Description
This easy and flavorful Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a sweet and tangy homemade orange sauce. Cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, the chicken becomes juicy and infused with bright citrus notes complemented by garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Thickened with a cornstarch slurry and served over rice with green onion garnish, this comforting dish is perfect for a hands-off weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Orange Sauce
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
To Serve
- Cooked brown or white rice
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, water, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. This will be your flavorful orange sauce base.
- Place the Chicken: Arrange the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lightly season them with salt and pepper. Pour the prepared orange sauce evenly over the chicken to coat it thoroughly.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the high setting for 2 ½ to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: Remove the cooked chicken to a cutting board and allow it to cool slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup water until smooth to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Return the cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them back into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high until the sauce thickens, typically 10 to 30 minutes depending on the slow cooker.
- Serve: Spoon the thickened orange chicken and sauce over cooked brown or white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and color, then enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition information does not include rice; add rice calories if including the full meal.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture and richer flavor.
- Whisk the cornstarch slurry well before adding to the slow cooker to prevent lumps in the sauce.
Keywords: Crockpot orange chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, easy orange chicken, gluten free orange chicken, healthy orange chicken, one pot chicken dinner