Crockpot Orange Chicken

Nothing warms the heart quite like a home-cooked meal, and for me, Crockpot Orange Chicken is a dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings. I remember the first time I made it for a get-together with friends; the aroma of sweet oranges and savory chicken filled the entire kitchen, making everyone eager for dinner. As the hours passed, my slow cooker worked its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a tantalizing feast. It’s incredible how just a few pantry staples can result in such a vibrant and flavorful dish that everyone loves.

The beauty of Crockpot Orange Chicken is its simplicity. You toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let it do its thing. It’s a lifesaver on busy days when I want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite is a burst of citrusy goodness, complemented by tender pieces of chicken and bright green broccoli. Moreover, serving it over a bed of rice creates a satisfying and complete meal that feels both comforting and special.

Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress. The glistening orange sauce, a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, envelops the chicken, making it look as inviting as it tastes. I often make it for friends and family, and it’s always a hit. Everyone asks for the recipe, and I happily share my little secret of how easy it is to prepare. Trust me; once you try Crockpot Orange Chicken, you’ll find yourself making it time and again, just like I do!

Everything You Need for Crockpot Orange Chicken

When it comes to making Crockpot Orange Chicken, the right ingredients are key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors. Each component plays a vital role, from the sweet notes of orange juice to the savory depth of soy sauce. This dish highlights the beauty of fresh, wholesome ingredients working together to create something truly special.

• Soy Sauce: 3 Tbsp – This adds a savory umami flavor, bringing depth to the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: 1 Tbsp – Provides a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the oranges.
• Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: ¾ cup – The star of the dish, delivering vibrant flavor and sweetness.
• Orange Zest: 2-3 Tbsp – Adds an aromatic citrus punch that enhances the overall orange flavor.
• Orange Marmalade: ⅔ cup – This gives the sauce its characteristic sweetness and sticky texture.
• Honey: 2 Tbsp – Sweetens the dish further, creating a sticky glaze.
• Sesame Oil: 2 Tbsp – Adds a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Garlic Cloves: 3-4, minced – Imparts a fragrant, savory note that rounds out the sauce.
• Ginger: 1 inch, peeled and minced – Offers a warm, spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
• Crushed Red Pepper: ½ tsp – Adds a hint of heat, balancing the sweetness.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: 2 lbs, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces – The main protein, which absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Cornstarch: ⅓ cup – Helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a nice coating.
• Salt and Pepper: ½ tsp each – Essential seasonings for enhancing the dish’s flavor.
• Frozen Broccoli Florets: 1 package (approx. 12 oz) – Adds a nutritious and colorful element to the dish.

How to Assemble Crockpot Orange Chicken

Making Crockpot Orange Chicken is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to bring this delightful dish to your table. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how the flavors meld beautifully over time.

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, orange marmalade, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk them together until well blended. This mixture will be the base of your sauce.
2. Next, take your cubed chicken breast and place it into a gallon-sized plastic ziplock bag. Add the salt, pepper, and cornstarch to the bag. Seal it tightly and shake the bag well to ensure that all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning and cornstarch.
3. Now it’s time to prepare your slow cooker. Lightly spray the bottom and sides of the crockpot with oil to prevent sticking. Pour about 1/4 cup of the orange sauce you made earlier into the bottom of the crockpot, spreading it out evenly.
4. Take the coated chicken from the ziplock bag and add it over the sauce in the crockpot. Pour the remaining orange sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is covered. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully submerged—the flavors will still penetrate!
5. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for about 2 to 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It’s crucial to check the temperature to ensure your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen broccoli florets to the crockpot. Stir gently, so they are coated in the sauce and allow them to cook through. This will give the broccoli a chance to absorb the delicious flavors.
7. Once everything is cooked, set the slow cooker to warm until you’re ready to serve. The chicken should be tender and juicy, and the sauce will have thickened beautifully.
8. Serve the Crockpot Orange Chicken over rice for a satisfying meal. Top it with chopped green onions, extra orange zest, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delightful presentation.
9. Enjoy your homemade Crockpot Orange Chicken with family and friends!

Recipe Tips about Crockpot Orange Chicken

To ensure your Crockpot Orange Chicken turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind. These tips cover everything from storage to enhancing your dish!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. This allows you to enjoy the dish even after the initial meal.
• Freezing: This recipe freezes well. After cooking, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve with jasmine or brown rice for a hearty meal. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce and complements the chicken perfectly.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish is great for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Everyone loves it!
• Adjusting Spiciness: If you like your dish with a bit more heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
• Garnishing: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions on top before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

What to Serve With Crockpot Orange Chicken

Pairing the right sides with Crockpot Orange Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

• Steamed Rice: The classic pairing! Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas stir-fried in sesame oil complements the dish beautifully.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chicken.
• Spring Rolls: Light and crispy spring rolls make for a perfect appetizer alongside your main dish.
• Asian Noodles: Soba or rice noodles tossed in sesame dressing can also be a fantastic accompaniment.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or potlucks. It always impresses!
• Storing Leftovers: Leftover Crockpot Orange Chicken can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later enjoyment, making it a convenient meal that’s ready when you are.

FAQ

Conclusion

Crockpot Orange Chicken is a dish that beautifully marries simplicity with flavor. It’s a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy, and the best part is how easily it comes together. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next family dinner or gathering. You won’t regret it!

Crockpot Orange Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Crockpot Orange Chicken is a flavorful, easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Sweet, tangy, and deliciously sticky, this dish is perfect for those busy days when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle. Make it tonight for your family!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Crockpot

Ingredients

  

• 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
• ¾ cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
• 2-3 Tbsp Orange Zest use 3 Tbsp if you want extra strong orange flavor
• ⅔ cup Orange Marmalade
• 2 Tbsp Honey
• 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
• 3-4 cloves Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 inch Ginger, peeled and minced
• ½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper, more or less to taste
• 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
• ⅓ cup Cornstarch
• ½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Pepper
• 1 package Frozen Broccoli Florets, approx. 12 oz. bag

Instructions

 

• Add all of the orange sauce ingredients to a small bowl and whisk well to combine. Set aside.
• Add the cubed chicken to a gallon sized plastic ziplock bag. Add the salt, pepper, and cornstarch and toss well to evenly coat the chicken on all sides. You can whisk the cornstarch, salt, and pepper together first for more even distribution of salt and pepper if desired.
• Spray the bottom and sides of the slow cooker pot lightly with oil and add about 1/4 cup of the orange sauce to the bottom of the crockpot and spread it out evenly. Add the chicken over top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over top of the chicken to cover. It's ok if the chicken is not 100% submerged into the sauce.
• Set to LOW HEAT and cook for about 2-4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Add in the frozen broccoli florets and cook on low another 30 minutes or until the broccoli is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Set to warm until ready to serve.
• Serve over rice and top with chopped green onions, extra orange zest, and sesame seeds.

Notes

• Cooking on Low: I only recommend cooking on low heat for this recipe as cooking the chicken on high can dry out the chicken very easily.
• Uniform Size: I use a 6 qt. slow cooker, and it sometimes takes a bit less than 2 hours for some of the smaller pieces to reach 165°F, so making sure the pieces are large enough and uniform in size is ideal.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. This recipe freezes well. Allow it to cool completely and then transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword crockpot chicken dinner, easy orange chicken recipe, orange chicken with broccoli, slow cooker recipes