3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Orange Marmalade Chicken
Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipe with Sweet and Tangy Orange Glaze
Looking for an effortless dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orange Marmalade Chicken is the perfect solution. Made with tender chicken tenderloins, sweet orange marmalade, and zesty Russian dressing, this easy crockpot chicken recipe creates a rich, glossy glaze packed with sweet and savory flavor.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep, this slow cooker chicken recipe requires only a few minutes of preparation and delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 simple ingredients
- Easy dump-and-go slow cooker meal
- Family-friendly sweet and tangy flavor
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Budget-friendly dinner option
- Perfect for potlucks and gatherings
- Tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1 cup Russian dressing
Instructions
Step 1: Add Chicken
Place the frozen chicken tenderloins in an even layer inside your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Sauce Ingredients
Pour the orange marmalade and Russian dressing over the chicken. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW for 4 to 5 hours
- HIGH for 2½ to 3½ hours
Cook until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the chicken to serving plates and generously spoon the sweet orange glaze over the top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This crockpot orange chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed white rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Coleslaw
- Green beans
- Dinner rolls
For a fun twist, serve the chicken on sandwich buns with shredded lettuce or crunchy slaw.
Benefits of This Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
Quick and Convenient
Using frozen chicken eliminates thawing time, making dinner preparation incredibly easy.
Minimal Ingredients
Only three pantry-friendly ingredients create a flavorful meal with virtually no prep work.
Family-Friendly Flavor
The combination of orange marmalade and Russian dressing creates a sweet-savory sauce that both kids and adults love.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Leftovers store well and can be used in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or rice bowls throughout the week.
Expert Tips
Use Apricot Preserves
Replace orange marmalade with apricot preserves for a milder fruit flavor.
Balance the Sweetness
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar after cooking for extra brightness.
Avoid Overcooking
Chicken tenderloins cook quickly. Check for doneness early and switch to the warm setting once fully cooked.
Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a sweet-and-spicy variation.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
