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Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe

Emily Carter
A sweet, tangy, and savory slow-cooked chicken dish coated in a rich orange glaze, perfect for an easy dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Sauce:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice
  • 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.
This Crockpot Orange Chicken is so easy, it’s almost unfair. Forget takeout—your slow cooker just made something better.