When you’re craving something that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, tangy, and just a little bit crispy—this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is the answer. The best part? You can have all that flavor with hardly any effort.
Let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. By the time you’re ready for dinner, you’ll have perfectly tender chicken coated in a glossy, citrusy sauce that’s bursting with bright, fresh flavor.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly busy week when I was looking for something quick, yet flavorful. I tossed everything into the slow cooker, and a few hours later, I was enjoying a dish that tasted like it had come from a fancy takeout joint. Now, it’s one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something easy, comforting, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This
Once you’ve tried this slow cooker orange chicken, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again. It’s everything you want in a meal—tender chicken, a rich, tangy sauce, and minimal prep.
- Set it and forget it – Put the ingredients in, let the slow cooker do its thing, and enjoy your meal hours later.
- Sweet and tangy flavor – The orange sauce is perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness and acidity.
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – The slow cooker ensures the chicken stays juicy, while the sauce gives it a glossy, irresistible finish.
- Customizable – Adjust the sweetness or spice level based on your preferences.
This dish is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite in no time.
What You’ll Need to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
The ingredients for this dish are simple, but they come together to create a vibrant, flavorful meal.
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe.
- Orange Juice – Fresh-squeezed orange juice gives the sauce a natural, bright flavor.
- Soy Sauce – Adds saltiness and umami to balance the sweetness of the orange juice.
- Garlic and Ginger – These aromatics bring warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Honey – Adds sweetness to balance the acidity of the orange juice.
- Rice Vinegar – For a touch of tang that rounds out the sauce.
- Cornstarch – To thicken the sauce and make it glossy.
- Sesame Oil – For depth and richness in the sauce.
- Green Onions – For garnish and a fresh bite.
- Sesame Seeds – Optional, for a little crunch and added flavor.
These basic ingredients combine to create a sauce that’s both savory and sweet, with just the right amount of tang.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
This recipe couldn’t be simpler, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Here’s how to put it all together:
- Prepare the Chicken – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Place the chicken into the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce – In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken – Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The chicken should easily shred with a fork.
- Thicken the Sauce – Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. Whisk cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook on high for 15–20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Combine and Serve – Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the thickened sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
The sauce is rich and glossy, coating every piece of chicken perfectly. Serve it over steamed rice to soak up all the extra sauce.
What to Serve Alongside Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
While the orange chicken is great on its own, pairing it with a few sides will make the meal even more satisfying.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed Rice | The rice soaks up the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Adds a savory contrast to the sweetness of the chicken. |
| Asian Slaw | Crunchy and tangy, it balances the richness of the dish. |
| Stir-Fried Vegetables | Quick and light, these veggies add freshness to the meal. |
| Cucumber Salad | Crisp and refreshing, it’s the perfect side to balance the richness. |
| Garlic Noodles | Soft and flavorful noodles are perfect for pairing with orange chicken. |
| Miso Soup | A light, umami-rich soup that pairs perfectly with the dish. |
These sides complement the orange chicken and help complete the meal.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
This dish makes great leftovers, and it’s perfect for meal prepping.
To store: Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Warm it in the microwave or in a pan over medium heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and will stay more tender and juicy.
2. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! Add some chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to give the dish some heat.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will take longer to cook, about 6–8 hours. Be sure to check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.
4. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.
5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and the slow cooker ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy. Serve it over rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken
- Pan For browning the chicken (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, honey, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving. Serve over rice or with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For added flavor, brown the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Serve with steamed rice or a simple salad to complete the meal.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
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