Cooking can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially on busy weeknights. That’s where the beauty of a slow cooker comes in, making it easier and more enjoyable to prepare delicious meals. One tasty dish you can create is Orange Chicken in the Crockpot. This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a tangy, sweet orange sauce to create a satisfying meal that your family will absolutely love. You will appreciate how simple it is to prepare and how fantastic it tastes.
Why We Love This Orange Chicken Crockpot Recipe
There are countless reasons to love the Orange Chicken Crockpot recipe. Firstly, it transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish without demanding constant attention. You can easily fit cooking into your day, whether you’re busy with work, errands, or spending time with your family.
Secondly, the combination of orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sesame oil adds layers of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. The end result not only looks appealing but also excites the palate with its perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness.
Additionally, this recipe caters to everyone’s taste. It can easily become a family favorite or serve as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. With a side of rice or noodles, you create a wholesome meal that warms your heart and satisfies your hunger. Trust us; once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients about Orange Chicken Crockpot
List of ingredients with measurements
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
How to Make Orange Chicken Crockpot Directions
Making Orange Chicken in the Crockpot is a straightforward process that starts with prepping the chicken. Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry. You want to ensure they aren’t wet; this will help the seasoning stick better. Next, sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the chicken. Seasoning the chicken will bring out its flavor and enhance the dish overall.
Once seasoned, place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This is where they’ll soak in all those delicious flavors throughout the cooking process.
Now, let’s whip up that fantastic orange sauce that will coat the chicken. In a bowl, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Whisk it all together until you achieve a smooth mixture. This sauce is the key component, bursting with flavor and ensuring the chicken becomes tender as it cooks.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. The sweet and tangy orange mixture will seep into the chicken, giving you a delightful taste in every bite.
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking time allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, making it perfect for shredding later.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot—this step thickens the sauce, making it even more luscious and delicious. Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the sesame oil. This adds an extra level of flavor that you’ll love.
When the cooking time is up, shred the chicken using forks right in the crockpot. This is an easy task, and as you do it, the chicken will absorb even more sauce, making it deliciously juicy. Stir everything to combine and ensure the shredded chicken is fully immersed in that flavorful sauce.
Your Orange Chicken is now ready to be served hot!
How to Serve Orange Chicken Crockpot
Once your Orange Chicken is ready, it’s time for the best part: serving it! This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. The fluffy rice soaks up the tangy sauce and complements the flavorful chicken perfectly.
For an elegant touch, consider garnishing your Orange Chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds not only a splash of color but also a delightful crunch that enhances the overall experience. You can either mix the garnishes into the dish or sprinkle them on top just before serving.
Set the table, serve the food, and enjoy the raving praises from your family and friends about this scrumptious dish. It’s simple yet impressive, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Expert Tips: Orange Chicken Crockpot
To make the most out of your Orange Chicken Crockpot experience, consider the following expert tips:
- Marinate for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or even overnight. This will deeply infuse the flavors into the chicken.
- Adjust Sauce Ingredients: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or tanginess by adjusting the amount of orange marmalade and rice vinegar. Some may prefer a sweeter sauce, while others enjoy a tangier flavor.
- Add Vegetables: You can boost the nutritional value of your meal by adding vegetables. Consider including bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas in the crockpot during cooking to create a colorful and healthy dish.
- Serve with Fresh Herbs: Consider adding freshly chopped cilantro or basil to the final dish for an added burst of freshness that complements the orange flavor.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a much thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch. Just ensure you continue to hydrate it with water or broth.
By incorporating these tips, you’ll elevate your Orange Chicken to restaurant-quality, impressing everyone at your dinner table.
How to Store Orange Chicken Crockpot
After enjoying your Orange Chicken, you may find that you have leftovers. Thankfully, storing your delicious creation is very simple! Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. If you have any leftover rice or noodles, store them separately to maintain their texture.
Your Orange Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
If you want to preserve it for even longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to three months. For quick meals, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation of Orange Chicken Crockpot
While the classic Orange Chicken Crockpot recipe is fantastic as is, there are several delightful variations you can try. Here are some creative ways to mix things up:
- Spicy Orange Chicken: If you enjoy a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce mixture. This will give your chicken a delightful spicy twist.
- Orange Chicken with Cashews: Toss in some roasted or toasted cashews during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They add a crunchy texture and pair beautifully with the orange flavor.
- Coconut Orange Chicken: Add coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, tropical version. This variation offers a different taste while still keeping the essence of orange.
- Herbal Touch: Incorporate fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme into the sauce for a unique flavor profile. They can elevate the dish and give it a fresh garden taste.
- Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Instead of serving over rice, use the shredded Orange Chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps. It’s a fun, low-carb alternative that adds a crunchy texture.
These variations let you customize the recipe to your preferences, ensuring that your Orange Chicken Crockpot remains exciting every time you prepare it!
FAQ
What is Orange Chicken Crockpot?
Orange Chicken Crockpot is a simple, flavorful dish made with chicken breasts cooked in a tangy orange sauce. It’s easy to prepare in a crockpot, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and become tender.
How long does it take to cook Orange Chicken in a Crockpot?
Cooking Orange Chicken in a Crockpot typically takes about 4 to 5 hours on low heat. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
Can I use frozen chicken for Orange Chicken Crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. It’s best to thaw the chicken beforehand for even cooking.
How spicy is Orange Chicken Crockpot?
The classic recipe isn’t spicy at all. However, you can make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce, depending on your heat preference.
What can I serve with Orange Chicken?
Orange Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or even vegetables. You can create a balanced meal by serving it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad.
Orange Chicken Crockpot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- chopped green onions for garnish
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry to remove excess moisture.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the crockpot.
Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients together until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken ensuring every piece is well coated.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Just before serving, stir in sesame oil.
Serving
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using forks.
- Stir to ensure the shredded chicken is fully immersed in the sauce.
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