Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors with tender, juicy chicken. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings as it cooks itself while you tend to other tasks. With its vibrant taste and aroma, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
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
- Start by browning the diced chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it’s lightly golden. This adds a lovely layer of flavor!
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Toss the browned chicken into your slow cooker and pour that delicious orange sauce over it. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and infused with all those fantastic flavors.
- When it’s time to eat, serve the orange chicken over fluffy cooked rice and add some steamed broccoli on the side for a colorful plate!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Serve your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken over a bed of warm cooked rice. The rice will soak up the lovely orange sauce, making each bite delicious. Add steamed broccoli on the side for a balanced meal that looks appealing on the plate.
How to Store Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The orange chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before placing it in the freezer.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange juice and soy sauce mixture for an hour before cooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the slow cooker for more color and nutrition.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
Variation
You can switch up this recipe by using other proteins like shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. The cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it on high for longer to ensure it is fully cooked.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots make great additions to this recipe.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Start by browning the diced chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it’s lightly golden.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Toss the browned chicken into your slow cooker and pour the orange sauce over it. Stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Serve the orange chicken over cooked rice and add steamed broccoli on the side.
Notes
