Description
This Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tangy and sweet twist on classic chicken using a slow cooker for tender, flavorful results. The orange-infused sauce combines fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and spices, perfectly slow-cooked with tender chicken breasts. Finished with a cornstarch-thickened glaze and served over rice, this dish is ideal for a comforting, hands-off meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
To Serve
- Cooked brown or white rice
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, ¼ cup water, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. This mixture forms the flavorful orange sauce base.
- Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Pour the prepared orange sauce evenly over the chicken to ensure thorough coating and flavor infusion during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 ½ to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: Remove the cooked chicken onto a cutting board and let it cool slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup water until smooth. This slurry will be used to thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Return the cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it back into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high until the sauce thickens, usually 10 to 30 minutes depending on your slow cooker.
- Serve: Spoon the orange chicken and thickened sauce over cooked brown or white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Nutrition estimate does not include rice; add rice calories to get the full meal calorie count.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to modify spice level to your preference.
- Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can result in juicier, richer flavor.
- Whisk the cornstarch slurry well to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Keywords: Crockpot Orange Chicken, Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, Easy Orange Chicken Recipe, Healthy Orange Chicken, Homemade Orange Chicken