Name: Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces; ½ cup orange marmalade; ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon dried; ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¼ cup water; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; White sesame seeds (optional); Chopped green onion (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 25 reviews

If you’re searching for a meal that’s bursting with citrusy brightness and deep savory-sweet flavors, Crockpot Orange Chicken is the ultimate answer. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, slow-cooked to perfection, bathed in a vibrant orange sauce that’s just the right balance of tangy and sticky. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, incredibly easy to throw together, and delivers all the satisfaction of takeout with way more comfort baked right in. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crockpot Orange Chicken really comes from a handful of basic ingredients, each one playing a starring role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips so you get the best results every time!

Chicken breasts: Boneless and cut into bite-size pieces, these soak up the sauce and stay juicy during slow cooking.
Orange marmalade: This is the key to that intense citrus flavor, adding both sweetness and real orange zestiness.
Ketchup: Adds tang and body to the sauce, with a little touch of sweetness.
Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel notes and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze.
Rice wine vinegar: Brightens everything up and balances the sugars with a gentle tang.
Low sodium soy sauce: Infuses savory umami flavor without overwhelming the dish with saltiness.
Fresh ginger (or dried): Grated ginger adds warmth and complexity; fresh is best but dried works in a pinch.
Red pepper flakes: Brings a subtle heat—adjust according to your spice preference!
Water: Used to help make the cornstarch slurry that thickens the sauce right at the end.
Cornstarch: A spoonful transforms the sauce into silky, glossy deliciousness.
White sesame seeds (optional): These make the perfect crunchy garnish and add a toastiness on top.
Chopped green onion (optional): Pops of color and fresh flavor finish off the dish beautifully.

How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by taking your chicken breasts and cutting them into bite-size pieces. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly, and allows every nook and cranny to be coated with that sensational sauce later on. Pat them dry for the best caramelization, and toss them right into the bottom of your crockpot.

Step 2: Whisk the Orange Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine your orange marmalade, ketchup, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Give it all a thorough whisk until everything is completely blended. You’ll notice the marmalade breaking up and infusing a vibrant orange hue and irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Get Cooking

Pour the luscious sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Pop on the lid and set it to cook: go low and slow for about 4 hours, or crank it to high if you’re pressed for time—2 hours will do the trick. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing as everything melds together!

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About ten minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir the cornstarch and water together to create a slurry. Pour this into the crockpot, place the lid back on, and let it bubble away on high until the sauce turns thick and silky. That final step makes all the difference in getting restaurant-worthy texture!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Spoon the Crockpot Orange Chicken over a fluffy bed of rice, making sure to ladle plenty of that beautiful sauce over the top. Sprinkle with white sesame seeds and chopped green onion if you like extra flair and crunch. Dinner is served!

How to Serve Crockpot Orange Chicken

Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

No plate of Crockpot Orange Chicken is complete without at least a sprinkle of white sesame seeds and chopped green onion. The seeds give a delightful crunch, while the onion adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the rich sauce. Don’t be shy—these little touches make every bite special!

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with steamed jasmine or basmati rice—the perfect canvas for soaking up every drop of sauce. If you want extra veggies, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp Asian slaw would all make wonderful companions and round out the meal effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun take, try serving Crockpot Orange Chicken in lettuce cups for a light, hand-held party option. Or, pile it into steamed bao buns with quick-pickled carrots and cucumber for a playful twist. Leftovers even make an epic orange chicken fried rice!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Crockpot Orange Chicken (lucky you!), simply let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep perfectly in the refrigerator for up to four days, making lunch prep incredibly easy.

Freezing

Crockpot Orange Chicken freezes beautifully. For best results, freeze in single-serving portions so you can thaw only what you need. Just let it cool to room temperature first, then stash in zip-top bags or freezer containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat in a covered saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. If you’re microwaving, cover loosely and stir halfway through to prevent cold spots and keep that tender chicken texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay wonderfully juicy and add even more flavor. Just cut them into similar bite-size pieces and follow the directions as written for Crockpot Orange Chicken.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has just a whisper of heat thanks to red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your preference: add more for a kick or skip it for a family-friendly version.

Can I make Crockpot Orange Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is great for meal prepping. You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert, refrigerate overnight, and start cooking the next day. The flavors only get better as they mingle.

What should I do if the sauce seems too thin?

No worries! Just add an extra half tablespoon of cornstarch whisked with a bit more water into the crockpot and let it cook a few additional minutes until thickened to your liking.

What’s the best way to get that real takeout feel at home?

Serve your Crockpot Orange Chicken over steamed rice and with a side of stir-fried veggies. For finishing touches, grab those sesame seeds and scallions—you’ll be amazed how close it comes to your favorite restaurant version!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, bright, and effortless, it’s time to try Crockpot Orange Chicken for yourself. With just a handful of easy ingredients and almost no hands-on cooking, you’ll have a showstopping meal that’s sure to become a regular at your dinner table. I know you’ll love every saucy, tangy, joy-filled bite!