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