Orange Chicken Crockpot Recipe: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner!
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and hands-off dinner that practically cooks itself, this Orange Chicken Crockpot Recipe is the answer! Tender chicken simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce — what could be better?
This dish is perfect for busy days when you just want to set it and forget it. Plus, the best part? It’s bursting with citrusy goodness, with just the right touch of sweetness and a hint of heat, all made effortlessly in your crockpot.
Let’s dive into how you can bring this mouthwatering meal to life!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this incredible Orange Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (or bottled, if you’re in a pinch)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey for a more natural sweetness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (or ground ginger if that’s what you have)
- 1 tsp orange zest (for that extra citrus punch)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (this balances the sweetness with a bit of tang)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional, but adds a nice touch)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
First things first, grab your chicken! For a super easy approach, you can just leave the chicken thighs whole and place them in the crockpot.
However, if you want the sauce to soak into the chicken and give it more of that shredded texture at the end, feel free to cut the chicken into smaller pieces. No judgment either way—it’s all about what you prefer.
2. Make the Orange Sauce
Mix your fresh orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and rice vinegar in a bowl. If you like a little extra kick, toss in some red pepper flakes (trust me, the slight heat complements the sweetness beautifully).
Give it a good stir until the sugar dissolves. This sauce is the secret to this dish’s irresistible deliciousness.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now, just pour that gorgeous orange sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Don’t forget to coat every piece. Pop the lid on and set the crockpot to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
As it simmers, the chicken absorbs all those zesty flavors, making it super tender and juicy. You won’t need to touch it until the cooking time is up—the magic happens all on its own.
4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, you’ll notice the sauce might still be a bit thin. Don’t worry; that’s an easy fix. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
Stir this into the sauce and cook for another 10-15 minutes on high. This will thicken it right up, giving you that glossy, syrupy sauce that makes Orange Chicken so good.
5. Serve and Garnish
You’re almost there! Serve the orange chicken over a bed of rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables — whatever you prefer. For the finishing touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. These little garnishes give a pop of flavor and color, making your meal look as good as it tastes.
Tips & Variations
Make It Spicy: Want a bit of a heat kick? Add more red pepper flakes or even a diced fresh chili if you’re feeling bold. The sweet and spicy combo is one of the reasons this dish is so addictive.
Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts over thighs, go ahead and use them! Just note that chicken breasts can dry out faster than thighs, so you may want to check them towards the end of cooking to ensure they don’t overcook.
Vegetarian Option: Looking for a vegetarian version? Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press and cube your tofu so it can soak up that wonderful sauce.
Freezer-Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prepping or making ahead. After cooking, simply let the chicken and sauce cool and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the crockpot or stovetop.
Serving Suggestions: Serve your Orange Chicken with steamed jasmine rice, sautéed vegetables, or a side of crispy spring rolls for a full, satisfying meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken in this recipe. If using frozen pieces, add extra cooking time (about an hour on low). Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s cooked through.
Q: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Doubling the recipe is no problem. Ensure your crockpot is big enough to hold all the ingredients, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed. Keep an eye on it, and it should be just as delicious!
Q: Can I use store-bought orange sauce?
You can, but homemade always tastes better! While store-bought orange sauce can save time, it might not have the same fresh, vibrant flavor as homemade orange juice and zest. If you go the store-bought route, ensure it’s a good quality with minimal additives.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
Conclusion
This Orange Chicken Crockpot Recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: flavorful, easy, and full of those comforting, tangy-sweet notes we all love. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires minimal effort and still delivers maximum flavor.
Whether you serve it to your family or prepare it for a busy week, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
So, grab your crockpot, toss in some chicken, and let the magic happen. Enjoy!
