Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
Looking for an effortless yet flavorful meal? This Crockpot Orange Chicken is the perfect slow cooker dinner recipe sweet, tangy, and irresistibly sticky! Ideal for busy weeknights, this easy Asian-inspired chicken recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Sweet and Tangy Orange Chicken
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/3 cup cornstarch (for crispy coating)
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups orange marmalade (one 16 oz jar)
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
Chopped scallions (green onions) for garnish
Instructions How to Make Orange Chicken in a Crockpot
1. Coat the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps create a slightly crispy texture.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown (no need to cook fully). Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
4. Cook in Crockpot: Pour the sweet orange sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook:
Low for 4–5 hours
High for 2–3 hours
Until chicken is tender and coated in sticky, flavorful sauce.
5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve over white rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete takeout-style dinner at home.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Substitute orange marmalade with sweet orange jam or honey + orange juice if needed.
Make it spicy by adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
Double the batch for a crowd this dish is great for meal prep!
Quick Info
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Total Time: Up to 5 hours
Servings: 4–6
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