picture the anticipation as you walk through the front door after a long day to the aroma of this flavorful dish wafting through your home. slow cooker chicken and broccoli Trust me; you’ll want to dive right into this recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crockpot Orange Chicken offers effortless preparation, making it perfect for busy nights when you crave something delicious without the fuss.
- The bright flavors will have everyone at the table raving about dinner.
- Its gorgeous color makes it visually appealing and sure to impress guests.
- Versatile enough to serve over rice or noodles, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need about 3-4 chicken breasts for tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Fresh Oranges: Use juicy oranges for maximum zestiness in the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and balances out the acidity of the orange juice.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch to the dish.
For the Sauce:
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth; opt for finely grated for even distribution.
- Cornstarch: This will help thicken the sauce for that perfect glaze.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that every morsel gets coated in that irresistible orange sauce.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. This mixture should look as vibrant as it tastes.
Step 3: Combine in Crockpot
Place the chicken pieces in your trusty crockpot and pour the orange sauce over them. Give it a gentle stir to ensure all pieces are coated—no chicken left behind!
Step 4: Cook It Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for about four hours or on high for two hours. Your kitchen will smell like a citrus wonderland during this time!
Step 5: Thicken That Sauce
Once cooked, remove about half a cup of liquid from the crockpot and mix it with cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir it back into the crockpot and let it cook for an additional fifteen minutes on high until thickened.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your beautifully glazed orange chicken onto plates and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Serve over fluffy rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal.
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy each mouthwatering bite of your homemade Crockpot Orange Chicken!
You Must Know
- This Crockpot Orange Chicken offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- With its tangy sweetness, you can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for busy weeknights but versatile enough for weekend gatherings.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To get the best out of your Crockpot Orange Chicken, start by browning the chicken in a skillet for that extra depth of flavor. While it’s sizzling, whisk together your sauce ingredients. Then, toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous! You can also add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch, or spice things up with some chili flakes for a kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store your leftover Crockpot Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always sear your chicken first to lock in flavors and create a delicious crust.
- Don’t skip the sauce—it’s what makes this dish sing!
- Experiment with adding ginger or garlic for an aromatic twist.
It reminds me of that time I made this Crockpot Orange Chicken for my friend’s potluck. Everyone raved about how juicy and flavorful it was, and I quietly basked in my culinary glory while dodging their requests for the recipe! creamy cheesy potatoes.
FAQs :
What is Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Crockpot Orange Chicken is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Cooking it in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy. spicy buffalo chicken wraps This dish is perfect for busy days since it requires minimal preparation time. You can serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Typically, Crockpot Orange Chicken takes about 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat. The longer cooking time allows the chicken to become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Can I use frozen chicken for Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for Crockpot Orange Chicken, but there are some important guidelines to follow. It’s best to cook frozen chicken on high heat for at least 4 hours to ensure it cooks thoroughly. However, using thawed chicken will yield better texture and flavor, allowing the sauce to coat the meat more effectively.
What can I serve with Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Crockpot Orange Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice enhances its flavors beautifully. You might also consider serving it with stir-fried vegetables or crispy egg rolls for added crunch. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a fresh green salad works wonderfully too.
Conclusion for Crockpot Orange Chicken :
Crockpot Orange Chicken is an effortless yet flavorful dish that satisfies every palate. With its sweet orange sauce and tender chicken pieces, it’s perfect for any family dinner. The simplicity of preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while its rich flavors ensure everyone will love it. Try serving it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal that delights and warms your heart!
Crockpot Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Crockpot Orange Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors, featuring tender chicken simmered in a vibrant orange sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish fills your kitchen with enticing aromas that will make everyone eager to sit down for dinner. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a comforting meal that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2–3 oranges)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
- Place chicken in the crockpot and pour the sauce over it. Stir gently to coat.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Remove half a cup of liquid from the crockpot and mix with cornstarch to create a slurry; add back into the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds before serving over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 180g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
