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Homemade Crockpot Orange Chicken photo

Crockpot Orange Chicken

This Crockpot Orange Chicken is SO EASY! Tender chicken simmered in a zesty orange sauce for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian

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)

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into the Crockpot. Pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!