Crockpot Orange Chicken is a delightful and simple dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table without the fuss of complicated cooking techniques. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and impresses with its combination of tangy, sweet, and savory notes. By using your crockpot, you can prepare a delicious meal that cooks slowly while you attend to other tasks or enjoy some downtime. The satisfying aroma of cooking chicken mingled with orange juice is sure to make your mouth water and your family eager to dig in.
Why We Love This Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
Crockpot Orange Chicken has earned a special place in many hearts for several reasons. It’s an incredibly delicious meal that brings together the vibrant flavor of orange juice with the tender juiciness of chicken. The slow-cooking method results in chicken that’s not only flavorful but also melt-in-your-mouth tender. This recipe is also highly adaptable, allowing you to throw in extra vegetables or adjust the sweetness according to your taste. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it a go-to choice for busy families or anyone eager to enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients about Crockpot Orange Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken Directions
Making Crockpot Orange Chicken is an easy process that will yield satisfying results. Begin by preparing your sauce. In a medium bowl, blend the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will serve as the flavor base for your chicken.
Next, take your chicken breasts and place them at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. The flavors will infuse as it cooks, making the chicken exceptionally tasty!
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for 2-3 hours. If you have a bit more time to spare, cooking it on low for 4-5 hours allows the chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step helps the chicken to absorb even more of the saucy goodness.
To thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl and stir this mixture back into the sauce in the crockpot. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is nice and thick.
Your Crockpot Orange Chicken is now ready to be served! The combination of juicy chicken and zesty sauce pairs perfectly with rice, which will soak up that delicious sauce.
How to Serve Crockpot Orange Chicken
When it comes to serving your Crockpot Orange Chicken, simplicity is key. Begin by spooning a generous portion of cooked rice onto a plate or bowl. This will act as the perfect base, complementing the chicken and sauce beautifully. Top the rice with the shredded orange chicken, ensuring to drizzle some of that thickened sauce over the top for added flavor.
To enhance the dish further, garnish it with chopped green onions. This adds not only a pop of color but also a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. The dish looks vibrant and inviting on the table, making it a great choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Feel free to accompany your meal with steamed vegetables or a simple salad on the side for a well-rounded dinner. The bright flavors in the orange chicken will pair well with a variety of fresh sides.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Orange Chicken
To make your Crockpot Orange Chicken even better, consider these expert tips. First, if you like a bit of heat in your dishes, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Another tip is to marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. This extra step will infuse the chicken with even more flavor, enhancing the final taste. Make sure to adjust the seasonings to match your personal preferences as well.
For an even richer flavor, consider using fresh orange zest in addition to the juice. This will provide a more robust orange flavor and aroma, taking your dish to the next level.
Lastly, keep in mind that your cooking time may vary slightly based on your crockpot’s model and the size of the chicken breasts. Always check for doneness to ensure a perfectly cooked meal.
How to Store Crockpot Orange Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers of your delicious Crockpot Orange Chicken, you’re in luck! Storing it is simple. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure to include any remaining sauce for added flavor when reheating.
You can refrigerate the chicken for up to 3-4 days. If you wish to enjoy it beyond that, consider freezing it. To freeze, pack the chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored, it can last in the freezer for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Variation of Crockpot Orange Chicken
Crockpot Orange Chicken is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to play around with different flavors and ingredients! If you’re looking for alternatives, you can swap out chicken breast for thighs, which will give you a richer flavor due to their higher fat content.
Another variation is to add vegetables directly into the crockpot. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas are delicious additions that can be added in the last hour of cooking for a colorful and nutritious boost.
For a different twist on flavors, you might consider using lime juice instead of orange juice for a citrusy zing or adding a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical element.
If you’re craving a healthier option, you could use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb meal that still packs a punch.
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
FAQ
What is Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Crockpot Orange Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken breast cooked in a mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. It is slow-cooked to ensure tenderness and depth of flavor, making it a convenient and delicious meal option.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Orange Chicken?
You can cook Crockpot Orange Chicken on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The cooking time may vary based on your crockpot’s heat settings and the size of the chicken breasts used.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas in the last hour of cooking for a nutritious and colorful addition to your dish.
How do I store leftovers of Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Store any leftover Crockpot Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. Thighs are a bit juicier, making them a great alternative for this recipe.
Crockpot Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
Serving Suggestions
- Cooked rice for serving
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, blend the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
- Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- To thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl and stir this mixture back into the sauce in the crockpot.
- Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is thick.
Serving
- Spoon a generous portion of cooked rice onto a plate or bowl.
- Top the rice with the shredded orange chicken and drizzle some of that thickened sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!