Crockpot Orange Chicken
Crockpot Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the orient right into your kitchen with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Picture tender pieces of chicken simmered in a zesty orange sauce that balances sweetness and spice, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s the kind of meal that will have your family asking for seconds!
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe is reliable for several reasons. First, it utilizes simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Secondly, the slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken, allowing it to absorb the vibrant flavors of the orange and spices. Finally, the combination of sweet and savory notes creates a dish that is universally loved, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or meal prep.
The Essentials
To create this delicious Crockpot Orange Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed from 3-4 oranges)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (this adds a tangy flavor)
- 1 cup brown sugar (for that sweet balance)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (to enhance the umami flavor)
- 2 tablespoons minced onion (for a hint of sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1 orange for an extra citrus kick)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (for a touch of heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated for aromatic depth)
- 1 (1-inch) ginger knob (grated for warmth and spice)
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
Appliances & Accessories
To successfully prepare this Crockpot Orange Chicken, you’ll need the following appliances and accessories:
- Crockpot (a slow cooker is essential for this recipe)
- Measuring cups and spoons (to ensure accurate ingredient ratios)
- Grater (for garlic and ginger)
- Cutting board (for chopping chicken and prepping ingredients)
- Mixing bowl (to combine the sauce ingredients)
- Spoon or spatula (for stirring and serving)
Crockpot Orange Chicken — Do This Next
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering Crockpot Orange Chicken.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by juicing your oranges until you have 1 cup of fresh orange juice. Zest one of the oranges to get the flavorful outer peel. Grate the garlic and ginger, and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, minced onion, orange zest, sriracha, and grated garlic and ginger. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well blended.
Step 3: Add Chicken to the Crockpot
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into the Crockpot. Pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture back into the Crockpot, cover, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Crockpot Orange Chicken over rice or noodles, and garnish with additional orange zest or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
Health-Conscious Tweaks
If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider the following tweaks:
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener.
- Substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts for a juicier option, or use tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- Reduce the amount of sriracha for a milder dish or use fresh chili peppers for a more natural heat.
- Serve with steamed vegetables to increase the nutritional value of your meal.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
This Crockpot Orange Chicken is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or heat levels based on your family’s preferences. If you want to add more depth to the flavor, consider incorporating sesame oil or a splash of orange liqueur for an adult twist. The leftovers are fantastic, making this dish a great option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
Save for Later: Storage Tips
To save your delicious Crockpot Orange Chicken for later, follow these simple storage tips:
- Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Quick Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to increase the cooking time by an hour to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
What can I serve with Crockpot Orange Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
While this recipe is designed for the Crockpot, you can adapt it for the oven by baking the chicken in a covered dish at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes, then adding the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more sriracha or include chopped fresh chilies or red pepper flakes to boost the heat level!
Keep Cooking
If you enjoyed this Crockpot Orange Chicken, you might like these other delicious recipes:
Ready to Cook?
Gather your ingredients, fire up your Crockpot, and get ready for a delightful culinary experience with this Crockpot Orange Chicken. This dish is not only easy to make but also brings a burst of flavor that will leave everyone at the table smiling. Happy cooking!
Crockpot Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by juicing your oranges until you have 1 cup of fresh orange juice. Zest one of the oranges to get the flavorful outer peel. Grate the garlic and ginger, and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, minced onion, orange zest, sriracha, and grated garlic and ginger. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well blended.
- Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into the Crockpot. Pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture back into the Crockpot, cover, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the Crockpot Orange Chicken over rice or noodles, and garnish with additional orange zest or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness or heat levels based on your preferences.
- Consider incorporating sesame oil or a splash of orange liqueur for an adult twist.
- Leftovers are fantastic; just reheat and enjoy!
