Busy evenings call for easy, flavorful meals, and this slow cooker orange chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors straight from your kitchen. Inspired by takeout favorites, this recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-style chicken at home without the hassle.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: Asian
Calories per Serving: 297
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onion (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches until lightly golden. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil to make the sauce.
- Place the chicken into the slow cooker, pour the orange sauce over the top, and stir to coat. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- For a crispier texture, sear the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan.
- You can skip the searing and cornstarch step for a simpler version—just add raw chicken directly to the slow cooker with the sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. This dish also freezes well—freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
Each serving contains approximately 297 calories, 25g protein, 33g carbohydrates, 7g fat, and 537mg sodium.
This slow cooker orange chicken is a family-friendly recipe that combines convenience, flavor, and the joy of cooking at home. For more easy and delicious recipes perfect for weeknight dinners, visit Explore New Jersey Recipes. This is a Jersey Girl Cooks recipe.
