Bring a touch of Asian-inspired flavor to your dinner table with this Easy Crock Pot Orange Chicken recipe. It’s a simple yet scrumptious dish that combines the tangy sweetness of orange with tender chicken, all effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave the comfort of a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- Cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well coated. This step ensures that your chicken will have a deliciously crispy exterior.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to do this in batches.
- Set Up the Slow Cooker: Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray and add the browned chicken to it.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. This mixture will create a wonderfully tangy and flavorful sauce for your chicken.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated with the sauce. Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 2-3 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over the top for a pop of color and texture. Serve your delicious Crock Pot Orange Chicken over a bed of rice or with your favorite sides.