This slow cooker orange chicken is a straightforward version of the popular takeout dish. It features tender bites of chicken in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce with a hint of spice. The flavors come together beautifully with just a few pantry staples.
The recipe requires minimal hands-on effort. After a quick browning of the chicken, the slow cooker takes over, simmering everything into a satisfying meal. It’s a great choice for a busy day when you want dinner waiting for you.
Why will you love Slow Cooker Orange Chicken?
Browning first develops flavor: Searing the chicken creates a savory crust that adds depth to the finished dish.
Slow cooking keeps chicken tender: The gentle, consistent heat of the slow cooker ensures the chicken becomes very tender without drying out.
Marmalade is the secret: Using orange marmalade provides sweetness, citrus flavor, and a glossy texture all in one simple ingredient.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Ingredients
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs will be slightly more moist due to their higher fat content.
• Orange Marmalade: This is the key to the sauce’s flavor and texture. Any standard sweet orange marmalade will work.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the final dish. If you only have regular soy sauce, consider reducing the amount slightly.
• Rice Vinegar: This provides a gentle tang to balance the sweetness of the marmalade. White vinegar is an acceptable substitute.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount to your preference for heat. You can omit them entirely for a milder sauce.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in cornstarch until lightly coated. This coating helps the chicken brown and will slightly thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet and briefly brown the chicken pieces on all sides. You are just adding color and flavor, not cooking it completely. Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker insert.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce and Cook
In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, give it a final stir. Serve the orange chicken warm, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Food Safety: Always cook poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer.
Browning the chicken first is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but if you are short on time, you can skip this step and place the cornstarch-coated chicken directly into the slow cooker.
All slow cookers heat differently. Check the chicken an hour before the end time to prevent the sauce from scorching.
If the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, set it to HIGH, and cook for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until thickened.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Orange Chicken?
This dish is wonderful served over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce. Steamed broccoli or green beans on the side add a nice touch of green.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe FAQs
Can I skip browning the chicken?
Yes, you can place the cornstarch-coated chicken directly into the slow cooker to save time. However, browning adds a layer of flavor and better texture, so we recommend it if you have a few extra minutes.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If the sauce is thinner than you’d like, you can thicken it. Whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker, switch the heat to HIGH, and cook for another 15-20 minutes with the lid off until thickened.
Can I use orange juice instead of marmalade?
We don’t recommend substituting orange juice for marmalade. The marmalade provides not only flavor but also the sugar and pectin needed for a thick, glossy sauce. Orange juice will result in a much thinner, less flavorful sauce.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces, about 900g
- ⅓ cup cornstarch 40g
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil 45ml
- 1 ½ cups sweet orange marmalade 480g
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce 120ml
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar 30ml
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil 5ml
- 1 tsp ground ginger 3g
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes or to taste, 1g
- For garnish: sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch until they are evenly and lightly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Brown for 1-2 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be cooked through. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3 hours or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- The chicken is done when it is tender and cooked through. For safety, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
- Give the orange chicken a final stir. Serve warm, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
