Zesty Slow-Cooked Citrus Delight: Tangy Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe

Succulent chicken pieces dance in a vibrant orange sauce that elevates weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

This tangy crockpot orange chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Tender chunks of chicken simmer slowly in a zesty citrus blend that promises pure deliciousness.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients create such a memorable meal.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing every bite with bright, bold flavors that spark excitement at the dinner table.

Each serving brings a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly this dish can become your new family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Provides the main protein base, select boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior and helps thicken the sauce, ensure it's fresh and clump-free.
• Salt: Enhances the chicken's natural flavor, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth, freshly ground offers more intense taste.

• Orange Juice: Delivers bright, citrusy flavor, use fresh-squeezed for maximum zest.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces umami and saltiness, low-sodium version recommended for health-conscious cooks.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce, choose raw honey for deeper flavor.
• Vinegar: Balances sweetness and adds tangy complexity, rice vinegar works best.
• Ketchup: Contributes rich tomato undertones and slight sweetness.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic depth, fresh minced garlic provides more intense flavor.
• Ginger: Brings warm, spicy notes, fresh grated ginger recommended over powdered.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat, adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal, toast lightly for enhanced flavor.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, sharp contrast, slice thinly for best distribution.
• Steamed Rice: Classic accompaniment, basmati or jasmine rice recommended.
• Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb alternative, great for health-conscious diners.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Adds nutritional balance.

Tools That Make Orange Chicken Crockpot-Friendly

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot): Essential for tender, slow-cooked chicken with rich flavor.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Perfect for coating chicken and mixing sauce ingredients.
• Skillet: Helpful for optional chicken browning step to enhance taste.
• Whisk: Great for smoothly blending sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect sauce consistency.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping green onions and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice green onions and prepare any additional toppings.

Step-by-Step for Juicy Orange Chicken

• Prep the Chicken

Grab chicken pieces and dust them with a light coating of cornstarch, creating a delicate protective layer that will help seal in the juicy flavors.

• Create Flavor Base

Whip up a zesty sauce by blending tangy orange juice, savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and a kick of red pepper flakes. Toss in minced garlic and ginger for an extra punch of aromatic goodness.

• Set and Forget

Transfer chicken into your trusty slow cooker and lavish it with the vibrant orange sauce. Let the magic happen on low heat for several hours, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all those mouthwatering flavors.

• Sauce Transformation

During the final cooking stage, work some culinary wizardry by stirring in a cornstarch slurry. Watch as the sauce magically thickens into a glossy, clinging coating that will make your taste buds dance.

• Plate and Celebrate

Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh green onions over the chicken for a pop of color and extra zest. Serve alongside fluffy rice or crisp vegetables, creating a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Add Zing to Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipes

• Flavor Boost Tip: Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet before sprinkling on top to enhance their nutty aroma and add extra crunch to the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the orange sauce and coat chicken the night before, then store in the refrigerator to save morning prep time and let flavors meld overnight.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to create mild, medium, or extra-hot versions – perfect for families with different heat preferences.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the delicious orange chicken taste intact.

Serve Crockpot Orange Chicken with Flair

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Gather loved ones around this tangy orange chicken, creating warm memories with each delicious bite.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion the chicken into containers for quick, tasty lunches throughout the week, saving time and satisfying hunger.
• Rice Bowl Remix: Layer the tender orange chicken over fluffy white rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a complete and filling meal that packs maximum flavor.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a pop of color and extra crunch that elevates the entire dish's presentation and taste.

Stash & Reheat Orange Chicken Like a Pro

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each bite even more delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Carefully pack cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain moisture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of orange juice to prevent drying. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly.
• Meal Prep Genius: Prepare chicken in advance and portion into individual containers with rice or vegetables. This creates quick grab-and-go lunches for busy weekdays, saving time and reducing stress during hectic mornings.

Tangy Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent crockpot orange chicken delivers zesty Asian-inspired flavors with minimal preparation. Tender meat and tangy sauce combine effortlessly for a weeknight dinner that satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ¾ cup (177 ml) orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• ⅓ cup (113 g) honey (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
• ½ cup (60 g) cornstarch
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil (for browning, optional)
• 2 tbsps (30 g) cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps (30 ml) water (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ketchup
• 2 tsps (10 ml) minced garlic
• 1 tsp (5 ml) grated ginger
• 1 tsp (5 g) sesame seeds
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Combine cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to create a light, even coating for chicken pieces, ensuring a crispy exterior.
2. Optional Searing: Quickly brown chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a golden crust that enhances flavor and texture.
3. Sauce Crafting: Whisk orange juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes into a harmonious, vibrant sauce with complex flavor profiles.
4. Crockpot Assembly: Layer coated chicken in the slow cooker, thoroughly drenching with the prepared orange sauce to ensure complete flavor infusion.
5. Slow Cooking Process: Select low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, allowing chicken to become supremely tender and absorb sauce nuances.
6. Sauce Refinement: Create a cornstarch slurry to transform the cooking liquid into a glossy, luxurious sauce with perfect consistency.
7. Plating and Garnishing: Transfer chicken to a serving dish, drizzle with remaining sauce, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions.
8. Serving Suggestion: Pair with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or a vibrant vegetable medley to complement the dish’s tangy and sweet flavor profile.

Notes

• Optimize Coating Technique: Shake off excess cornstarch mixture to prevent a heavy, pasty layer that might make chicken soggy instead of crispy.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Briefly searing chicken before slow cooking develops rich caramelization and locks in savory notes, creating more complex taste profile.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust cornstarch slurry thickness gradually by adding small amounts to prevent over-thickening, ensuring smooth, glossy sauce texture.
• Dietary Adaptation Strategy: Replace honey with maple syrup for vegan version, or use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt for heart-healthy alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg