Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Get ready to enjoy a tasty and simple slow cooker orange chicken recipe. It's great for busy weeknights. This crockpot recipe needs just a few steps and gives amazing results. You'll need a slow cooker to cook the chicken in a mix of orange marmalade, soy sauce, and more.

Here's what you'll need for this slow cooker orange chicken recipe: 1. 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders 2. ⅓ cup of cornstarch 3. 4 tablespoons of olive oil 4. 1 ½ cups of orange marmalade 5. ½ cup of low sodium soy sauce 6. 2 tablespoons of vinegar 7. 1 teaspoon of sesame oil 8. 1 teaspoon of ground ginger 9. 3 cloves of minced garlic 10. ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Key Takeaways

• This slow cooker orange chicken recipe makes 6 servings
• Cooking time is estimated at 3 hours on LOW heat in the slow cooker
• Total time to prepare the dish is approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes
• Recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F to ensure safety
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months
• This orange chicken recipe is perfect for home cooking and meal preparation, using a slow cooker for convenience

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

This slow cooker orange chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy families. It's a delicious and easy meal solution for any day. You can prepare the ingredients in the morning and let the slow cooker do the work. This way, you get a mouth-watering chicken dinner idea ready when you need it.

The recipe is simple and cost-effective. It's perfect for families or meal prep because you can cook a lot at once. The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, making a tasty meal without spending a lot.

Time-Saving Benefits

This recipe saves a lot of time. It cooks in about 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low. You can set it and forget it, letting you do other things while your meal cooks.

Cost-Effective Meal Solution

This recipe is also a cost-effective meal solution. It helps you save money on food. By cooking in bulk, you reduce waste and make a delicious meal that's easy on your wallet.

Family-Friendly Recipe

This slow cooker orange chicken recipe is great for families. It's easy to make and delicious. You can serve it with rice, broccoli, or Loaded Vegetable Chow Mein.

In summary, this slow cooker orange chicken recipe is perfect for anyone. It's an easy meal solution that's cost-effective and delicious. Its time-saving benefits and family-friendly nature make it a staple in many homes.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Orange Chicken

To make delicious slow cooker orange chicken, you need the right tools. A slow cooker or crockpot is key. It cooks the chicken evenly and makes it tender. You'll also need a cutting board, knife, and measuring cups.

Here's a list of what you need:

• Slow cooker or crockpot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups

Using the rightcooking equipment makes the recipe perfect. The chicken will be tender, and the sauce will have great flavors.

A slow cooker is a must for this recipe, as it cooks the chicken slowly. This way, it absorbs the orange sauce's flavors. With the right tools, you'll make a delicious slow cooker orange chicken that everyone will love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybaNMSmix9w

Investing in the right cooking equipment lets you make many tasty meals. This includes the slow cooker orange chicken recipe. So, make sure you have these essential items in your kitchen for a great cooking experience.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

To make a tasty orange chicken recipe, you'll need some key ingredients. You'll need 1 1/2 pounds of boneless chicken, 1/2 cup of flour, 6 ounces of frozen orange juice concentrate, and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. You can also use Pamela's Baking Mix for a gluten-free option.

For the orange sauce, you'll need 1 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of minced onion. You can add 1 tablespoon of sriracha for some heat. Remember to adjust the amount of sriracha according to your taste preferences.

Here are some key ingredients and their quantities:

• 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of orange juice
• 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of minced onion
• 1 tablespoon of sriracha

When looking for chicken dinner ideas, consider using a slow cooker. Slow cooker recipes like this orange chicken recipe are perfect for busy days. You can cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Preparing Your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

To start, season the chicken with your favorite spices. This will make your chicken dinner ideas taste better. Then, mix the orange sauce ingredients, like orange marmalade and BBQ sauce, in a bowl. This sauce is key in many slow cooker recipes and can be customized to your liking.

After preparing the chicken and sauce, set up your slow cooker. Put the chicken in the cooker and pour the orange sauce over it. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked. This recipe is a simple and delicious option for busy families.

• Season the chicken with your favorite spices
• Mix the orange sauce ingredients in a separate bowl
• Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the orange sauce over the top
• Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through

By following these steps, you can make a tasty and easy meal. This recipe is perfect for any occasion. It's a great choice for families who want a slow cooker meal without spending too much time cooking.

The Cooking Process

This slow cooker orange chicken recipe is easy and convenient. It lets you cook a tasty meal while you're busy. You can choose to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This makes it great for busy people, as you just set the slow cooker or crockpot and let it cook.

Here are the cooking time options:

• Low for 6-8 hours
• High for 3-4 hours

These options let you pick the best cooking time for your day. You can adjust the cooking time to fit your needs. This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt.

This recipe is also good for you. It has a mix of carbs, protein, and fat. It has 2055 kcal, 329g of carbs, 148g of protein, and 19g of fat. It's a healthy choice for a tasty meal.

In summary, the slow cooker orange chicken recipe is perfect for an easy meal. It's great for those who want something tasty and healthy. With its flexible cooking time and good nutrition, it's a winner.

Making the Perfect Orange Sauce

To make your slow cooker recipes better, especially for chicken dinners, a great orange sauce is key. A well-made orange sauce can really boost the taste and enjoyment of your meal. With a few easy tips, you can whip up a tangy and tasty orange sauce to go with your slow cooker orange chicken.

When making your orange sauce, think about the flavors you want. Mixing orange marmalade, low sodium soy sauce, and rice vinegar gives a rich taste. Adding minced garlic and sesame oil can make the sauce even more flavorful.

Sauce Thickening Tips

To get the right thickness for your orange sauce, use cornstarch. Mix a bit of cornstarch with water until it's smooth. Then, slowly add it to your sauce while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Flavor Adjustments

Want to tweak the flavor? Add more soy sauce for a saltier taste or more orange marmalade for sweetness. Trying different mixes will help you find the perfect flavor for your orange sauce. This will make your slow cooker recipes truly memorable.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

There are many tasty ways to serve your slow cooker orange chicken. A classic choice is with rice, a favorite in many chicken dinner ideas. You can also try other slow cooker recipes that feature rice.

For a fresh twist, pair your chicken with steamed or grilled veggies like broccoli or zucchini. Adding toasted nuts or seeds brings a nice crunch. For a heartier meal, noodles or baked potatoes are great options.

• Rice options: white rice, brown rice, or fried rice
• Vegetable sides: steamed broccoli, grilled zucchini, or roasted sweet potatoes
• Garnish ideas: green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped fresh herbs

Finding the right mix of flavors and textures is key to a great meal. These serving suggestions help you make a balanced and tasty dish. Whether you're after chicken dinner ideas or slow cooker recipes, there's plenty to discover and enjoy.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Proper food storage is key to keeping your slow cooker orange chicken fresh and safe. After it cools, put it in a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight containers or bags for up to 3 months.

To reheat, use the microwave or oven. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to avoid drying. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (180°C) and reheat for 10-15 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Here are some tips for storing and reheating your slow cooker orange chicken:

• Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking
• Use shallow containers to cool the chicken quickly and prevent bacterial growth
• Label and date containers or bags for easy identification
• Reheat chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety

By following these slow cooker recipes storage and reheating guidelines, you can enjoy your delicious slow cooker orange chicken. Always check the chicken for spoilage before eating. Discard it if it smells bad, has a slimy texture, or shows mold.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When making slow cooker recipes, you might run into some common problems. We've got some tips to help you fix these issues with slow cooker orange chicken.

One issue is sauce that's too thin or too thick. To fix a thin sauce, add a bit of cornstarch or flour. For a thick sauce, add more orange juice or water.

Adjusting cooking time is also key. If the chicken isn't cooked, cook it for another 30 minutes to an hour. Remember, cooking time can change based on your slow cooker's size and type.

For different textures, you can tweak the cooking time or method. For crispy chicken, broil it for a few minutes after cooking.

• Overcooking: Reduce cooking time or use a lower heat setting.
• Underseasoning: Add more herbs and spices to taste.
• Sauce separation: Stir the sauce well before serving or add a little more cornstarch to thicken it.

By using these tips, your slow cooker orange chicken will always be tasty. Always follow the recipe and make adjustments as needed for the best results.

Conclusion

The slow cooker orange chicken recipe is a true gem. It's easy to make and tastes amazing. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Looking for chicken dinner ideas or easy meals? This slow cooker orange chicken is perfect. It uses just a few pantry staples and is quick to prepare. Enjoy tender chicken and rich orange sauce with your favorite sides.

Ready to try slow cooker magic? Treat your taste buds to the slow cooker orange chicken recipe. Impress your family and friends while saving time and money. Bon appétit!