Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
A delightful dish of succulent chicken in a rich, tangy sauce made from fresh oranges and soy, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts tender and juicy
- 1 cup chicken broth adding a savory depth
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice for a bright, tangy flavor
- ¼ cup brown sugar contributing sweetness and caramel notes
- ¼ cup honey gives a natural, floral essence
- ½ cup seasoned rice vinegar adding a hint of tang
- ½ cup soy sauce for that umami kick
- 2 cloves garlic, minced releasing aromatic qualities
- 1-2 Tbsp orange zest for a fragrant burst of citrus
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
- ¼ tsp ground ginger giving warmth and spice
- ¼ tsp black pepper for seasoning
- ¼ cup cornstarch used to thicken the sauce
- ¼ cup cold water to mix with cornstarch
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a touch of oil.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, red pepper flakes, ginger, and black pepper.
- Pour half of this sauce into the slow cooker, then place the chicken breasts on top.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated, then cover the cooker with its lid.
Cooking
- Cook on LOW for about 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth mixture, then stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker to thicken it.
- Return the chicken to the thickened sauce and cook on HIGH for an additional hour.
- Shred or chop the chicken, then stir it back into the sauce.
Serving
- Serve the Slow Cooker Orange Chicken over rice and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, marinate chicken in the sauce overnight. Adjust red pepper flakes to customize heat. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few minutes after adding cornstarch.