Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the best Crockpot orange chicken recipe, look no further! This easy Crockpot orange chicken is a sweet and tangy delight that takes just a few simple ingredients and little effort, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight. Whether you’re craving a quick dump and go Crockpot orange chicken meal or a comforting dish to feed the whole family, this Crockpot chicken recipe with orange juice is exactly what you need.

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This Crockpot orange chicken recipe is as simple as it gets – just dump the ingredients into the Crockpot, let it cook, and you’re done! The orange juice in the recipe adds a burst of flavor, and combined with honey, garlic, and soy sauce, it creates the perfect sweet and savory glaze.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Whether you prefer Crockpot orange chicken thighs or chicken breasts, this Crockpot orange chicken slow cooker recipe works perfectly for both. It’s not only one of the easiest Crockpot chicken recipes orange chicken out there, but it’s also incredibly delicious, making it one of the most popular orange chicken Crockpot recipes easy to prepare.

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Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy Crockpot orange chicken simple dish for dinner or a tasty orange glazed chicken Crockpot recipe for a special occasion, this Crockpot orange chicken recipe with orange juice will definitely become a family favorite. So, grab your Crockpot and get ready to enjoy the sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious flavors of this homemade Crockpot orange chicken meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Super easy: Just dump everything in and walk away.
Tastes just like takeout (but better, and cheaper!).
Customizable: You can add veggies or make it spicy – whatever your family likes!

What You Need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you want them super juicy)
1 cup orange juice (fresh or from the carton, whatever you have!)
1/4 cup soy sauce (or you can use coconut aminos for gluten-free)
1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup if you prefer)
1/4 cup rice vinegar (I always have this in my kitchen)
2 cloves garlic, minced (I cheat and use the pre-minced jar kind!)
1 tablespoon ginger, grated (fresh or powdered works)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (this helps thicken the sauce – totally optional)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (adds that nice, deep flavor)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (only if you want a little heat)
Sesame seeds for garnish (totally optional, but they make it look fancy)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish too, if you’re feeling extra!)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Place the Chicken in the Crockpot: Start by putting your chicken in the bottom of the Crockpot. You can use fresh or frozen chicken for this, which is why I love this recipe – no last-minute shopping trip required!

Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. If you want a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch to the sauce mix. Don’t worry if it looks a little clumpy at first – it’ll thicken up beautifully when it cooks. Stir it up until it’s smooth and combined.

Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Now, pour that delicious sauce over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is coated, so it absorbs all that yummy flavor while it cooks. If you’re using red pepper flakes for a little spice, sprinkle them over the chicken now.

Slow Cook: Cover the Crockpot and set it on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will become super tender, and the sauce will thicken as it cooks. You don’t even have to check on it much – just let the Crockpot do all the work!

Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done cooking and super tender, take it out of the Crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken. It’ll fall apart easily, which is exactly what you want! Put it back in the Crockpot and stir the shredded chicken into that rich, orangey sauce.

Serve and Garnish: Serve the Crockpot orange chicken over rice (I like white or brown rice) or even noodles. For some extra flavor and crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. It looks pretty, and adds just the right touch to make it feel fancy!

Tips to Make It Even Better:

Add Some Veggies: You can throw in some bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’ll add some color and crunch.
Spicy Orange Chicken: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or even some sriracha to the sauce.
Thick Sauce: Want the sauce thicker? Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite:

As a mom of three, I’m always looking for recipes that are easy but also super tasty. The kids love this because it’s sweet and savory, and my husband enjoys it with a little spice. Plus, since it’s made in the Crockpot, I don’t have to hover around the kitchen. I can get other stuff done, like helping with homework or folding laundry, while the dinner practically cooks itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crockpot Orange Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! In fact, using Crockpot orange chicken thighs can give you even juicier, more flavorful chicken. The dark meat tends to absorb the orange sauce even better. So, feel free to use chicken thighs if you prefer them.

Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?

Yes! If you need a soy-free option, you can use coconut aminos as a substitute. It’s a great alternative that’s both gluten-free and soy-free but still gives that salty flavor. You can also use tamari sauce if you’re avoiding gluten.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you like your sauce a little thicker, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water and add it to the Crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give your sauce a glossy, thicker texture. You can also skip the cornstarch for a lighter sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Crockpot orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to do it gently to keep the chicken tender.

Can I make Crockpot orange chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything the night before and store the ingredients in the fridge. In the morning, just pop everything into the Crockpot, and by dinner time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.

Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe Card

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 6

Servings:

Author: Fareeha

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos for soy-free
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons cornstarch optional, for thicker sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
Sesame seeds optional, for garnish
2 green onions, chopped optional, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the Crockpot. You can use frozen or fresh chicken.

Mix the Sauce:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch until smooth.

Pour Over Chicken:

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crockpot, making sure it’s well-coated.

Cook:

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.

Shred the Chicken:

Once cooked, take the chicken out of the Crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir it into the sauce.

Serve:

Serve over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desire

Notes

Add veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha.
This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 3 months.

If you’re looking for the best Crockpot orange chicken, this recipe is definitely the one to try. It’s the best orange chicken recipe crockpot because it’s simple, flavorful, and requires minimal effort.

Whether you’re searching for Crockpot chicken recipes with orange juice or craving a Crockpot orange chicken meal that’s both delicious and easy to make, this Crockpot orange chicken recipe fits the bill. It’s one of those easy Crockpot dinners orange chicken options that you can just dump and go, making it perfect for busy days.

The Crockpot orange chicken in the Crockpot comes out tender and juicy, with a sweet and tangy Crockpot orange chicken sauce that’s sure to please everyone at the table. If you love Crockpot orange chicken slow cooker recipes, this Crockpot orange chicken thighs recipe is also a fantastic option, but you can easily adjust it to use chicken breasts or even ground chicken if that’s what you have on hand.

For those looking for a fast and flavorful dinner, this Crockpot recipes orange chicken simple version will be a favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether you’re making homemade orange chicken Crockpot or adding a twist like honey orange garlic chicken Crockpot, it’s a recipe that works every time.

In short, this orange chicken Crockpot recipe is one of the easiest and most satisfying orange chicken Crockpot recipes easy you’ll find. It’s a quick, easy orange chicken in Crockpot solution for busy families or anyone who needs an easy Crockpot orange chicken simple dinner. So, grab your Crockpot and get ready to enjoy this delicious sweet orange Crockpot chicken recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your meal planning.