How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Your Family Will Love

Are you ready to impress your family with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and is incredibly easy to make? I’m talking about Slow Cooker Orange Chicken! This delightful recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick family dinners and pairs beautifully with a side of creamy garlic pasta or any of your favorite easy pasta recipes. Let’s dive into this delicious journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that cooks while you go about your day.
• The tangy orange sauce is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners.
• It’s versatile and can be served with rice, noodles, or even veggies.
• Great for meal prep, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch!
• It’s a healthier alternative to takeout, without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup of orange juice
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken:

1. Start by placing the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on high to thicken.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix well, and let it soak up all that delicious sauce.
8. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken turns out perfectly:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
• Pair it with fluffy rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner that your family will rave about!

How to Serve

Serving your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas:

• Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a classic combination.
• Pair it with creamy garlic pasta for a unique twist.
• Use it as a filling for wraps or tacos for a fun, casual meal.
• Top it with fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Now that you have this delightful recipe in your arsenal, you’ll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again! Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners or just a delicious meal to enjoy, this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to check out more easy pasta recipes for those nights when you want something different. Happy cooking!

Print Pin

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350

A flavorful and easy-to-make orange chicken recipe cooked in a slow cooker, perfect for a comforting meal with a tangy twist.

Ingredients

Oil

• 1 Tablespoon Oil (I like Toasted Sesame Oil for this one)

Chicken

• 3 Pounds Chicken Breast (or Thighs)

Sauce Base

• 1 Cup Orange Juice (Lower Sugar)
• 2 Ounces Soy Sauce (Low Sodium)
• 4 Tablespoons Brown Rice Syrup (or Honey)
• 2 Teaspoons Minced Garlic
• 1 Ounce Rice Vinegar
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 0.5 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 0.5 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (*Optional for a kick)
• 1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds
• to taste Orange Zest
• 4 Tablespoons Corn Starch (More or less depending on how thick you want your sauce)
• enough Cold Water Water (Cold to mix Corn Starch)

Instructions 

• Mix all ingredients except Oil, Chicken, Corn Starch, and Water in a bowl.
• Add Oil to slow cooker and place chicken inside.
• Pour sauce mixture over chicken.
• Cook on Low for 3-4 hours.
• Mix Corn Starch with a little water, then add to slow cooker.
• Cook on High for 45 minutes to 1 hour until thickened.
• Optional: shred or cut chicken before adding Corn Starch.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper.

Calories: 350kcal

Cost: $15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken, Orange