Introduction to Crockpot Orange Chicken
If you're a young professional, juggling work, social life, and mealtime can often feel overwhelming. That’s where Crockpot Orange Chicken comes in as a delightful game changer! Imagine coming home after a long day to a kitchen that fills with the irresistible aroma of homemade orange chicken, all thanks to your trusty crockpot. With just five minutes of prep, you can set this dish to cook while you tackle your evening routine.
One of the best parts? This recipe doesn’t just rival takeout; it surpasses it! The vibrant flavors of fresh orange juice and seasoned soy sauce mean you’re eating healthier without sacrificing taste. According to healthline.com, cooking at home allows you to control ingredients, which can result in lower calorie and sodium counts compared to restaurant meals.
Moreover, the Crockpot allows for meal prepping, meaning you can enjoy this sweet and tangy dish throughout the week. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or veggies, you’ll find it a versatile addition to your weeknight dinners. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a weekly staple in your home!
Ingredients for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Must-have ingredients for a flavorful dish
Creating a mouthwatering Crockpot Orange Chicken starts with the right ingredients. Here's what you'll need for a dish that’s bursting with flavor:
- 2 pounds uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts: This protein serves as the heart of your dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to your sauce.
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice: For that refreshing citrus zest!
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Brings a hint of sweetness that balances the flavors.
- ½ cup seasoned rice vinegar & ½ cup soy sauce: Essential for that tangy and salty kick.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
- 1-2 tablespoons grated orange zest: Amplifies the orange flavor.
Optional toppings to elevate your meal
Taking your Crockpot Orange Chicken to the next level is easy with a few optional toppings. Consider:
- Thinly sliced green onion: Adds a lovely crunch and freshness.
- Chopped cilantro: For a vibrant, herbaceous touch.
- Sesame seeds: A nutty flavor that enhances presentation.
These toppings not only enhance the dish visually but also elevate the overall taste experience. Enjoy your creation with a side of bed rice or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal!
Preparing Crockpot Orange Chicken
If you're looking for a delicious, hassle-free dinner option, making Crockpot Orange Chicken is a perfect choice! Not only is it a fantastic take on a classic dish, but it's also far healthier than the takeout version. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful meal step-by-step.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need. Gather these fantastic ingredients:
- 2 pounds of uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup seasoned rice vinegar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water (optional)
Optional toppings can include thinly sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or sesame seeds for a little extra flair!
Mix the Sauce Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all your sauce ingredients. Whisk together the chicken broth, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and black pepper until everything is well-blended. This mixture is going to be the flavor powerhouse for your Crockpot Orange Chicken, so don’t skip this step!
Layer the Chicken and Sauce in the Crockpot
Now it’s time to build your dish. Start by pouring half of the sauce mixture into your greased crockpot. Place the uncooked chicken breasts on top of this layer, and then pour the remaining sauce over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with that sweet, zesty goodness.
Cooking Times and Temperature Settings
Pop on the lid and set your crockpot to cook on LOW for about 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours. Cooking on LOW allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but if you're short on time, going with HIGH won’t sacrifice the taste!
Thicken the Sauce and Finalize the Dish
Once your chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and set it aside for a moment. To thicken the sauce, whisk in the cornstarch slurry until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Return the chicken to the sauce and let it simmer for an additional hour on HIGH if you started on LOW or for 30 minutes on HIGH if you cooked the chicken on HIGH initially.
Finally, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, stir them back into the sauce, and your Crockpot Orange Chicken is ready to be served! Pair it with some fluffy rice and your choice of toppings for a colorful, appetizing meal that’s bursting with flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Variations on Crockpot Orange Chicken
Asian-inspired twist with added veggies
For a deliciously vibrant twist on your Crockpot Orange Chicken, consider adding a medley of colorful veggies! Bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots cook beautifully in the slow cooker and soak up that flavorful citrus sauce. Not only does this addition enhance the dish's appeal, but it also boosts its nutritional value. You can even toss in some broccoli or bok choy for an extra crunch.
Zesty versions with different citrus fruits
While orange is a classic, don’t shy away from experimenting with other citrus fruits! Substitute the orange juice with fresh lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice. Each brings a unique zestiness to your dish, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to your liking. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep your Crockpot Orange Chicken exciting and varied!
Cooking tips for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Essential hacks for optimal flavor
To elevate your Crockpot Orange Chicken, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a couple of hours, or let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, making each bite more delicious. Don't shy away from using fresh ingredients—freshly squeezed orange juice and zest make a noticeable difference! For a touch of zing, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar right before serving.
What to do if you’re short on time
Pressed for time? You can still enjoy homemade goodness! Start by searing the chicken in a skillet for a few minutes, then transfer it to the crockpot. Reduce the cooking time by setting it to high for just 2–3 hours instead of low. This ensures your Crockpot Orange Chicken still comes out tender and flavorful!
Serving suggestions for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Perfect rice and side dish pairings
To truly elevate your Crockpot Orange Chicken, consider serving it over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which perfectly absorbs the zesty sauce. You can also opt for quinoa for a healthier twist. For added nutrition and flavor, steam some broccoli or snap peas on the side. These vibrant veggies not only complement the dish but also add a pop of color to your plate!
Creative serving ideas for meal prep
If you're meal prepping for the week, tuck some Crockpot Orange Chicken into individual containers along with your choice of rice and veggies. For a fun spin, roll everything into lettuce wraps for a crunchy, fresh meal option. Alternatively, consider using it as a filling for tacos or adding it to a salad for a delightful lunch treat. The possibilities are endless, and you'll have delicious meals ready to go!
Time details for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Preparation time
This delightful Crockpot Orange Chicken is simple to prep, taking just 5 minutes. With minimal chopping and mixing involved, you’ll have more time to relax or attend to other tasks.
Cooking time
Allow your slow cooker to work its magic; the cooking time is 5 hours on low heat. If you’re short on time, go for the high setting, which only takes 2 hours.
Total time
From start to finish, you’ll spend about 5 hours and 5 minutes preparing this meal. It's perfect for a busy weekday or a laid-back weekend dinner. So why not let your crockpot do the heavy lifting while you kick back and unwind?
For more tips on slow cooking, check out these best practices.
Crockpot Orange Chicken
4.79 from 195 votes
This Crockpot Orange Chicken is better than takeout! It tastes better, is so much healthier, and is ridiculously easy to make. Orange chicken for the win!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Yield: people
Equipment for this recipe
(equipment shown are affiliate links)
Ingredients
1x2x3x
- 2 pounds uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup seasoned rice vinegar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1-2 tablespoons grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste (we used 3 teaspoons)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup cornstarch whisked together with ¼ cup cold water to create a slurry (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Green onion thinly sliced
- Cilantro chopped
- Sesame seeds
Recipe Video
Crockpot Orange Chicken
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Instructions
- Grease your crockpot with cooking spray.
- Whisk together sauce ingredients: broth, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and black pepper.
- Pour half the sauce into the crockpot.
- Place chicken into the crockpot.
- Pour the rest of the sauce over the chicken.
- Place the lid on and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- Remove chicken from the crockpot and set aside.
- Whisk the cornstarch into the sauce until well combined.
- Place chicken back into the crockpot and cover.
- Cook for an additional 1 hour on HIGH (if you cooked on low before) or 30 minutes on HIGH (if you cooked on HIGH before).
- Remove chicken, cut into chunks, then stir back into the sauce.
- Serve with your choice of rice and additional toppings and enjoy!
- Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Calories
This delicious dish packs about 370 calories per serving, making it a satisfying yet mindful option for your dinner menu.
Protein
With approximately 38 grams of protein, Crockpot Orange Chicken is an excellent way to fuel your body without sacrificing flavor.
Sodium
Be aware that this recipe contains around 700 milligrams of sodium per serving, so if you're watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium soy sauce to keep things delicious yet healthier.
Enjoy the benefits of easy meal prep without sacrificing taste in your kitchen! If you want to learn more about nutritional needs or meal planning, check out the USDA nutrition website for more information.
FAQs about Crockpot Orange Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken for your Crockpot Orange Chicken, but you'll need to increase the cooking time. Instead of 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high, plan for about 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Just ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F to enjoy.
What sides go best with Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Pair your delicious Crockpot Orange Chicken with a variety of sides to enhance the meal. Popular choices include:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Broccoli or snap peas
- A fresh green salad
These options provide a lovely balance to the rich flavors of the chicken.
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any Crockpot Orange Chicken leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing the chicken for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to retain moisture.
Conclusion on Crockpot Orange Chicken
In summary, Crockpot Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines convenience with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe not only saves time but also delivers a healthier alternative to takeout. Give it a try, and savor the delicious balance of sweet and savory in every bite!
Crockpot Orange Chicken
Equipment
- crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.25 cup honey
- 0.5 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1-2 tablespoons grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup cornstarch whisked together with ¼ cup cold water to create a slurry (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Green onion thinly sliced
- Cilantro chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Grease your crockpot with cooking spray.
- Whisk together sauce ingredients: broth, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and black pepper.
- Pour half the sauce into crockpot.
- Place chicken into crockpot.
- Pour the rest of the sauce over the chicken.
- Place the lid on and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- Remove chicken from crockpot and set aside.
- Whisk the cornstarch into the sauce until well combined.
- Place chicken back into crockpot and cover.
- Cook for an additional 1 hour on HIGH (if you cooked on low before) or 30 mins on HIGH (if you cooked on HIGH before).
- Remove chicken, cut into chunks, then stir back into sauce.
- Serve with your choice of rice and additional toppings and enjoy!
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