Orange chicken is a beloved dish, one of many favorite takeout meals from Chinese restaurants. What if I told you that you could make this delicious meal right at home with minimal effort? Crock Pot Orange Chicken is a healthier, slow-cooked version of this classic dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for those busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Slow cooking has its magic. The Crock Pot not only makes meal prep easier, but it also allows flavors to develop and intensify over time. This orange chicken recipe is no exception. The slow cooker works its wonders on the chicken, making it tender and juicy, while the sauce becomes rich and flavorful as it cooks. The result is a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Easy crockpot orange chicken has several appealing qualities:
- Convenience: It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal. You just add the ingredients to the crock pot, set the timer, and let it cook while you go about your day.
- Flavor: The slow cooking process helps meld the sweet and tangy flavors of the orange sauce with the chicken, creating a rich and flavorful dish.
- Tender Chicken: The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, as it cooks in its own juices and the orange sauce.
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep work—typically just mixing a few ingredients and chopping up the chicken—it’s a relatively hassle-free recipe.
- Versatility: You can serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables, making it a flexible meal that can fit different tastes and dietary needs.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Unlike stove-top recipes that require frequent attention, the crockpot allows you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with the ingredients. This recipe keeps things straightforward, using ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or can easily find at your local grocery store.
The ingredients you will need are: black pepper, minced ginger, orange juice, soy sauce OR coconut aminos for soy and gluten free, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, orange zest, corn starch, water, chicken breasts, and chili flakes. The chili flakes ARE optional if you don’t want this dish to be spicy.
If you like this recipe, try my Instant Pot Korean Beef!
What soy free product can I substitute for soy sauce?
I like subbing coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, because it is soy free and gluten free and has a taste and depth comparable to soy sauce.
What other substitutes can I make in this recipe?
You can definitely substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. Sub garlic powder and ginger powder for the minced garlic and ginger. This is one of those slow cooker recipes that will turn out delicious with substitutes, which makes it a great recipe for an easy dinner.
What kind of garnishes can go on crock pot orange chicken?
You can add sesame seeds, green onions, or more red pepper flakes on top of your orange chicken.
What side dishes can I serve with orange chicken?
This meal can be served with brown rice, white rice, noodles, instant pot fried rice or even cauliflower rice to make it low carb. Serve with a side of broccoli, green beans, red peppers or steamed carrots to round out the meal.
This healthier orange chicken recipe will soon become one of those crockpot recipes that the whole family will request often. It is great for busy weeknights and trust me, it will even be a big hit the next day, if there are any leftovers!
Crock Pot Orange Chicken - Easy Recipe for the Slow Cooker!
Add this Crock Pot Orange Chicken to your meal plan! This meal is easy and delicious, and will be ready when you need it for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp minced ginger
- 1 cup orange juice
- 3 TBSP soy sauce or coconut aminos (for gluten free, soy free)
- 1 TBSP rice vinegar
- 2 TBSP brown sugar
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- zest of 1-2 oranges
- 1 TBSP corn starch
- ¼ cup water
- 2-4 large chicken breast, skinless & boneless
- chili flakes, optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add the soy sauce or coconut aminos, orange juice, rice vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, spices, orange zest and chili flakes (if desired).
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, mix the corn starch and water then whisk into the sauce to thicken.
- Once thickened, remove from heat, and set aside.
- Place the chicken breast into the slow cooker then pour sauce over top the chicken.
- Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165ºF.
- Once chicken has cooked, remove and slice into bite size pieces.
- Return the chicken to the sauce and let marinade in the sauce for 15 to 30 more minutes.
- Serve the orange chicken over rice and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 303Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 775mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 17gProtein: 40g
The writer is not a doctor or nutritionist and this nutritional information is just a guideline. Please consult your doctor or nutritionist for more accurate information.