Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner idea, look no further than this slow cooker orange chicken recipe. Packed with bright citrus flavors and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s made in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it while it cooks.
This recipe starts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs that are coated in a tangy orange sauce. The sauce is made up of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from honey. As the chicken cooks low and slow, it becomes incredibly tender and is infused with the flavorful sauce.
Once the chicken is cooked, you can choose to serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. The orange sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, making it the star of the show. This slow cooker orange chicken will quickly become a go-to recipe in your household.
Ingredients
When it comes to preparing the best slow cooker orange chicken, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of the key components needed to create this delicious dish:
- Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.
- Orange juice: Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Soy sauce: This savory ingredient adds a rich umami flavor to the dish.
- Honey: The natural sweetness of honey balances out the tanginess of the orange juice.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm and spicy kick to the sauce.
- Garlic: Mince some garlic cloves to infuse the dish with its aromatic flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be added to taste.
- Cornstarch: This ingredient will help thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.
- Green onions: Chop some green onions to use as a garnish for the finished dish.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can be sprinkled on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to create a slow cooker orange chicken that is bursting with tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Preparation
Preparing the slow cooker orange chicken is quite simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. Gather all the necessary ingredients, including boneless chicken thighs, orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and green onions.
Start by cutting the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook more evenly in the slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic to make the flavorful marinade. Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
Once the chicken has marinated, transfer it to the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the chicken for around 4-6 hours, or until it is tender and fully cooked. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then add it to the slow cooker and stir well. This will help thicken the sauce and create a delicious glaze for the chicken. Let the chicken cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
Before serving, garnish the slow cooker orange chicken with some chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it a satisfying and complete meal. Enjoy the tender and flavorful chicken coated in a tangy orange glaze, all made effortlessly in the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Using a slow cooker is a convenient and easy way to make delicious orange chicken. To make this recipe in a slow cooker, follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat off the chicken pieces and cutting them into bite-sized chunks. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, or any other desired spices, to add extra flavor.
2. Prep the sauce ingredients
In a bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and cornstarch. Whisk the ingredients together to ensure they are well mixed and the cornstarch is dissolved.
3. Cook the chicken and sauce
Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce over it. Stir the chicken and sauce together to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Cook on low heat
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender.
5. Serve and garnish
Once the chicken is cooked, serve it over cooked rice or noodles. You can garnish the dish with green onions, sesame seeds, or sliced oranges to add a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Using a slow cooker for orange chicken ensures that the meat becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors of the sauce. Plus, it allows you to set it and forget it, making it a convenient option for busy days. Enjoy this mouthwatering dish made in your slow cooker!
Serving Suggestions
Looking for the perfect side dish to serve with your slow cooker orange chicken? We have a few delicious suggestions that will complement the flavors of this dish and make for a satisfying meal.
1. Steamed Rice: Serve your orange chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice. The light and delicate flavors of the rice will balance out the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add some color and crunch to your meal by serving stir-fried vegetables on the side. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas are excellent choices that will add a refreshing contrast to the rich and flavorful chicken.
3. Asian Slaw: For a refreshing and crunchy option, try serving a side of Asian slaw. This tangy and zesty salad will provide a great contrast to the warm and hearty chicken.
4. Steamed Buns: If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to enjoy your orange chicken, consider serving it with steamed buns. The soft and pillowy buns can be filled with the chicken, creating a delicious and satisfying bite.
5. Fried Rice: Put a twist on traditional rice by serving fried rice as a side dish. The savory flavors of the fried rice will complement the sweetness of the orange chicken and add a new dimension of taste.
6. Fresh Salad: If you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing, serve a fresh salad alongside your orange chicken. A mix of crisp lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a tangy dressing will provide a perfect balance to the flavors of the chicken.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your slow cooker orange chicken recipe:
Tips:
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange sauce for 1-2 hours before cooking. This will infuse the meat with the tangy citrus taste.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- If the sauce appears too thin, you can thicken it by whisking together cornstarch and water, then adding it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the slow cooker for a complete meal. Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas are all great options.
- If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the orange sauce.
Variations:
While this recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can use any cut of chicken you prefer. Chicken thighs or drumsticks will result in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Make sure to press and drain the tofu before cooking to remove excess water.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use skinless chicken and decrease the amount of oil in the sauce.
For a gluten-free version, replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of your orange chicken. Add some ginger, garlic, or sesame seeds for a new twist.
With these tips and variations, you can easily customize your slow cooker orange chicken to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy this delicious, tangy, and flavorful dish!
10 Best Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
Langers 100% Pure Orange Juice Pack
Features
| Release Date | 2024-08-29T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 73 Fl Oz (Pack of 8) |
GreenLife 6QT Non-Toxic Slow Cooker
Features
| Part Number | CC008503-001 |
| Model | CC008503-001 |
| Color | Yellow |
| Size | 6 Quarts |
Thermal Cooking Cookbook Guide
Features
| Edition | First Edition |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 176 |
| Publication Date | 2015-05-15T00:00:00Z |
Kikkoman Orange Sauce, 5 Pound Pack
Features
| Part Number | 1575 |
| Size | 5 Pound (Pack of 4) |
Crock-Pot 5-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Features
| Part Number | 109469.02 |
| Model | 109469.02 |
| Color | Sunset Orange |
| Size | 5-Quart |
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