The sweet and tangy aroma of Crockpot Orange Chicken wafts through your kitchen, tempting taste buds and promising comfort in every bite. Picture tender chicken bathed in a luscious orange sauce, dancing with flavors that sing like a choir on a sunny day. As you walk in, the smell wraps around you like a warm hug from a long-lost friend, making it impossible to resist this delightful dish. For more inspiration, check out this Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Crockpot Orange Chicken
- How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs
- What ingredients do I need for Crockpot Orange Chicken?
- How long does it take to cook Crockpot Orange Chicken?
- Can I use frozen chicken for Crockpot Orange Chicken?
- What can I serve with Crockpot Orange Chicken?
- Conclusion for Crockpot Orange Chicken
- 📖 Recipe Card
Growing up, my family loved to gather around the table for comforting meals like this one. The anticipation of diving into a bowl of Crockpot Orange Chicken was almost too much to handle. It became our go-to during busy weeknights or cozy weekends, reminding us that great food can bring people together. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have you shouting “More, please!” after every bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The sweet and savory flavor profile will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Its vibrant orange color makes it visually appealing and an instant hit on any dinner table.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or even as a filling for tacos!
Ingredients for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 chicken breasts; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves that pack a flavorful punch; fresh garlic elevates the dish significantly.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the saltiness in check while still enjoying all those umami flavors.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is ideal for that bright, zesty flavor; bottled juice can work in a pinch.
- Brown Sugar: This will add that wonderful sweetness that balances out the tang from the orange juice.
- Ginger Powder: A little ginger adds warmth and depth; if you have fresh ginger on hand, use that instead!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts into your trusty crockpot—make sure they are arranged evenly so everyone gets their fair share of goodness.
Step 2: Mix Up That Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, freshly squeezed orange juice, brown sugar, and ginger powder until well combined. The smell alone will make your mouth water!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour the sensational sauce over the chicken in your crockpot. Give it a gentle stir to ensure each piece is coated and ready for slow-cooking magic.
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for about four hours or high heat for two hours. During this time, take a moment to pat yourself on the back; you’re about to create something fabulous!
Step 5: Shred That Chicken
When time’s up and your kitchen smells heavenly, shred the chicken inside the crockpot using two forks. Stir everything together so the chicken soaks up all the deliciousness.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your masterpiece onto plates or serve it over rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal. Drizzle any extra sauce on top for that finishing touch!
This Crockpot Orange Chicken is not just food; it’s an experience that brings joy with every bite! Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish is bound to impress and satisfy all your cravings. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This crockpot orange chicken recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for busy weeknights but versatile enough for gatherings.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your crockpot orange chicken, first sear the chicken pieces to lock in flavor. While that’s happening, whisk together your sauce ingredients and chop your garnishes so everything is ready when your chicken is done cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you want a different protein. Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or toss in vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave for about 2-3 minutes or warm gently on the stovetop until heated through, ensuring that the flavors remain intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh orange juice for a burst of flavor; bottled juice can be too sweet and lack depth.
- Searing the chicken helps develop a rich color and taste, making it feel restaurant-quality.
- Lastly, don’t skip the garnishes; they elevate both presentation and flavor!
Cooking this dish brings back memories of my cousin’s wedding dinner where I first tried orange chicken. Everyone raved about how delicious it was, prompting me to recreate it at home—and now it’s a staple at my family gatherings! one skillet chicken dinner.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Crockpot Orange Chicken?
To make delicious Crockpot Orange Chicken, you will need chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce, orange juice, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. You can also add sesame seeds and green onions for garnish. slow cooker chicken and broccoli These ingredients create a sweet and tangy sauce that will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks slowly in the crockpot. Make sure to choose fresh ingredients for the best taste.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Cooking Crockpot Orange Chicken typically takes about 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat. The slow cooking method allows the chicken to become tender and soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauce. Adjust the cooking time based on your crockpot model, as some may cook faster than others. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Can I use frozen chicken for Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for Crockpot Orange Chicken; however, it’s important to adjust your cooking time accordingly. If using frozen chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or more to ensure it cooks thoroughly. Keep in mind that starting with thawed chicken can yield better results in terms of texture and flavor absorption from the sauce.
What can I serve with Crockpot Orange Chicken?
Crockpot Orange Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa, which helps soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. crispy fried chicken recipe For an Asian-inspired twist, consider adding spring rolls or egg rolls as a side dish. These accompaniments enhance your dining experience while keeping it simple and delicious.
Conclusion for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Crockpot Orange Chicken is an easy yet flavorful recipe that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Remember to adjust cooking times based on whether you’re using fresh or frozen chicken and consider pairing it with rice or veggies for a complete meal. braised pork shoulder dish This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Crockpot Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crockpot Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that marries tender chicken with a vibrant, sweet and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and guarantees to impress family and friends. Serve it over rice, noodles, or as a tasty filling for tacos to create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ginger powder
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot evenly.
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and ginger powder until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks inside the crockpot and mix well.
- Serve over rice or noodles and drizzle with extra sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 298
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
