Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken
Savor the flavors of irresistible crockpot orange chicken that's easy to make and bursting with citrus goodness. This dish features tender chicken slow-cooked in a tangy orange sauce for a perfect balance of sweet and savory — ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingrédients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed or store-bought
- 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium optional
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional Thickening
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 1 tbsp water optional, for thickening
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry. This helps them cook evenly in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Once done, serve the orange chicken over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 2 hours before cooking. You can also add bell peppers or snap peas for added texture and nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.