Slow-Cooker Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh oranges with tender, slow-cooked chicken. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The orange sauce, made with freshly squeezed juice, honey, and soy sauce, caramelizes beautifully over the chicken, creating a mouthwatering glaze that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for a richer flavor)
- Cooked white rice or noodles (for serving)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. If desired, add the sesame oil for extra flavor. Cover and cook on high until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve:
- Serve the orange chicken over cooked white rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy your Slow-Cooker Orange Chicken, a flavorful and easy dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
