Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken (Takeout Alternative)
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken will impress thanks to the juicy, tender, irresistible bites of chicken cooked in a sweet and savory orange glaze. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make on even the busiest nights. And the best part is that it’s healthier and tastes better than takeout!
There are no words to describe just exactly how much my kids love Asian-inspired orange chicken – especially orange chicken from Panda Express. Obsession is the closest word I can think of right now 🤣
And even though they ask for it about 6 days a week, I’m holding firm on my policy not to order Chinese takeout that often. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy heavenly Chinese food-inspired Orange Chicken at home more frequently!
Imagine the aroma of our Slow Cooker Orange Chicken filling your kitchen, transporting you to your favorite Chinese restaurant without stepping outside.
With ingredients you likely already have on hand, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also an affordable option that cuts out all the preservatives and MSG you don’t want.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly for the win!
But my favorite thing about this recipe is that it’s a Crock Pot recipe. Crock Pot recipes are always my favorites because I don’t have to stand over the stove – the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!
So, the next time you’re craving your favorite take out dish, reach for your slow cooker instead of the takeout menu—you’ll savor every bite even more!
If you want more scrumptious slow cooker recipes, try my Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup or Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken.
Ingredients Needed For Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
I make this orange sauce from scratch without using items like orange marmalade so that it tastes authentic and is healthier. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
- Chicken Breasts – skinless & boneless
- Orange Juice – all-natural, no pulp recommended
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- White Vinegar – you could also use rice vinegar
- Brown Sugar – I prefer to use light brown sugar
- Oranges – for zest
- Spices – Black Pepper, Ground Ginger, Chili Flakes, Minced Garlic
- Cornstarch – acts as the thickening agent for the sauce
- Water
NOTE: For more recipe details, please refer to the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of the post!
How To Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Step 1 – Make The Glaze
Mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, spices, brown sugar, oil and orange zest in a medium saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat.
Step 2 – Thicken The Glaze
Mix together the cornstarch and water. Once the ingredients in the saucepan are boiling, pour in cornstarch mixture in and whisk to thicken.
After the mixture has thickened, remove from the heat and set to the side.
Step 3
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the sauce to the slow cooker over the chicken.
Step 4
Cook on high for 4 hours or internal temperature of the chicken is 165ºF.
Step 5
When chicken is finished cooking, remove from slow cooker and cut into bite-size pieces.
Step 6
Place bite-sized chicken back into the sauce and let it marinate in sauce for an additional 15 – 30 minutes.
Serve and enjoy – and don’t forget to spoon some of that sauce over your chicken and rice (and veggies)!
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe Notes And Tips
- Cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces will allow for a more even cook of the chicken bites.
- Using a crock pot liner helps with easy cleanup, especially with this recipe ooey-gooey, yummy orange chicken recipe.
- Check the crockpot about halfway through the cooking process. Every crockpot runs at different temperatures, so this will allow you to make adjustments midway through the cooking process.
How To Serve Crock Pot Orange Chicken
Rice – This is my go-to! I usually make brown rice, but sometimes if I’m short on time, I’ll make white rice. You could even make it low carb with riced cauliflower, if you want!
Salad – Easy Broccoli Salad is just one of many options that would be amazing with this easy meal.
Veggies – A side of steamed broccoli or even steamed broccoli and carrots goes perfectly with this dish!
Variations Of Slow Cooker Orange Chicken To Try
- Broccoli, snap peas, bell pepper (red, green orange, or yellow), and green onions are yummy add-ins that also add color. I recommend adding them around 30-45 minutes before your meal is done cooking.
- Adjust your heat level – Like your orange chicken a little on the spicy side? Simply add in a little extra chili flakes until you reach your desired level of heat. And if you don’t like heat, leave them out entirely.
- Garnish – Toss some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top of the plated dish for extra garnish.
- Make it gluten-free – The only ingredient in this recipe that might contain gluten is the soy sauce. Be sure to make sure you are using a gluten-free soy sauce or a substitute such as tamari, coconut aminos, or gluten-free soy sauces made with rice.
How To Prevent Rubbery Chicken
This tends to happen when it’s overcooked. It could be because it was more than just seared at the beginning making it overcooked by the time it was done.
As mentioned earlier, every slow cooker is different. You want to make sure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F and then it’s done. Check on it throughout just to make sure you’re not overdoing it.
Should I brown the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker?
Some recipes call for you to brown the chicken first, but it’s unnecessary unless you want it to have a yummy, crispy skin. Totally up to you and your preferences!
Storage And Freezing Notes
STORAGE – If you happen to have any leftovers, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
FREEZING – This recipe freezes really well! If you want to freeze your slow cooker orange chicken, let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use it, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then microwave it to reheat before serving.
THIS crockpot orange chicken has those same amazing orange chicken flavors you love, but without all the guilt! Plus, it’s super saucy and when you serve it over rice, the rice soaks up all those crazy flavors. And basically, it’s just amazing.
More Easy and Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes To Try
- Crock Pot Hamburger Helper
- The BEST Crock Pot Pumpkin Butter
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- 25+ Best Crock Pot Soups for Fall – Easy Slow Cooker Soups
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Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken will impress thanks to the juicy, tender, irresistible bites of chicken cooked in a sweet and savory orange glaze. It's a family favorite that's easy to make on even the busiest nights. And the best part is that it's healthier and tastes better than takeout!
Ingredients
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1-2 oranges, for zest
- Chili flakes, optional for added heat
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 2 large chicken breasts, skinless & boneless
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add the soy sauce, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, spices, oil, and orange zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, mix the cornstarch and water then whisk into the sauce to thicken. Once thickened, remove from heat, and set aside.
- Place the chicken breast into the slow cooker then add the sauce over top of the chicken.
- Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165ºF.
- Once the chicken has cooked, remove and slice into bite-size pieces.
- Return the chicken to the sauce and let marinade in the sauce for 15 to 30 more minutes.
