Name: Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489047H28M26S
Total time: PT-489047H28M26S
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 lb chicken breasts; ⅓ cup cornstarch; 1 ½ cups orange marmalade; ½ cup low sodium soy sauce; 2 Tbsp vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp ground ginger; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp sesame seeds; scallions, sliced

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Let’s talk about a weeknight dinner that’s as mouthwatering as it is easy: Slow Cooker Orange Chicken. This dish is gloriously sticky, savory, and citrusy, with a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and gentle heat. It’s one of those meals you’ll love coming home to—the kind that fills your kitchen with a zesty aroma and tempts everyone to sneak a taste before dinner is served. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or just craving something spectacular with minimal fuss, this recipe combines simplicity and bold flavors in every juicy bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

The beauty of Slow Cooker Orange Chicken lies in a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one packs a punch to create that irresistible sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce, while the chicken soaks up every bit of flavor. Don’t skip anything—each ingredient plays a special part in the magic!

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy pieces that soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Cornstarch: Tossing your chicken in cornstarch creates a light coating that helps thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken pieces for an extra flavor boost right at the beginning.
Orange marmalade: The star ingredient! It brings natural citrusy sweetness and giv

es this dish its signature glossy glaze.
Low sodium soy sauce: Lends a deep, umami foundation without making the sauce overly salty.
Vinegar: Just a splash brings balance, cutting through sweetness with a gentle tang.
Sesame oil: A few drops give the dish its nutty, toasty aroma that makes every bite extra savory.
Ground ginger: Gives the sauce subtle warmth and a gentle zing, brightening up the entire dish.
Garlic: Fresh cloves add depth and that crave-worthy, savory edge.
Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in just enough for a mild kick that pairs perfectly with the marmalade.
Sesame seeds: For a pretty finish and nutty crunch at serving time.
Scallions: A pop of green for freshness and a final aromatic flourish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. Place them in a large zip-top bag or a bowl, then sprinkle in the cornstarch. Toss until each piece is evenly coated—this step is what gives the chicken its classic crispy coating and helps thicken the sauce as it simmers in your slow cooker.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the coated chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. You don’t have to cook them through—just get that gorgeous golden color and a little crispy texture, which will make your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken truly irresistible.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, low sodium soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. This sauce is where all the flavors come together: sweet, tangy, savory, and just a bit spicy!

Step 4: Slow Cook Everything

Place the browned chicken into the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top, stirring gently to coat every piece. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. The sauce will caramelize and thicken, infusing the chicken with every ounce of citrusy goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is ready, sprinkle with sesame seeds and freshly sliced scallions for a striking finish. You’ll have a dish that looks as dazzling as it tastes!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Garnishes

The best part about serving Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is dressing it up with those final touches. Scatter plenty of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of sliced scallions over the top—they brighten up the dish and add that little crunch and peppery edge. If you want to get extra-fancy, try sprinkling a little freshly grated orange zest for extra citrus flair.

Side Dishes

This vibrant dish begs for something to soak up that sticky, flavorful sauce. Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice is a classic pairing. If you’re looking for something lighter, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas for a pop of green and a boost of crunch. For a weeknight upgrade, try coconut rice or even a simple fried rice tossed with scallions.

Creative Ways to Present

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken isn’t just for rice bowls! Try piling it into crisp lettuce cups for a party-worthy appetizer, stuffing it in tortillas with slaw for fusion tacos, or serving it over warm noodles. For kids, small sliders or skewers are always a hit—just drizzle extra sauce for finger-licking fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Let the chicken cool completely, then pack it into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken on the stove in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice if the sauce needs loosening. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring every so often to keep the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in Slow Cooker Orange Chicken. They’re juicier and stand up even better to long, slow cooking, so feel free to make the swap if you love a richer flavor.

How do I make it less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the orange marmalade slightly and increase the vinegar or a splash of fresh orange juice. You can also add an extra spoonful of soy sauce for a more savory twist.

Can I make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken gluten free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce, and double-check that your marmalade is gluten free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can absolutely make this recipe in a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Follow the same steps, then simmer on the stovetop over low heat, covered, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened—usually about an hour.

Is this dish very spicy?

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken has just a mild heat, thanks to the red pepper flakes. If heat isn’t your thing, you can easily leave them out or use less. For spice lovers, go ahead and double up!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fresh twist on classic takeout that you can make at home with ease, give Slow Cooker Orange Chicken a try. It’s bright, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Grab your slow cooker and get ready for a little citrus magic!