Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your home. Using a slow cooker means you can prepare this meal with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a tasty dish. The combination of tender chicken and zesty orange sauce creates a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Steamed broccoli, for serving
Directions:
- In a skillet, brown the diced chicken over medium heat until lightly golden.
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
- Dump the browned chicken into the slow cooker and pour the orange sauce over it.
- Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve the orange chicken over cooked rice and alongside steamed broccoli.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Serve the Slow Cooker Orange Chicken over a bed of warm cooked rice. Add a side of steamed broccoli for a colorful and healthy meal. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch and flavor.
How to Store Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
To store leftovers, let the orange chicken cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it in a suitable freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- For a thicker sauce, let the chicken cook with the lid off for the last 30 minutes.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the slow cooker for extra nutrition.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, consider using chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a juicier texture. You can also make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the orange sauce mixture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use tofu instead of chicken and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
What sides go well with this dish?
Cooked rice and steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas pair nicely with this dish. You can also serve it with fried rice or quinoa for a different twist.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, brown the diced chicken over medium heat until lightly golden.
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
- Dump the browned chicken into the slow cooker and pour the orange sauce over it.
- Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve the orange chicken over cooked rice and alongside steamed broccoli.
Notes
