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Hearty Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Bite after bite, you'll get juicy chicken smothered in a tangy orange sauce that cooks up glossy and sweet right in your slow cooker. Brown your meat quick, then let it bubble away with orange marmalade, garlic, fresh ginger, soy sauce, and a little crushed red pepper for that sneaky heat. While it cooks, everything blends together into a shiny glaze you can pour over a pile of rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh scallions if you're feeling fancy. It's got all the cozy takeout flavors, only way easier for busy days but still perfect for a chill dinner at home.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Thu, 15 May 2025 22:41:49 GMT
On trouve du poulet chinois servi dans un bol. Bookmark
On trouve du poulet chinois servi dans un bol. | ioanacooks.com

This slow cooker orange chicken recipe solves a major craving for takeout with just a bit of prep and a hands off cook time. You will get juicy bits of chicken soaked in a glossy sweet and tangy orange sauce that clings to every bite. Perfect for busy nights or a homemade feast when you want comfort food without the hassle.

I first made this when we moved into our house and needed something reliable for guests everyone asked for the recipe and now my family expects it in the dinner rotation at least once a month

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders: use fresh plump pieces for the juiciest result slice into even sizes for best cooking
  • Cornstarch: this is key for the crispy coating do not skip it go for one that is lump free
  • Olive oil: choose extra virgin for the best flavor but light works well too
  • Orange marmalade: pick a good quality jar with plenty of orange peel for deep citrus flavor
  • Low sodium soy sauce: keep seasoning in check so the dish is not too salty
  • Vinegar: helps brighten the sauce and balance the sweetness a mild rice vinegar is my favorite
  • Sesame oil: adds a layered nutty fragrance a little goes a long way
  • Ground ginger: delivers warmth and works beautifully with the orange be sure it is fresh
  • Garlic: I always use freshly minced for maximum punch
  • Red pepper flakes: these bring a gentle heat use more or less to taste
  • Sesame seeds: toast them if you can for extra crunch and flavor
  • Scallions: bright finishing touch that brings color and freshness

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:
Cut the chicken into small uniform pieces about one inch each This ensures the meat cooks up tender and soaks in all the sauce
Coat and Brown:
Dredge the chicken evenly in cornstarch in a shallow dish this gives you that signature delicate crispness Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high and add the coated chicken Work in batches if needed Browning only takes a few minutes per side and you do not need to cook the chicken through This step locks in those juices
Make the Sauce:
Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the orange marmalade soy sauce vinegar sesame oil ground ginger minced garlic red pepper flakes and sesame seeds The sauce should look shiny and smell delicious
Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker and pour the sauce all over every piece Stir to combine so every bite gets coated
Cook to Perfection:
Cover and set your slow cooker on low for about two to three hours Stir halfway through to prevent sticking or burning The chicken will become incredibly tender as it soaks up all the orange flavors
Finish and Serve:
Just before serving garnish with extra sesame seeds and plenty of chopped scallions Spoon everything over steamed rice and add a side of broccoli for a complete meal
Une assiette de poulet chinois est servie dans un bol. Bookmark
Une assiette de poulet chinois est servie dans un bol. | ioanacooks.com

Orange marmalade is my favorite ingredient here I love the way the real orange peel melts into the sauce If you can find one with chunky bits it tastes even more like classic takeout My kids always cheer when they see the scallion and seed topping because they know it means homemade orange chicken night

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days The sauce thickens as it sits so add a splash of water before reheating Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave stir often for even heating

Best Ingredient Swaps

Chicken thighs work just as well as breasts and bring a richer flavor If you do not have orange marmalade try a mix of orange juice and a few tablespoons of honey Add extra ginger or garlic for more punch For a gluten free version use tamari in place of soy sauce

Une assiette de riz avec des morceaux de poulet sauce orange. Bookmark
Une assiette de riz avec des morceaux de poulet sauce orange. | ioanacooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this orange chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice Stir fried vegetables or steamed broccoli make an easy colorful side For a twist top with crushed peanuts or toss in some red bell pepper strips for crunch

The Story Behind Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a Chinese American classic with roots in Southern California It is known for its bold sweet and tangy flavor and shiny sticky sauce The slow cooker version lets you achieve that takeout taste with less oil and hands free cooking making it easy to bring a taste of your favorite Chinese spot home

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Which chicken pieces should I use?

You'll want boneless skinless breasts or chicken strips. Thighs are cool too if you'd rather have more juiciness.

→ Is it okay to toss in more veggies?

Go for it! Throw in chopped broccoli or red peppers at the start to bump up the color and taste.

→ How can I make sure the glaze doesn't stick?

Give everything a stir halfway through and keep your heat set low so your sauce stays smooth, not burnt.

→ I love it spicy. What can I do?

Add more red pepper flakes if you want some kick. Try at least 3/4 teaspoon if you're into heat.

→ What's the best way to save leftovers?

Let it cool off, then stash it in a sealed-up bowl in your fridge. You can keep it up to three days.

→ What sides go well with this?

Toss some fluffy jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, or even a crisp salad alongside. All work awesome with this dish.

Orange Chicken, Slow Cooker

Chicken hangs out in a sweet orange sauce and gets extra tender in the slow cooker. Scoop it onto rice with veggies for a laid-back meal that's full of flavor.

Time Needed to Prep
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
180 minutes
Overall Time
200 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Number of Portions: 6 How Many It Serves

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main

Ingredient 01 60 ml olive oil
Ingredient 02 45 g cornstarch
Ingredient 03 900 g boneless, skinless chicken cut in 2.5 cm chunks

→ Sauce

Ingredient 04 5 g sesame seeds for sauce, even more for topping
Ingredient 05 5 ml sesame oil
Ingredient 06 5 g ground ginger
Ingredient 07 3 cloves garlic—minced up
Ingredient 08 30 ml vinegar
Ingredient 09 360 g orange marmalade
Ingredient 10 2 g crushed red pepper
Ingredient 11 Scallions, sliced to sprinkle on top
Ingredient 12 120 ml low-salt soy sauce

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Right before serving, sprinkle with plenty of scallions and some extra sesame seeds. Dish it out while hot—go for steamed rice if you want.

Step 02

Pop the lid on and let it go on LOW setting for 2 or 3 hours. Give everything a stir at the halfway point to stop anything from sticking to the bottom.

Step 03

Pour your sauce mix over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir gently so every piece gets saucy.

Step 04

Whisk together the marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds in a bowl till it's nice and smooth.

Step 05

Take the browned pieces and slide them right into the slow cooker basin.

Step 06

Warm up your olive oil in a big skillet on medium-high. Sear the cornstarch-coated chicken, letting every side get a golden color, but don't cook it all the way through.

Step 07

Toss your chicken bites in a shallow dish with cornstarch till every bit gets covered well.

Step 08

Use a sharp knife to chop chicken into even 2.5 cm chunks so they cook at the same speed.

Extra Tips

  1. Want it hotter? Bump up the red pepper flakes to 3 g if you like a good kick. Red bell pepper bits are also nice for extra crunch and color.
  2. 360 g is just about most jars (450–500 g) of orange marmalade. Store any extras in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Kitchen knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • 6-litre slow cooker

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • This has soy from the soy sauce
  • Sesame is included

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 421
  • Total Fat: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 62 grams
  • Protein Amount: 34 grams