Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Orange Chicken delivers the takeout experience without the greasy regret or questionable ingredients. Juicy chicken slow-cooks in a tangy, citrusy glaze that’s both sweet and savory. Toss it in the slow cooker, ignore it for hours, and pretend you worked hard. No frying, no sticky mess—just pure, effortless deliciousness. Serve it over fluffy rice, sprinkle some sesame seeds, and convince everyone you’re a kitchen genius. This better-than-takeout dish is so easy, you might feel guilty. Spoiler: You shouldn’t.
Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
A sweet, tangy, and savory slow-cooked chicken dish coated in a rich orange glaze, perfect for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Sauce:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
For Thickening & Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions sliced
- Steamed white rice for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave whole for extra tenderness.
- Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger.
Step 2: Load the Crockpot
- Place the chicken inside the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours until chicken is tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the crockpot.
- Cook for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon the orange chicken over rice, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Take all the credit while knowing this was ridiculously easy.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin C: 40%
- Iron: 12%
- Vitamin B6: 10%
- Potassium: 15%
- Magnesium: 8%
Pro Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor—they stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- Want a crispier texture? Broil the chicken for 3 minutes before serving.
- Prefer a stronger orange kick? Add a little orange zest for extra zing.
- Got leftovers? They taste even better the next day—just reheat and enjoy.
