Introduction

Unlock the secret to a delicious, effortless weeknight meal with this amazing slow cooker orange chicken recipe. Enjoy incredibly tender chicken, drenched in a sweet-tangy glaze that’s bursting with flavor. Forget the fuss and messy frying; this recipe brings you all the taste with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you crave homemade goodness without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Effortless Convenience: This truly is a set-it-and-forget-it meal, allowing you more time for other tasks.
No Frying Needed: Prepare a healthier dish with less oil and no greasy cleanup.
Consistently Tender Chicken: Your chicken will come out perfectly juicy and tender every single time.
Irresistible Orange Glaze: The sweet and savory orange sauce is a flavor explosion the whole family will adore.
Family-Friendly Favorite: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this delightful dish.
Easy Cleanup: Using a slow cooker liner makes post-dinner tidying a breeze.
Great for Meal Prep: Prepare a batch for delicious, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week.

Ingredients

Making this delicious slow cooker orange chicken requires simple pantry staples. Gather these items to create a memorable meal that’s full of flavor.

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
1 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground ginger, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted if desired (add to a dry skillet and cook over medium heat for about 30 seconds or until fragrant)
2 tablespoons green onions, sliced thin for garnishing
Orange slices, optional for garnishing

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. For the chicken, you can easily use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor profile. If you are watching sugar intake, a sugar-free orange marmalade works, though the sauce might be less thick. For sesame allergies, omit the sesame oil and seeds entirely. Adjust the amounts of ginger and garlic to your personal taste, adding more for a bolder flavor. Always opt for low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the dish.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful slow cooker orange chicken.

6-quart to 7-quart slow cooker (an oval shape is often recommended for even cooking)
Slow cooker liners (optional, but they make cleanup incredibly easy)
Large zip-top plastic bag (gallon-sized works best for coating chicken)
2-cup measuring cup or a medium mixing bowl
Instant-read thermometer (essential for checking chicken doneness)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your amazing slow cooker orange chicken. This recipe is designed for beginners and busy parents alike, ensuring a delicious result with minimal fuss.

Optionally, line a 6-quart to 7-quart slow cooker with a liner for super easy cleanup.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the bottom of the liner or directly into your slow cooker.
Add the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper to a large, gallon-sized zip-top plastic bag. Seal the bag, then toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Transfer the coated chicken to the slow cooker, distributing the pieces in an even layer; set aside.
In a 2-cup measuring cup or a medium bowl, combine the orange marmalade, low-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger (I prefer 1 teaspoon), minced garlic or garlic powder, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to fully combine all the sauce ingredients.
Carefully pour this flavorful orange mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to gently distribute the sauce as needed, ensuring all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the delicious glaze.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the slow cooker orange chicken on the high setting for approximately 2 hours, or on the low setting for about 4 hours.
Start checking the chicken for doneness at 90 minutes if cooking on high, or at 3 hours if cooking on low. Slow cookers can vary significantly, so cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Once cooked, plate the chicken. Spoon as much extra cooking sauce over the top as you desire. Garnish your homemade slow cooker orange chicken with toasted sesame seeds, fresh green onions, and optional orange wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful tips for your slow cooker orange chicken.

Avoid Overcooking: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Check the temperature frequently as the cook time approaches.
Monitor Cooking Times: All slow cookers vary. Get to know your appliance and adjust times as needed for the best outcome.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding it. Adjust the ginger and garlic amounts to match your preferred intensity.
Thicken Sauce Further: If your sauce seems too thin at the end, remove the chicken. Whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir into the hot sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a delightful kick.
Consider Pre-Browning: For extra texture, quickly sear the chicken pieces in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a nice golden crust.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile slow cooker orange chicken is perfect for customizing to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this flavorful dish over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pair it with steamed broccoli or crisp snap peas for a balanced and healthy meal.
Garnish generously with fresh, thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving for added texture and nutty taste.
Add fresh orange wedges to the plate for an extra touch of zest and brightness.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate any leftover slow cooker orange chicken promptly in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations

Add Vegetables: Introduce chopped bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
Use Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer, more succulent flavor and texture.
Different Marmalades: Experiment with other citrus marmalades like lime or grapefruit for a unique twist on the classic.
Make it Spicy: Incorporate sriracha or extra chili flakes into the sauce mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Nutrition Information

Here is the approximate nutrition information per serving for this delicious slow cooker orange chicken. This table provides a quick overview of the dietary breakdown.

Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	359 kcal
Carbohydrates	44 g
Protein	26 g
Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Cholesterol	73 mg
Sodium	739 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	32 g

This information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

FAQ

Find quick answers to common questions about making this fantastic slow cooker orange chicken.

What kind of orange marmalade is best? Use a good quality, thick-cut orange marmalade for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
According to the USDA, all poultry, including chicken, should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Can I use frozen chicken? For food safety and best results, always thaw chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker for this recipe.
Do I have to brown the chicken first? No, you don’t have to brown the chicken; the slow cooker method ensures it cooks through perfectly without it.
How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and cold water) into the cooked sauce at the end.
Can this recipe be made ahead? Yes, you can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge, or cook the whole dish and refrigerate for later.
Is this recipe gluten-free? This slow cooker orange chicken recipe is not inherently gluten-free due to soy sauce; use tamari for a GF option.

Conclusion

This easy slow cooker orange chicken is truly a game-changer for busy households. It’s incredibly flavorful, wonderfully tender, and effortlessly simple to prepare, making it a perfect family-friendly meal. Reclaim your evenings without compromising on delicious, homemade food. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite dinner. We encourage you to share your experiences and rate the recipe – we love hearing from you!