Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
A delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.75 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up flavors.
- 1 cup fresh orange juice Bright and citrusy, providing a refreshing zing.
- 0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) Rich and savory, adding depth to the dish.
- 0.25 cup orange marmalade Sweet and sticky, complementing the citrus notes beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and pungent, bringing a robust element to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp honey Natural sweetness that balances out the flavors.
- 1 tsp ground ginger Warm and spicy, enhancing the overall profile.
Thickening Agent
- 2 tbsp cornstarch A thickening agent that gives the sauce the perfect consistency.
- 2 tbsp cold water To create a smooth, pourable slurry.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl or directly in your slow cooker, whisk together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce or tamari, orange marmalade, minced garlic, honey, and ground ginger until combined.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is coated with the sauce.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours.
- After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker and turn the heat to HIGH.
- Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serving
- Serve the Slow Cooker Orange Chicken warm over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Notes
For best results, use fresh ingredients, especially orange juice. Avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker during cooking to retain heat. You can prepare the sauce a night before and let it meld in the fridge.