Easy Orange Chicken Recipe Slow Cooker: A Simple & Flavorful Meal
Introduction: The Perfect Easy Orange Chicken Recipe Slow Cooker
As a busy person, I know that finding the perfect recipe that balances flavor, ease, and time efficiency is crucial. Enter the easy orange chicken recipe for slow cooker – a simple yet flavorful meal that’s ready to impress your family with minimal effort. This dish combines tender chicken with a zesty, sweet orange sauce, creating a deliciously comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is one that I’ve perfected over the years, thanks to my grandmother’s love for slow-cooked meals, and it’s a go-to for when I want to enjoy a fuss-free dinner with a burst of citrusy goodness.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Your Orange Chicken?
Cooking chicken in the slow cooker allows the meat to absorb all those incredible flavors from the sauce, resulting in a juicy, tender dish. This easy orange chicken recipe for slow cooker not only saves you time but also gives you the freedom to go about your day while it cooks.
Ingredients for Easy Orange Chicken Recipe Slow Cooker
To make your easy orange chicken recipe slow cooker, here’s everything you’ll need:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 4 cups) – Thighs work best for tenderness.
Orange juice (1 cup) – Freshly squeezed is always preferred, but store-bought works fine.
Zest from 1 large orange – For an added burst of citrus.
Soy sauce (¼ cup) – Adds a savory depth to balance the sweetness.
Honey (¼ cup) – A natural sweetener that complements the orange.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Adds a little tang to brighten up the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – For an aromatic kick.
Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated) – Adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) – To thicken the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) – Adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Instructions for Your Easy Orange Chicken Recipe Slow Cooker
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Easy Orange Chicken Recipe Slow Cooker
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for easy orange chicken using your slow cooker. Tender chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that’s packed with citrusy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is a hit with the whole family. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s a fuss-free dinner that you’ll love.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 cups)
Orange juice (1 cup, freshly squeezed if possible)
Orange zest from 1 large orange
Soy sauce (¼ cup)
Honey (¼ cup)
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon)
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Ginger (1 tablespoon, freshly grated)
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Carrots (1 cup, chopped)
Green bell pepper (1, sliced)
Yellow onion (1, chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes.
Set up the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chopped carrots, green bell pepper, and onion over the chicken. Pour the prepared sauce over the top, making sure everything is well-coated.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker, stir well, and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Serve: Add the shredded chicken back into the sauce, mix well, and let it simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve your easy orange chicken over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken in the sauce the night before for a deeper flavor.
Vegetable Add-ins: Add other vegetables like snow peas or broccoli for more color and texture.
Freezer-Friendly: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the slow cooker on low until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of the total recipe)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. This will be the flavorful base for your chicken.
Set Up the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce in the slow cooker. Stir well and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir it into the sauce, and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Serve your easy orange chicken with steamed rice, noodles, or over a bed of sautéed vegetables.
Variations of the Easy Orange Chicken Recipe Slow Cooker
Add Vegetables for More Flavor:
You can easily turn this into a one-pot meal by adding sliced bell peppers, onions, or even carrots into the slow cooker alongside the chicken. These veggies will cook in the sauce, absorbing all the citrusy goodness.
Spicy Orange Chicken:
If you like some heat, add extra red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño for a spicy twist on this easy orange chicken recipe for slow cooker.
Crispy Orange Chicken :
For a crispy texture, you can sauté the shredded chicken in a skillet for a few minutes until the edges get golden and crispy before adding it back into the sauce.
Tips for Perfect Easy Orange Chicken Every Time
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: For an ultra-tender texture, chicken thighs are preferred. They tend to stay moist in the slow cooker, unlike chicken breasts which can dry out if overcooked.
Make Ahead: This recipe can be prepared ahead of time by marinating the chicken in the sauce overnight in the fridge. Just transfer it to the slow cooker and cook it the next day.
Freezer-Friendly: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and heat in the slow cooker on low for a few hours.
How to Make the Sauce Even Better
If you want to take the sauce for your easy orange chicken recipe slow cooker to the next level, consider the following options:
Add a splash of sesame oil for a more complex flavor.
Include a tablespoon of hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness and umami.
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro right before serving adds a nice, fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the citrus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
A: Yes! You can cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time, and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari sauce, and the recipe will be just as delicious.
Q: Can I add orange slices to the chicken?
A: Absolutely! Adding fresh orange slices or even orange segments will enhance the citrus flavor and give the dish a more authentic, fresh taste.
Conclusion
This easy orange chicken recipe slow cooker is not only incredibly easy to make but also packed with vibrant flavors that will impress anyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it out, and let me know what you think!