Easiest Orange Chicken

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Creating a delightful dish doesn’t always have to be a complex affair, and the Easiest Orange Chicken proves just that. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a deliciously tangy meal that feels like it belongs in your favorite Asian restaurant. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you can impress your family or guests with this simple yet satisfying dish. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you’ll find joy in preparing this recipe that champions the bold flavors of orange and soy, combined with tender, juicy chicken.

Why We Love This Easiest Orange Chicken Recipe

This Easiest Orange Chicken recipe is not just about the taste; it’s about convenience and simplicity too. With a slow cooker as your helper, you can forget about the fuss of intricate cooking methods. The combination of fresh orange juice, savory soy sauce, and the sweetness of brown sugar creates a craving-worthy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that you can serve over rice, noodles, or even alongside a medley of vegetables. The fact that it’s suitable for a family dinner while being adaptable for a crowd makes it a favorite choice for many.

Ingredients about Easiest Orange Chicken

If you’re ready to dive into this fantastic recipe, here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Gather these ingredients, and you’re halfway to a meal that is not only flavorful but also pleasing to the eye!

How to Make Easiest Orange Chicken Directions

Making Easiest Orange Chicken is straightforward, and with these simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in a cinch.

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Begin by mixing together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger in your slow cooker. Make sure to blend everything well so that the sugar dissolves into the mixture.
  2. Add Chicken: Next, take your chicken chunks and place them in the slow cooker. Gently toss them in the marinade until well-coated. This step is crucial as it ensures that the flavors penetrate the chicken.
  3. Set the Slow Cooker: Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Allow it to cook for 4 to 6 hours. The low and slow cook will render the chicken tender and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  4. Check for Tenderness: Once the cooking time is up, check your chicken. It should be tender and easily flake apart with a fork. This is an excellent sign that your chicken is ready for the next step.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. This step will give your sauce a lovely thickness that helps it cling to the chicken, enhancing each bite.
  6. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the cooker and toss it with the thickened sauce to ensure every piece is coated.
  7. Enjoy: Finally, serve your Easiest Orange Chicken over a bed of rice or noodles. For an added touch, sprinkle some sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for garnish.

With these straightforward steps, you’ll have a delightful dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Easiest Orange Chicken

Serving Easiest Orange Chicken is as enjoyable as making it. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas that waft from this dish will be sure to make your mouth water.

You have a variety of options for serving this chicken. A simple bowl of steamed rice is traditional, providing a neutral base that absorbs the zesty sauce beautifully. Alternatively, you might prefer serving it over noodles, which can add a different texture and additional warmth to the meal.

For a healthful touch, consider pairing your orange chicken with a mix of sautéed or steamed vegetables, adding elements such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and crunch. This not only enhances the presentation but also boosts the nutritional profile of your meal.

Lastly, don’t forget the garnishes! Adding a sprinkle of fresh green onions or sesame seeds can elevate the dish’s appearance, making it look even more tantalizing. Present your Easiest Orange Chicken with a side of your chosen accompaniment, and be prepared for the compliments!

Expert Tips: Easiest Orange Chicken

  1. Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, consider marinating the chicken chunks in the orange juice mixture for a few hours before placing them in the slow cooker. This allows the flavors to penetrate even deeper, making each bite even more delicious.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavors. Avoid using bottled juices or powdered spices if you want to achieve the authentic taste that shines through in this dish.
  3. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you may want to adjust the amount of brown sugar in the recipe. If you prefer a less sweet dish, start with a smaller amount and taste the sauce before adding more.
  4. Thicken to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add more cornstarch mixed with water. Just be sure to add it slowly, as you can always thicken more, but you can’t thin it out once it’s done.
  5. Utilize Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they make for a fantastic lunch the next day. The flavors often enhance as they sit, giving you a delicious meal that’s even better the second time around!

With these expert tips, you’re bound to take your Easiest Orange Chicken to the next level!

How to Store Easiest Orange Chicken

If you happen to have any Easiest Orange Chicken left over, storing it properly ensures you can enjoy it later. To store, allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps keep the sauce and chicken fresh, preventing any unwanted moisture loss.

Refrigerate your chicken, and it should be good for up to 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Just a splash of water or broth can help revive the sauce if it has thickened too much during refrigeration.

If you want to keep your orange chicken for longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as desired.

Variation of Easiest Orange Chicken

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few excellent variations of Easiest Orange Chicken to consider:

  1. Crispy Orange Chicken: For a crunchy twist, batter and fry the chicken chunks before adding them to the slow cooker. This creates a delightful texture contrast with the sticky sauce.
  2. Spicy Orange Chicken: Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. This will give your dish a kick that complements the sweetness of the orange perfectly.
  3. Vegetarian Option: If you’re aiming for a vegetarian or vegan version, consider substituting chicken with tofu. Press and cube the tofu, then pan-fry it until golden before adding it to the slow cooker with the sauce.
  4. Additional Veggies: Enhance the meal by adding chopped vegetables to the slow cooker. Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas can be tossed in during the last hour of cooking, contributing extra nutrition and color.
  5. Ginger-Free Option: If ginger isn’t your favorite, simply omit it from the recipe. The dish will still be delightful with the other flavors shining through.

Experimenting with these variations keeps your meals exciting and tailored to your preferences!

FAQ Section

What makes this Easiest Orange Chicken recipe so easy?

The simplicity of this Easiest Orange Chicken recipe lies in the use of a slow cooker, which allows you to combine ingredients and let them work their magic without constant monitoring.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs or breasts work best, you could also use chicken tenders or even drumsticks if that’s what you have on hand.

How can I get the best flavor from the orange juice?

Using freshly squeezed orange juice will yield the best flavor for this dish. Avoid bottled juices when possible to keep the taste vibrant and fresh.

How do I know when my chicken is done cooking?

Your chicken is done when it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Cooking it in a slow cooker for 4 to 6 hours on low will provide the best results.

What should I serve with Easiest Orange Chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or a variety of vegetables. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences and what’s available!

Easiest Orange Chicken

A simple and delicious recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a tangy orange chicken dish, perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine asian, Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced Optional to omit for a ginger-free version.
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Use as needed.
  • Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Mix together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger in the slow cooker until well combined.
  • Add chicken chunks to the slow cooker and toss in the marinade until well-coated.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it to low, cooking for 4 to 6 hours.
  • Check chicken for tenderness; it should easily flake apart with a fork.

Thickening and Serving

  • Combine cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry, and stir it into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker.
  • Return the chicken to the cooker and toss with the thickened sauce to ensure every piece is coated.
  • Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

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Notes

Marinate chicken for extra flavor, use fresh ingredients for the best taste, and adjust sweetness as necessary. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Keyword chicken recipe, Easy Recipe, Orange Chicken, Slow Cooker, Tangy Chicken